The Clown School

The mission of renowned Los-Angeles based The Clown School is to bring creativity, authenticity and beauty into the world through the study of clowning and the physical theater arts, and to promote extraordinary theatrical classes and events. Our classes, productions, outreach, international partnerships and special events are all dedicated to a celebration of the expressive potential of live theater. We anchor our work in the discipline of clown because we believe that clowning embraces and celebrates the totality of human experience and offers unparalleled freedom in art. We love to play. Formed in 2007 by David Bridel and Orlando Pabotoy; classes are currently taught by David and Mike Funt, with many special guest teachers, including world renowned clown figures Shannan Calcutt, Michelle Matlock, Lila Monti, Jan Henderson, Caroline Dream, Raquel Gendry, and Misha Usov. We offer the highest quality of live and virtual clown training to clowns, actors, performers, comedians, and participants from all walks of life, including doctors, teachers, healers, film-makers, and students. We explore multiple facets of the clown archetype and the clown family with limitless curiosity and wonder, also broadening our vision to include other elements of physical theater and the study of texts. We have successfully “graduated” legions of new clowns, including many members of the multi-award-winning company Four Clowns, and many clown teachers through our classes and Online Certificate Programs. We’ve won widespread acclaim for our classes, described as “truly spectacular and unforgettable” in LA Stage. While our home is Los Angeles, we’ve traveled to China, Australia, Turkey, and Brazil to spread the gospel of clowning. We’ve partnered with world-renowned artists to enrich the theatrical culture of Los Angeles, including clown and theatre masters Philippe Gaulier, Aitor Basauri, Norman Taylor, Stefan Haves, Matt Walker, and Paola Coletto.