“Working with David, a miracle happens.” FQ, Beijing

“I want to thank you for bringing some joy back into my work.” EB, Los Angeles

“It may sound like hyberbole to say these classes will change your life, but it is said with all sincerity.” IT, Los Angeles

 ”Your ability for awakening that sense of pure play and joy in your students is truly extraordinary. Thank you!” KB, Los Angeles

“You have such a powerful spirit that you pass on to other people – it’s an inspiration.” RD, Beijing

“Today I was deeply touched by your teaching – again.” AL, Beijing

“Incredibly transformative! Clown school taught me truly life-altering skills!” CSH, Los Angeles

“There was so much space for us to come forward and see our potential.” MB, Vienna

“Clowning, especially with David and the way he teaches the class, is essential…” AB, Los Angeles

“I’m so grateful for the environment you’ve created to grow and express yourself. It truly is unlike anything else.” AE, Los Angeles

“Last week’s class changed my life!” MB, Los Angeles

“I had a wonderful time as always and learned a great deal.” ZW, Los Angeles

“I have never had such a magical experience in a class.” JV, Los Angeles

“It continues to have an impact, not only on my work, but on the rest of my life.” CK-E, Los Angeles

“I have been initiated into a tradition of jesters and fools!” ET, Los Angeles

“I want to tell you how much your class meant to me. I came away from that experience with such a greater understanding of what I wanted to accomplish as an actor.” KC, Los Angeles

“If I had a thousand mouths to say ‘THANK YOU’ I would use them here.” DW, Los Angeles

“Words cannot describe how much of a pleasure it has been working with you!” SS, Los Angeles

“I just wanted to let you know that I find your class restful. It allows me to laugh and enjoy the grandness and silliness of performance which is essential for someone like me who can think and plan and analyze too much.” CF, Los Angeles

“I am deeply changed and rewarded by the kind of work you brought to us.” AB, Los Angeles

“You demonstrate, through your responses in the studio, the possibility of living without judgment.” MO, New York

“I have been truly changed by your work.” JO’B, Long Beach

“Working with you both was a wonderful experience that ended too soon.” JL, Fresno

“It has been a wonderful class – you are such insightful teachers.” MW, Las Vegas

PRESS

LA STAGE Ashley Steed
All summer long I couldn’t wait for class to start. Yes, that’s right – I was super excited about taking a class. That’s because it’s a clowning class. Yes, that’s right – I said clowning. I’m taking “This Crazy Life” taught by David Bridel and Orlando Pabotoy, co-founders of Studio Six Clown School – LA’s first clown school.

Never have I been more excited, albeit terrified of a class. Being funny with no expectations is one thing; being funny on command is another. But as I’ve learned from this class being funny isn’t necessarily the means to making people laugh. It’s about being committed and having fun, and sharing that with the audience. That sharing takes incredible courage. On the first class Orlando gave us our homework, “I want you to have fun this week.” I think I can manage that.

I’m amazed by how so many profound discoveries are made while doing something completely ridiculous. Even with the simple act of laughing. We did one exercise where all we did was laugh for what felt like 5 days. At the end of class I was light headed and felt ill – but completely energized. What a release! I don’t think we as a society laugh nearly enough.

Although I haven’t been able to completely kill my inner critic (I’ve tried, but she won’t die. Kind of like Rasputin), I’ve been able to say to her “so what?” So what if I look like an idiot? So what if they’re not laughing? So what if I fail? So what if it’s not perfect? Hey, I’ve got news for you – life’s not perfect! So what?!

As we get older, that inner critic becomes louder and more powerful. Remember those days when you were a kid and played with absolute abandon? Can you think of the last time you laughed so hard you toppled over with tears? Or how about just letting loose your funky duck inside you? That is the art of the clown. Saying “so what?” to the critic and letting your sense of play, investigation, truth, courage and fun come bursting out. As my godfather always says – growing older is no excuse for growing up.

Both David and Orlando are like two big kids themselves – they are also incredibly perceptive and inspiring teachers. I watch them observe just as much as I watch my classmates. Their astute observations are deep, thoughtful and pertinent. They are the perfect duo: Orlando with his bursts of beautifully messy energy, and David with his calm silliness. Their different approaches to the art of clowning compliment one another, creating a truly spectacular and unforgettable class. I always look forward to class on Sundays, and I always leave class energized by what we’ve discovered. I’m also incredibly sad that it’s coming to an end. Which is why I’m signing up for another class.

The clown is fearless; the clown is honest; the clown is here and now; the clown reminds us that it’s ok to be messy, to let things happen, to be yourself. The clown is not some elusive state of being – it is in us all. So let yourself have fun today; let out your inner clown.

Testimonials from Artistic Industry Leaders

CHRIS BAYES Head of Movement, Yale School of Drama
“David and Orlando are both remarkable teaching artists. Seek them out. These guys will change the way that you live in your body and will help you make more room for your talent and your fun. Study with them. Make a beautiful and hilarious mess.”

BILL IRWIN Clown
“Working with Orlando Pabotoy is a joy.”

JAYD McCARTY Director, The Studio, New York
“The work that is the focus of Studio Six is integral to well-rounded training. And these two men are masters of their craft. If you find yourself in a position to study with them – do it! I have seen the results, and it’s transformational.”

SCOTT HANDY Actor, Peter Brook’s Center for International Theatre Research, Declan Donnellan’s Cheek by Jowl
“Like many great directors, David has a comprehensive understanding of text. What makes him so exceptional as a teacher is that he also has a deep understanding of the actor. He is one of the few theatre practitioners that I have ever seen who truly understands what an actor needs.”

PER BRAHE Master Teacher, Balinese Mask
“David’s sense of humor, joy, and timing are outstanding. He has a pure love for both the theatre and the actor. To work with Orlando is a blessing for your inner clown because you will find the sweetness, the beauty, the joy, and the tragic anger. Orlando’s teaching is a blessing.”

MICHAEL MILLER President, The Actor’s Centre, New York
“David Bridel and Orlando Pabotoy make an ideal team to head an acting studio. They are excellent teachers who come from rich and compatible theatrical traditions. Both have been part of our faculty here at the Actors Center, and together they will make a wonderful contribution to the Los Angeles acting community.”