TESTIMONIALS
Student Testimonials
“Very special, very emotional. I felt a sense of community and belonging. And ever since leaving I can’t stop thinking about the beautiful experience. I think a lot of that, if not all of it, is attributed to David. David is a true conductor of the space that he creates. Magnificent. Beautiful.” TA, Sacramento
“I can honestly say that taking clown was a life changing experience for me. Before I joined the class, I was in my head a lot. I had trouble being fully present with people and feeling comfortable with myself. I wasn't able to hold eye contact when I spoke to people. As an actor, I didn't know how to take actions to their fullest expression. This class broke me wide open! Clown freed me up to express myself fully, embrace and enjoy the things about myself that I was embarrassed about, and connect more deeply with others. Oh yeah, and it was also hysterically funny and tons of fun every single week. All I know is, performer or not, EVERYONE needs this!!” RD, Los Angeles
“Clown is a magical experience which changed me on a cellular level. It’s as if you step into another universe full of presence and laughter, and step out a stronger, more free human being.” AM, Los Angeles
“I've now taken four classes at The Clown School and they've each been wonderful. It feels like we so often live in a competitive environment, even in performance classes, but The Clown School obliterates that. It's always about personal growth and camaraderie. I've never felt more welcomed and supported to engage in my own exploration in a classroom than I have in these classes.” TG, Los Angeles
“Thank you for introducing me to the rich and vibrant world of clowning. I learned so much and had a ton of fun.” IR, Orange County
“Well, I don't even know where to begin.. I am so thankful for what David and The Clown School have done. I found this class to be immensely rewarding. And I thought that it would be ... but, my mind is blown. I've studied a lot of comedy ... and, as someone who's practiced meditation for 30+ years, I've kind of been up and down the well of self-awareness to a pretty great extent. But this is totally different. I loved the exercises. I loved the structure. And I had a lot to learn. And I continue to have a lot to learn about this. And I love that, and look forward to it with great enthusiasm. Exhilaration, even! I've spent the last 2 days - -since our Level 1 class wrapped -- thinking deeply about what has transpired over the last 7 weeks. As I told a fellow classmate, within that 2 days I've wept a couple times, and there have been several times when members of the general public have landed their eyes upon me while I'm in the midst of laughing to myself -- both happily, and with tears in my eyes. Anyways, thanks -- thanks -- THANKS! I LOVED having the opportunity to take this class.” SB, Los Angeles
“Exhilarating! Your creation of this beautifully liberating process is deeply appreciated. I just want to express how truly fantastic you are for continually crafting a glorious and magical playground. Your support and encouragement over these past few months have meant the world to me. The journey through Clown 1 and 2 have been nothing short of transformative—personally and artistically.” MP, Los Angeles
“To witness hours of upside down sideways play does the soul very good - and of course the breathtaking moments when the heart spontaneously opens, when the Depths makes her appearance in all her regalia (silly and solemn)... How can I capture in words (impossible!) the undoing of some, the buttoning up of others, the rage, the riot, giving up, giving in, the general hopelessness and haplessness of being human - where one says he must abandon ship just as another climbs on board (for the first time ever, maybe) in a radical flight towards joy… What else is there really…?” HS, Los Angeles
“I love this work so much and feel lucky to learn from the best.” LM, Los Angeles
“Your class is like a big, welcoming space filled with inspiration!” LP, Los Angeles
“A true joy.” AH, Los Angeles
“I feel refreshed and alive!” RC, Los Angeles
“I had a great experience. David was patient, kind, and encouraging. I enjoyed being in his class and it's clear how much passion he has for teaching. As someone completely new to clowning, I felt the syllabus and pace of the class was well thought out and allowed me to keep building on new ideas and skills. I'm recommending the course to a lot of my friends who aren't performers, but like me are searching for more play and creativity in our lives.” KT, Los Angeles
“Jester was the piece I was missing from the Clown series…another archetype in the clown family tree that was philosophically different, both intellectually and existentially. I enjoyed being embodied in playful ridicule; while also learning how to step out the moment, being able to look at the audience, and say ‘What do you think of all this’? Jester work intersects with stand-up, parody/satire, even “newsdesk humor”… and yet is older and more powerful how it connects you to others through telling your truth…by questioning the power, authority, social constructs…everything you may assume to be true. Learning how to ridicule myself is part of this, to be less judgmental on myself as well as others….There’s something healing for all of humanity when WE can learn to laugh at our own mistakes, hypocrisy, and short comings TOGETHER. This class celebrates that process.” MD, Los Angeles
"Balinese Mask at The Clown School is a phenomenal and one of a kind experience. Transformation is a major theme of the workshop - learning ways to channel resistance and shift "blocks" into creative expression, connection and genuine acceptance of all that is happening in the present moment. There is no instructor or artist I have encountered that offers quite what David Bridel does in his unique classes and workshops at The Clown School. For any professional performer or non-performer looking to expand as a human being- you have lucked out in finding this place and crossing paths with the sensational David Bridel." SG, Los Angeles
“What a unique and wonderful experience we all shared together!” BI, Portland
“This practice is one of the very best things I’ve been fortunate to be turned on to. You have such a special gift. There is so much peace at the core of what we are doing.” KM, Los Angeles
“I really loved this experience! Thank you guys so much! Commedia is both challenging and rewarding at the same time! So many different things to tackle; from physicality to rhythm, to music, to improvisation to creating characters...It's a bit like learning how to walk and chew gum, whilst speaking, listening and sometimes even dancing all at the same time. It helped me to evolve as a performer and pushed me to be bigger and more bold. David is an excellent teacher on so many levels and makes everybody feel safe and supported to just experiment and grow. He meets them where they are at and knows how to encourage them forward in just the right amount and in the right ways... I had a really amazing time with everyone in the class and feel like I am slowly becoming more confident and playful in my life in general. There are soooo many things they don't teach in school that they need to, and soooo many things that they teach in school that are a total waste of time. Learning how to play, improvise, and well, clown are beyond important. Everyone is so afraid of being judged, condemned and criticized; of looking stupid in front of people. It prevents the majority of people in life from creating a life that has meaning to them because they don't follow their dreams out of that fear alone. When you make people repeatedly and intentionally become okay with looking stupid, and/or foolish, and don't judge them for it, but instead, encourage them and accept them, and have fun with it, it's one of the most healing things there is.” AM, Los Angeles
“Moving and profound. I can’t wait to study with you more!” VM, Boston
“Working with you has already been so beneficial for my artistic practice. You create such an open and playful environment and I love the way that you help students through vulnerable moments in clowning even when you push us. Your comments and questions that you pose have helped me challenge beliefs about my performance ability that were not serving me and I am very glad that I decided to enroll.” LV, Los Angeles
“Wonderful. Absolutely loved the experience. Thank you for everything!” KG, Los Angeles
“Some things resonated so much. I know they changed my life as a performer and more importantly a human. David is a genius at seeing people and meeting them where they are at.” BR, Los Angeles
“Masterfully constructed and beautifully executed. The way you are spreading clown to the world is unique and remarkable. It is also inspirational.“ KE, Alaska
“I have studied with David on and off for the past five years. The Los Angeles-based Clown School and its philosophy has changed my life, informed my understanding of the world, and rejuvenated my creative practice as an artist. In these classes you will discover the power of play and explore the profound strangeness of what it means to be human.” JL, Los Angeles
“These clowning classes have been so transformational and life changing in such a profound way...in all aspects of my life. I'm forever grateful.” CC, Los Angeles
“It occurs to me that clowns are healers who use love as their potion with absurdity as the method of delivery.” ST, Los Angeles
“Transcendent.” NB, Los Angeles
"My mind is still blown from the training. Perfect in every way." RN, Florida
"Amazing. You are magical and your class is magical. Thank you so much for being such a bold, kind, and insightful guide." AG, Seattle
"Wonderful, strange and beautiful... I experienced the sort of freedom I haven't felt since I was a child." AB, Los Angeles
“Thank you for a quietly extraordinary class… I am grateful for your intentional yet open and non-dogmatic way of teaching this craft.” DG, Los Angeles
“Excellent, incredible… I’m still uncovering all of the ways in which this has been valuable to me.” ED, Los Angeles
“Clowning is helping me heal the need to please others, even as I embrace my own feelings and expressions. I am grateful to you for cultivating an environment where that is possible.” AG, Los Angeles
“I'm enjoying this class more than I ever imagined. It's also challenging me more than I ever imagined, which is awesome.” JB, Los Angeles
“Clown class is amazing. David is a fantastic instructor and I'm recommending my friends take this class, especially if they aren't actors, because it's so important to learn how to break out of your comfort zone and be collaborative. The shift in how to walk through life is so important. Clown class should be mandatory for everyone.” TD, Los Angeles
“Right away in class I felt a sense of homecoming. In clowning, I found this place that brings together most of my highest values: play, humor, spirituality, authenticity, compassion, community, and healing. I feel so thankful to have a place to practice being human with other people. David is a special breed. He has a keen eye for seeing the thing under the thing and gently calling that out in his students. It's magical to watch. I appreciated his economy with words and that the class was mostly learning by doing. I have had a lot of teachers that I listen to, but he is a rare teacher I trust and believe in his insight.” SP, Los Angeles
“This course has been beautiful. How impactful it has been to take it and to be in the presence of a great master. Thank you, thank you!” LH, Los Angeles/Madrid
“What am amazing experience! The space you hold for us is second to none…” RN, Florida
“Super deep, profound, run perfectly and smoothly with grace, openness and curiosity and a modeling of allowing us to uncover our own unique honest moments. I felt inspired to be more and more of my true self each day. A delight.” AB, North Carolina
"I love this class. It really has changed my life. Clown allows you the once-in-a-lifetime chance to tune in with the deep, vulnerable, and forgotten parts of your psyche and gives them permission to burst forth in ridiculous fashion. This class is a weekly practice on being human in its simplest and most expressive form. It produces an organic cycle of growing and cultivating empathy each and every week. You confront something that is deeply exposing (like your fear of public failure, public ridicule, public embarrassment, public speaking, etc.) and then witness that very pain within someone else. You can begin to empathize with others who are going through the same thing you are, and you even have empathy for yourself. The absolute beauty of it all is that you laugh through every minute of it. David creates such joy and humor in exposing failure that it becomes the best, most hilarious and uproarious three hours of your week. JUST DO IT!" KA, Los Angeles
“My gratitude for the incredible, expansive experience! He's a wonderful instructor, full of hilarious jabs, clever intellect, love for the craft and silly clown brilliance.” VE, Los Angeles
“I cannot thank you enough for such a transformative, enlightening, and FUN experience.” OH, Los Angeles
“The Clown School is gratitude.” QC, Los Angeles
“There is not much more fun to be had in the world than with your school.” HOH, Los Angeles
“One of the most euphoric experiences of my entire life.” AS, Los Angeles
“Straddles the space between dreaming and being awake…” EF, Los Angeles
“I didn’t expect my life to change. I feel so much more down to earth and connected with myself. It sort of beats the shame out of you.” HL, Los Angeles
“Thank G-d for The Clown School.” DW, Chicago.
“I learned so many beautiful aspects of clown both practically and theoretically, in reference to its long history as a shamanistic and ritual practice. I would (and will) highly recommend this class to any potential students.” MJS, San Diego
“Thanks so much for a delightful class!” CE, Connecticut
“Thank you again for the wonderful class. I was so pleased with how much fun and how informative it was.” NF, Chicago
“The way you select and synthesize noteworthy/thought-inspiring information is a beautiful art in itself.” LQ, Shanghai, China
“That was really something very special, these last four days. I not only came away inspired and much, much smarter, but with a newfound respect for 2-dimensional spaces. Your knowledge and complete generosity is a thing to behold. It’s really a joy to watch you do what you do.” KR, Los Angeles
“So appreciative of the experience of this course; moving / learning / playing / thinking out loud in concert - extraordinary.” AC, Los Angeles
“I had an amazing first experience with The Clown School!!” DS, New Haven, Connecticut
“Thank you for another amazing experience.” JC, Los Angeles
“Thank you for this awesome class. I've gotten so much from it immediately and also feel you've given us tools to take our own investigation deeper.” GM, Blue Lake, California
“Great class. Very enlightening.” ER, Los Angeles
“I felt so grounded in your organization of lecture, practice, adjustments and comments. Truly stimulating!” EB, Los Angeles
“Just wished to convey that I count myself lucky to have been one of the few to participate in The Clown School’s digital offerings during these times.” JA, Bakersfield, CA
“You have no idea how valuable it was. I’m immensely grateful. It inspired me infinitely and gave me a new and refreshing scope on Shakespeare.” IC, New York
“But this was not just a class about words and reading. I stumbled into some sort of acting class and found an open group of people with interests not too dissimilar from mine struggling and succeeding with varied aspects of their craft. This had a marvelous effect on the learning experience. I believe this is due, in no small part, to being led by a great teacher.” CBW, Washington
“This was an absolutely fascinating class. Thank you so much for it.” NB, Los Angeles
“Whatever expectations I had, the course blew them away. I thought the way it was structured was brilliant, and the exercises were, for me at least, as challenging as they were fun to tackle.” DL, Colorado
“Thank you so much for an amazing two weeks - I thoroughly enjoyed each moment of it! This was so filling artistically, educationally, and spiritually!” JL, New York
“An amazing class. It was great fun, but it was also beautiful spirit work. You are a gifted shaman.” CPC, Los Angeles
“I have been wanting to dive deeper into this work, and some classes just feel more ripe for deep work than others; yours was one of the most enjoyable and resonant I have taken in a long time.” HF, Los Angeles
“I have taken a variety of performance workshops over the years but can honestly say none can be compared to your Clown Class. It greatly exceeded my expectations and helped me tap into a pool of creativity that I had never explored before publicly. The classes were very well prepared and organized. Clowning turned out to be both a physical and a mental workout and I highly recommend it!” - CG, Baltimore
“One of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.” TF, Melbourne
‘I love the class! It shows there is no place to hide and no reason to hide anyway, so, relax and jump into the many hilarious aspects of being human!’ DC, Los Angeles
“An amazing teacher!” JN, Sao Paulo
“Inspiring and amazing.” CV, Melbourne
“The best class I have ever taken.” EL, Los Angeles
“So contagious it makes class the funniest thing one could possibly do in a day.” HU, Los Angeles
“What an amazing class this was! It was a life changing experience. The highly disciplined structure, along with the huge amount of exploration and freedom within that structure, was great – as was the deeply profound and FUN exploration of performing and being human. David is truly a one of a kind genius! What a privilege.” CH, Los Angeles
“His classes really are life-changing and it was one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had. Thank you so much.” CN, Sao Paulo
“Thank you for creating an environment that was safe for all our risk-taking; where we could draw out the terror and passion we bottle up, look at it, and then release it in a ridiculous and fabulous manner.” LC, Los Angeles
“Revolutionary stuff – it puts mind training and self-understanding into a physical experience that can be immediately felt and much more quickly and deeply understood.” SP, Los Angeles
“Sensational!” JI, Melbourne
“Ein WUNDERvolles Seminar – gefuellt mit wunderbar menschlichen Momenten – erschaffen in unserem tiefsten Inneren, durch die intensive Auseinandersetzung mit den eigenen Gefuehlen und Erwartungen an uns selbst.// What a WONDERful seminar – filled with wonderfully human moments created deeply inside of us by an intense discussion with our own feelings and expectations from ourselves.” TA, Los Angeles
“Working with you has completely changed my life!” SA, Los Angeles
“Everything I could have dreamed of, and more.” CC, Los Angeles
“My favorite thing I do all week long.” MF, Los Angeles
“Thank you, thank you, thank you for your light.” ER-V, Los Angeles
“It may sound like hyperbole to say these classes will change your life, but it is said with all sincerity.” IT, Los Angeles
“I think all people, big and small, fat and tall, outlandishly extroverted or shy and squeaky, believing or non-believing, happy or sad, beautiful or butt ugly, ready or not, should TAKE. THIS. CLASS.” KS, Los Angeles
“Thank you again so much for class and for helping me learn and discover and play…” LF, Los Angeles
“This work brings us to spontaneity and creativity and revelry!” EB, Los Angeles
“Your classes at The Clown School are awesome – I can’t describe how inspiring you are.” SS, Sao Paulo
“THANK YOU! I loved loved loved the class!” CR, Los Angeles
“It is fast becoming the highlight of my week…” BT, Los Angeles
“I think that it may have changed my life. Earth-shattering! The honest moments shared between myself and others were more compelling to me than anything I’ve ever seen or done onstage.” JD, Los Angeles
“Your classes help me see how important it is not to be afraid… To dare to be different, to do something extraordinary.” AH, Sao Paulo
“This is the kind of work I need to challenge myself to do… It’s rare to find a teacher who has such a clear point of view and challenge to offer, but can adapt to each student individually.” TS, Los Angeles
“I’m not ready for class to be over…” JH, Los Angeles
“I am so in love with and inspired by the work we do in class…” JD-R, Los Angeles
“Amazing. David is one of the best in his field.” Jon Monastero, Cirque du Soleil
“David is a genius. The truth that comes from his style of teaching is simultaneously brutal in moments and filled with total compassion, kindness, and generosity. It was such a pleasure working with him.” KP, Los Angeles
“Your ability for awakening that sense of pure play and joy in your students is truly extraordinary. Thank you!” KB, Los Angeles
“I got inspired again! With your classes, your spirit, your knowledge…” RP, Sao Paulo
“I want to thank you for bringing some joy back into my work.” EB, Los Angeles
“This class was really special for me… I had so much fun!” LB, Los Angeles
“Thank you for a bizarre, hilarious, challenging and rewarding class – I will always keep it very close to my heart.” JM, Los Angeles
“You’re a wonderful teacher and I loved the class!” MK, Los Angeles
“Your classes have become a very special part of my life – thank you for that.” TE, Los Angeles
“I feel really clear on what things to work on and empowered to really go for it. What a work out!” JH, Los Angeles
“Probably what I want and love to do the most in this world is laugh, and I laughed non-stop for 7 weeks.” JV, Los Angeles
“Working with David, a miracle happens.” FQ, Beijing
“I was reacquainted with the madness of my 5 year old self, with a new sense of play and fun.” MF, Los Angeles
“Rarely have I had the chance to learn how to grapple with fear or despair onstage, or someone exhorting me to do so. Therefore, a classroom experience that provides such opportunities – and an instructor who guides such experiences as skillfully as you do – is well worth my time, money, and respect.” HYW, 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
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.”
JAYD McCARTY Director, The Studio, New York
“The work that is the focus of The Clown School 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.”
BILL IRWIN Clown
“Working with Orlando Pabotoy is a joy.”