Dates: Tuesdays: 7:30pm-9:30pm, September 19-October 10 (8 Hours)

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 and more joyful human. By introducing clowning into your life, you can expand your comedy vocabulary and tap into the universal laughter of physical comedy.

There are no red noses, squirting flowers or face paint. 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.

All Out Comedy provides an inclusive and supportive environment where we can all raise each other up and have fun.

Cost: $125

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

Class Size: 15 Maximum

Requirements: Ages 18+

Teacher: Dana Merwin

Wellness: If you have symptoms of feeling sick the day of class please stay home.

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.