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CLOWN + IMPROV: INCUBATOR SERIES

  • All Out Comedy Theater 2550 Telegraph Avenue Oakland, CA, 94612 United States (map)

Are you tired of trying to be clever? Embrace your primal nonsense with clowning. In this four week series, director Dana Merwin introduces a few basic principles of clown — physicality, emotional expression, audience engagement — to make you a more dynamic improviser. By introducing clowning into your performance, you can escape the limits of words and tap into the universal laughter of physical comedy. Drop in for one session or explore the entire series.

There are no red noses, costumes or face paint. Think Sacha Baron Cohen or Lucille Ball. In each session, Dana will direct performers to play more physically, follow dumb ideas without judgment, and create rapport with the audience in a vulnerable way. This series is ideal for clowns and improvisers at all levels – from experienced performers looking to hone their skills or newcomers interested in being more playful.

Sign up for a single drop in or the entire series!

* Sign up for the entire series under May 21.

May 21: SEE NO EVIL. How does the clown enter and exit a space? How do you see the audience and your scene partner?

May 28: HEAR NO EVIL. How do we hear laughter and trust our idea that caused it?

June 4: SPEAK NO EVIL. How does your unique joy and physicality tell a story?

June 11: GARDEN OF GOOD & EVIL. Enter the pleasure dome the clown gods intended for you! How do you create a one minute scene with clown fundamentals that will keep the audience wanting more?

About the instructor: Dana Merwin is a clown and improviser based in Oakland. Dana has performed at The Moth Grand Slam Los Angeles, South by Southwest Austin, and SF Sketchfest. She has studied improv at Upright Citizens Brigade Los Angeles, Endgames Improv and All Out Comedy. She has trained at the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theater Intensive, the Clown School of San Francisco and Clown Improv Gym with Chad Damiani. Her one person show, The Skinny Show - A Roadie’s Guide to Life, was directed by award winning performer Deanna Fleysher. Her 2021 show, Thinking Out Loud, premiered at the Rogue Fringe Festival.

Time: Sundays, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Registration: $15/Class or $40 For The Whole Series

Location: All Out Comedy Theater, 2550 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612

Earlier Event: May 27
Challenge Tonight - All Ages
Later Event: May 28
Queer and Women's Open Mic