Clown III
Satirical Clown and the Social Mirror
Taught by Dan Griffiths
April 6 - June 8
Mondays 7 - 9PM
In this advanced 10-week course, Clown steps beyond the nose into the realms of satire, ritual, and ensemble creation. Students will explore clown as social commentary — using humor, absurdity, and vulnerability to reveal deeper human and cultural truths. Working collaboratively, the ensemble develops group awareness through flocking, chorus, and gesture. We will integrate voice and text, building toward short satirical performances that challenge, provoke, and delight. This course is for performers ready to expand Clown into the poetic and political — beyond the personal clown into the collective one.
Instructor Bio
Dan Griffiths is an award-winning theatre maker, director, and educator with a global footprint in the performing arts. He has created and performed original works in over 45 states and 30 countries since 1988. Dan has performed with the Clown troupe Die Hanswurste, Chicago’s 500 Clown, and internationally for The Department of Defense Overseas Shows. He has served on the faculty of esteemed institutions such as the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, Clown Conservatory San Francisco, The School for Mime Theater, Columbia College Chicago, Roosevelt University, Indiana University Northwest, and Academy of Art University. As the Founding Director of Church of Clown, ClownZero, and KAPOOT Clown Theatre, Dan continues to influence the clowning community profoundly. He recently premiered a new work in the World Culture Festival in Karachi Pakistan and will be teaching Clown in Tacloban, Philippines with Duwende Mischief Lab in 2025.
*Classes will be held on holidays that fall within the session
$750 per session - Early Bird Price $675
Scholarships and Payment Plans Available
Bundle classes for a discount!
2 classes - $1300 (Save $200)
3 classes -$ 1900 (Save $350)
Email Programs@ChurchOfClown.org for code after registering for your first class, or for scholarship/payment inquiries.