IN PERSON Classes
FRIDAY MORNING SERIES: SILENT MOVEMENT PRACTICE
Class Type Open
Dates Fridays in August (7,14,21)
Times 10am-Noon Fridays ONLY
Location Madilyn Clark Studios, 10852 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood, California 91601
Instructor David Bridel
Cost $210
“Absolutely out-of-body-via-in-body power… I am seeing others who are essentially strangers with such bare vulnerability and invigorating depth. What a gorgeous way to communicate.” NA, Los Angeles
SMP is moving in new directions. Come and experience the communion of movement, energies, connection, and creation in silence - now immersed in worlds based on the work of great artists. Recent classes have been guided by the spirits of Anton Chekhov, Euripides, and Virginia Woolf. You won’t forget these mesmerizing experiences.
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
SUNDAY NIGHT SERIES: CLOWN 1
Class Type Open
Dates September 6 - October 18, 2025
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)
“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
Delve into the magical world of the clown. Learn to meet an audience on equal terms. Discover the energies inside you waiting to be tapped, relish the liberation of laughter, confront your fears and support your peers. You’ll be amazed how the clown inside you emerges into the limelight and experiences the pure pleasure of connection.
Clown 1 is our foundational class, and most popular offering.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: None. All experience levels welcome!
SUNDAY NIGHT SERIES: CLOWN 1 LAS VEGAS
Class Type Beginner
Dates September 6 - October 18, 2026
Times 5-9pm, Sundays ONLY
Location Western Stage Props, 4017 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas
Instructor Erik Engman
Cost $299
Clown 1 in Vegas is back! Come and immerse yourself in the world of the clown! Discover the energies inside you waiting to be tapped, relish the liberation of laughter, confront your fears and support your peers. You’ll be amazed how the clown inside you emerges into the limelight and experiences the pure pleasure of connection.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: 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 19, 2026
Times 6 - 9pm, Mondays only
Location 5627 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
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
SUNDAY NIGHT SERIES: CLOWN 2
Class Type Intermediate
Dates October 25 - December 20, 2026
Times 6-9.30pm, Sundays ONLY
Location The Stomping Ground, El Sereno
Instructor David Bridel
Cost $475 (discounts available for previous Clown School participants)
Clown 2 offers an amazing opportunity to explore clown archetypes. Bring your vulnerability and playfulness to the Auguste, the clown at the very bottom of the ladder, and the Joey, also known as the boss clown, the clown that wins! The class brings incredible transformations, a deeper connection with your clown, and the joy of creativity in this beautiful discipline.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: Clown 1 or Intensive
MONDAY NIGHT SERIES: COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE 2 - MAKING A SHOW
Class Type Advanced
Dates November 2 - December 21, 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)
“A miracle happens.” FQ, Beijing
You’ve experienced the improvisations, the musicality, and the characters. You’ve delved into action, rhythm, trickery and energy. Now take the next step and create a brand new show! David’s vast and award-winning experience in the art form will help you sculpt new material, create wonderful lazzi (comic bits), build comic monologues and duologues, and tell a great story, working alongside your peers and having an amazing creative experience. This class culminates in a public performance for friends and family.
Ages 18 and older.
Prerequisite: Commedia dell’Arte 1 or comparable experience
SPECIAL ONE DAY OJAI RETREAT
Class Type Open
Dates Saturday November 14, 2026
Times 10am-5pm
Location Sane Living, 316 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023
Instructors David Bridel
Cost $160
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.
Ages 18 and older.
No prior experience necessary.
SPECIAL ONE DAY SAN DIEGO RETREAT
Class Type Open
Dates Saturday December 12, 2026
Times 11am-5pm
Location The Dance House, 2180 Chatsworth Blvd, San Diego CA 92107
Instructors David Bridel
Cost $150
Our first ever one-day retreat in San Diego! Come and explore the wonder, the beauty, the silliness and the profundity of the clown at The Dance House in San Diego. Laughter, learning, and a whole lot of delirium will ensue. For actors, clowns, comics, improvisers, and seekers from all walks of life and all manner of interests. Clowning is for everyone.
Ages 18 and older.
No prior experience necessary.
THE CLOWN SCHOOL WINTER CLOWN 1 INTENSIVE
Class Type All Comers
Dates January 4-8, 2027
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)
“One of the most euphoric experiences of my entire life.”AS, Los Angeles
Book your place now for the astounding Winter Clown 1 Intensive at The Clown School. 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.
Prerequisite: None. All experience levels welcome!
SUNDAY NIGHT SERIES: CLOWN 3
Class Type Advanced
Dates January 10 - February 21, 2027
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