IN PERSON Classes
SPECIAL WEEKEND WORKSHOP: VOICE FOR CLOWNS AND NON-CLOWNS
Class Type Open
Dates May 16-17
Times Noon-5pm
Location JJ Gym, 6232 Mary Ellen Ave, Valley Glen, CA 91401
Instructors Natsuko Ohama
Cost $375
Natsuko Ohama is one of the world’s premier voice teachers and exponents of the Linklater Voice Technique. In this two-day workshop, she will work with performers of all stripes to offer a warm-up that can be learned and repeated, address the physiological needs of the voice, increase alignment between body and voice, explore emotional connection through vocal exercises, and deepen an understanding of the personal relationship between form and content, performance and human being.
Don’t miss this stunning opportunity.
Natsuko Ohama trained under legendary Master Kristin Linklater at the Working Theatre in New York. She is a founding member and permanent faculty of Shakespeare & Company (Lenox, Mass.), a senior artist at Pan Asian Rep NewYork, a certified Joy of Phonetics teacher trained by Louis Colaianni and was the Director of Training at the National Arts Center of Canada. She has taught at numerous institutions all over North America, including NYU, Cal Arts, Columbia University, the Sundance Institute. Internationally has taught in Stromboli Italy, Istanbul Turkey, Zurich Switzerland, Shanghai China as well as in Orkney Scotland at the KVLC. She has an extensive workshop and private teaching practice in Los Angeles and has coached numerous productions at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and the Wallis Annenberg Theatre. A Drama Desk nominated actress, she has portrayed roles ranging from Juliet to Lady Macbeth from Hamlet to Prospero (Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company). Film and TV appearances include the action film Speed, the cult series Forever Knight, and Pirates of the Caribbean 2. Favorite stage roles: Imelda Marcos in Dogeaters, Winnie in Beckett’s Happy Days, and she was in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Company 2018. Ms. Ohama’s play Geisha of the Gilded Age was performed by her at Summer Arts 2019. She heads the voice progression for the MFA Acting Program at USC.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: None
FRIDAY MORNING SPECIAL WORKSHOP: THE VIBRATION CLOWN
Class Type Open
Dates Friday May 29
Times 10am-Noon
Location JJ Gym, 6232 Mary Ellen Ave, Valley Glen, CA 91401
Instructor Marisa Petroro
Cost $100
Join Marisa Petroro, Winner of The Clown School’s 2024 Humanitarian Clowning Award, for this very special clown workshop featuring a unique Sound Healing experience. Focus on your clown vibration, play, connect, engage, and then immerse yourself in the gorgeous tones and vibrations of Marisa’s gongs, singing bowls, and other sacred instruments, for a one-off experience that can’t be replicated!
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequiste: None
SPECIAL WEEKEND WORKSHOP: MAGIC AND CLOWN
Class Type Open
Dates June 6/7, 2026
Times Noon-5pm
Location Anoush Dance Studio, 602 E Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91207
Instructors David Gabbay
Cost $325
Magic and clown share some of the same foundations: attention, surprise, and the audience’s experience of the unexpected. When the two meet, even a very simple magic effect can become a strong theatrical moment. In this two-day workshop, participants explore how basic magic techniques can support clown performance and deepen their connection with the audience. Rather than focusing only on tricks, the class looks at what actually makes a magical moment work — attention, expectation, surprise, and the reaction that follows. Participants will learn a small set of beginner-friendly effects, including a classic cut-and-restored rope routine and an interactive sponge ball effect. Along the way, we’ll look at how these pieces can support clown logic, audience participation, and clear physical storytelling. By the end of the weekend, participants leave with a few practical magic tools they can use right away, along with new ideas about how timing, attention, and play can create moments of theatrical wonder.
You may have seen David Gabbay on Nickelodeon, ABC's Nightline, Science Channel's Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman, or at one of his many appearances as a featured performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. David's celebrated independent productions, Caught in a Miracle, Bijan the Magijan and Wonderlust, have drawn audiences far and wide. He is also a magic industry thought-leader who has created effects for professional magicians globally.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: None. No prior magic experience required.
SPECIAL SUNDAY CLASS SERIES: IMPOSSIBLE CLOWN
Class Type Open
Dates June 7, 21,28, 2026 ONLY
Times 6-9.30pm
Location The Stomping Ground, 5453 Alhambra Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90032
Instructors David Bridel
Cost $250
Some clown exercises are virtually impossible: very few instructions, no safety net, and just your clown instincts to forge your way forward. Come and join David for a wild ride into some of the most difficult, challenging, and ultimately liberating of clown exercises. This is the curriculum that dreams are made of… Sometimes nightmares too. All delivered with a joyful energy and a willingness to turn disaster into triumph. Or not. If you’re looking for a clown workout - this is it.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: Clown 1 or prior experience
SPECIAL SATURDAY WORKSHOP: OJAI CLOWN RETREAT
Class Type Open
Dates Saturday June 20, 2026
Times 10am-5pm
Location Sane Living, 316 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023
Instructors David Bridel
Cost $150
The Clown School invites you to take a day out of your life and join us for our latest retreat! Refresh, revitalize, and inspire yourself in the magical surroundings of the Sane Living Center in beautiful Ojai, California. Our series of exercises in movement, ensemble work, foolery and clowning offer a transformational experience, filled with connectivity and laughter, that will cleanse the palate and treat the soul around the Summer Solstice.
Ages 18 and older.
No prior experience necessary.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERIES: CAMERA READY
Class Type Open
Dates July 1 - 29, 2026
Times 6 - 10pm, Wednesdays only
Location The Stomping Ground
Instructor Caitlin Stasey
Cost $325
Camera Ready is a five-week, audition-focused class designed to help actors become more confident, efficient, and booking-ready. Each week, participants will work on a new scene across a range of genres—including sitcom, procedural, drama, and comedy—giving them the opportunity to explore different styles while refining their technique. The focus is on making material feel natural and engaging, while developing a stronger understanding of your individual strengths, essence, and how to communicate them clearly in a way that resonates with casting.
Caitlin Stasey is an Australian actress known for her work in both Australian and American television and film. She starred as Ellie Linton in Tomorrow, When the War Began (2010), followed by her role as Claire in the comedy-drama series Please Like Me (2013-2016). During this time, she also appeared in the historical drama series Reign (2013-2015). Stasey continued her work in US television with roles in the crime drama Mayans M.C. (2023) and the dramedy Bridge and Tunnel (2021-2022). In 2022, she appeared in the psychological horror film Smile. Most recently, she starred in the Australian comedy series Class of ’07 (2023).
SUNDAY NIGHT SERIES: CLOWN 3
A CLOWN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE SERIES CLASS
Class Type Advanced
Dates July 19 - August 30, 2026
Times 6-9.30pm, Sundays ONLY
Location The Stomping Ground, 5453 Alhambra Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90032
Instructor David Bridel
Cost $475 (discounts available for previous Clown School participants)
“Incredibly transformative! Clown School taught me truly life-altering skills!”CSH, Los Angeles
For participants who have come through the Clown progression, the chance to make a Clown show together. Enjoy the thrills of your clown character making material and creating beautiful routines. Everything culminates in a presentation for friends and family. Don’t miss this totally unique opportunity to be a part of a fabulous adventure!
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: Clown 2
THE CLOWN SCHOOL SUMMER CLOWN 1 INTENSIVE
Class Type All Comers
Dates July 20-24, 2026
Times Noon - 4pm, Monday thru Friday
Location Madilyn Clark Studios, 10852 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood, California 91601
Instructor Tiffany Elle
Cost $475 (discounts available for previous Clown School participants)
“One of the most euphoric experiences of my entire life.” AS, Los Angeles
Book your place now for the astounding Clown School Summer Intensive at The Clown School in July 2026. Welcoming participants from all over the country and all over the world to Los Angeles, the Intensive is rigorous, irreverent, playful, personal and profound, with a unique and transformative clown curriculum that can’t be found anywhere else! From vulnerability to a relationship with an audience; from levels of energy to physicalization and imagery; from emotional connection to archetypes and routines; this comprehensive exploration of the beauty and wonder of clowning offers a breakthrough experience for performers, comedians, artists, professionals, the curious, and the seekers of all stripes. A rare opportunity for newcomers and returners alike to go big and go bold - and release parts of the self into the creative process that have, until now, remained blocked.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequiste: None
MONDAY NIGHT SERIES: SLAPSTICK AND PHYSICAL COMEDY
Class Type Open
Dates July 20 - August 31, 2026
Times 6-9pm, Mondays ONLY
Location JJ Gym, 6232 Mary Ellen Ave, Valley Glen, CA 91401
Instructor David Bridel
Cost $399 (discounts available for previous Clown School participants)
While much clown and clown-related training revels in the wide open spaces of improvisation, the skills of slapstick and physical comedy require a firm grasp of technique. Rhythm, timing, musicality, spatial awareness, physical precision, clarity of gesture, and stagecraft are critical elements of the madcap clownery that can be accomplished through a rigorous process of development. And while slapstick and physical comedy are time-honored ingredients of rough and ready street theater, outdoor buffoonery, and simple farce, their skilled application can also achieve a grace and splendor that elevates the art-form into a kind of poetry of the body, perfected by artists such as Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd - figures who will be studied as a part of the rich historical component underpinning this class.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take your clown work to the next level, connect with a vital lineage of clowning, and test yourself in art forms that require an exacting physical commitment.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: None!
THE CLOWN SCHOOL SUMMER CLOWN 2 INTENSIVE
Class Type All Comers
Dates July 27-31, 2026
Times Noon - 4pm, Monday thru Friday
Location Madilyn Clark Studios, 10852 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood, California 91601
Instructor David Bridel
Cost $475 (discounts available for previous Clown School participants, including participants in the Summer Clown 1 Intensive)
For the first time ever, The Clown School follows the Summer Intensive with a second week of training in our Clown 2 curriculum. The journey continues with an exploration of Clown archetypes and a deep dive into their roots, practices, and routines. You will learn about the influence of the circus on clown personae; you’ll practice entering into the imaginative world of two very different types of clown; you will explore costume and physicality, emotion and routines; you’ll experience incredible transformations, a deeper connection with your clown, and the joy of creativity in this beautiful discipline.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequiste: Clown 1 or Clown 1 Summer Intensive
THE CLOWN SCHOOL SUMMER WORLD OF MASK INTENSIVE
Class Type All Comers
Dates August 24-28
Times 10am-2pm, Monday thru Friday
Location Madilyn Clark Studios, 10852 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood, California 91601
Instructor David Bridel
Cost $450 (discounts available for previous Clown School participants)
Masks astonish. It’s as simple as that! In this thrilling new Intensive, delve into the practice of mask work with David, covering a wealth of ground, from Found Masks to Neutral Masks, Greek Chorus to Character Masks. Vigorous movement, intense engagement with beautiful masks, improvisational exercises, a sprinkling of theory, and the true thrill of transformation ensure that this will be a truly memorable, one-of-a-kind experience. Don’t miss it!
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequiste: None
FRIDAY MORNING SERIES: EMBODIED CHARACTERS
Class Type Open
Dates Fridays in September (4,11,18,25)
Times 10am-1pm Fridays ONLY
Location Madilyn Clark Studios, 10852 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood, California 91601
Instructor Sarah Painter
Cost $299
Learn to create unique character bodies and build movement skills to carry into scene work, clown, and more! Every human body moves in its own unique pattern and cadence. The invitation of the performing artist is to explore each character's specific way of moving through the world. But what if that is different from your own movement rhythms and body shape? How does the actor discipline the body in creative new ways to express diverse characters? This class will teach concrete tools to understand the diversity of human movement and a space to practice using your body in new ways to create dynamic characters. Each class will focus on exercises in the Laban Movement Analysis technique, followed by time incorporating these techniques into rehearsing monologues and dramatic scenes. You will complete this class with applicable skills for work on the stage and screen, as well as a deeper somatic understanding of yourself.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequiste: None
MONDAY NIGHT SERIES: COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE 1
Class Type Open
Dates September 14 - October 26, 2026
Times 6 - 9pm, Mondays only
Location JJ Gym, 6232 Mary Ellen Ave, Valley Glen, CA 91401
Instructor Arrow Schulman
Cost $399 (discounts available for previous Clown School participants)
“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
The greatest challenge you could possibly face! Commedia dell’Arte teaches improvisational skills, mask work, character study, musicality, rhythm, acute listening, spatial awareness, routine building, status, approaches to language and text, and comedy, in the context of a theatrical experience that encourages both historical understanding and a totally contemporary rendering. It is the most extraordinary work-out for the actor, comedian, director, creator, and adventurous soul. It is at one and the same time profoundly challenging and profoundly liberating. Come and study this rare and beautiful art with The Clown School.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: None
MONDAY NIGHT SERIES: ACTING
Class Type Open
Dates September 14 - October 26, 2026
Times 6 - 9pm, Mondays only
Location TBA
Instructor David Bridel
Cost $450 (discounts available for previous Clown School participants)
“His receptivity and empathy as a human being is his brilliance as a teacher.” Nat Wolff, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, THE CONSULTANT, JOE VS CAROLE, PLAY DIRTY
“David has an incredible amount of knowledge and different tools to help a person grow as an actor and a human being. He has the unique ability to help foster one’s natural growth.” Austin Abrams, WEAPONS, EUPHORIA, WOLFS, WHALEFALL
A brand new opportunity to study acting with David, whose work in actor training has transformed the work of so many. Examine the essentials of the craft of acting, including personalization, text study, presence, movement, character building, and relational dynamics. Successful completion of this course provides eligibility to continue in David’s monthly Advanced Acting studio.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: None