clownlink.com

Support Hospital Clowns in Haifa!

2008-10-10T10:54:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine who is a rabbi is doing a bike tour in Israel with his congregants next week, raising money for a cause.

This year the cause is hospital clowns of Haifa!

Read his letter, and if you are so inclined, support his efforts.

You can find out more about the program "Dream Doctors" at

http://www.le-haim.org.il/site/index.asp

You have to wait for the flash, and then click on the English logo.

Pick a hospital, and you can find out more about the program, and the clowns who work it too.

----
Dear Friends,

A dream is about to become reality for myself and a number of my congregants who will begin a ten day, 350 mile biking adventure on October 19th, 2008 in Israel.

In the spirit of fixing that which is broken in the world, we have selected The Children's Hospital Medical Clowns Project of Rambam Medical Center in Haifa to be the recipient of our fund raising efforts. This initiative brings clowns to the oncology ward, using their skills to entertain the children, providing them a much needed respite for them and their families through laughter, compassion and joy.

I am looking for your help and support in making this dream a reality through your generosity. Please help us put a smile on a child's face by making a donation of sponsorship. Donations can be made easily and quickly online by clicking on the following link:

http://www.shaaraytefila.org/we_care/tzedakah.php

Many thanks in advance for your support and much love,

Jason

The Amazing Ted Show at Ars Nova (NY 10/7)

2008-10-06T13:13:00.003-04:00

I saw a presentation of this show at the Clown Festival last year-- it was very good, and this is a re-presentation. It's probably gotten even better. It's produced by Glass Contraption.

Go check it out if you have a chance.

See Ted juggle fifty-six chainsaws, set himself on fire, hold his breath for twenty minutes and then turn himself inside out. Featuring renowned entertainers from The Glass Contraption, THE AMAZING TED SHOW! is full of singing, dancing, ukulele, loud noises, attempted feats of acrobatics, falling in love and falling down. Audiences of all ages will love clowning around inside the beautifully stupid and wildly funny world of Ted! Directed by Virginia Scott.

To find out more, visit http://arsnovanyc.com/ or
buy tickets online at smarttix.com

A Play about Clowns

2008-10-06T08:19:00.003-04:00

The NY Times had a recent review about a play that features clowns. It's not a clown show-- it's not a clown show, it's a play, that is about a clown.

Sounds really interesting.

Wide-Eyed New Arrivals Falling in Love With the City

By ANITA GATES
Published: October 3, 2008

From Clownlink

If you are a true New Yorker (something that can be measured by purity of passion as much as by length of residence), a play that begins with balloon animals talking to each other in squeaky voices may not sound like your style. That just shows how much you (and I) know.

Saviana Stanescu’s “Aliens With Extraordinary Skills” is an enchanting piece of theater, a paean to New York that just happens to include balloon animals. It’s a simple two-boys-meet-two-girls story about a pretty clown from Moldova (between Romania and Ukraine), her wild-and-crazy-guy clowning partner, an aspiring Dominican actress and an all-American musician trying to find himself. As well as two immigration agents who, suspecting a green-card-motivated marriage, ask the bride questions like “What’s his mother’s bra size?”

Natalia Payne is adorable as Nadia the clown. Her supporting cast (Seth Fisher, Jessica Pimentel, Kevin Isola, Shrine Babb and Gian Murray Gianino), directed with great zeal by Tea Alagic, couldn’t be sharper, and Ms. Stanescu’s dialogue is flawlessly observant.

Nadia and Mr. Fisher’s Borat (yes, like the Sacha Baron Cohen character) want to perfect their English. She tries to remember the word for “when you are like really energetic and full of life.” Borat suggests “outrageous.” No, Nadia says, she thinks the word is “outgoing.” Borat says, no, “That’s when you go out a lot.”

“Aliens” shows us the world of Albanian taxi drivers, the Hot Pink Pussycat club and Craigslist. But it’s Nadia’s love affair with New York that fuels the action. She wants to go to the restaurants she saw on “Sex and the City.” She plans new birthday party tricks because “the kids are smart there.”

Borat’s take on New Yorkers is different. “They work like 14, 16 hours a day,” he says. “They are a bit like zombies, you know.” But Nadia is a true believer. She loves the city even when it turns out that sometimes cool guys at parties in SoHo can treat the hired help like prostitutes.

I’ve always believed that the special energy people talk about as New York’s essence comes from all those newcomers’ hopes and dreams in the air. “Aliens” pays tribute to that energy and at the same time radiates tons of its own.

“Aliens With Extraordinary Skills” continues through Oct. 26 at Julia Miles Theater, 424 West 55th Street, Clinton, (212) 239-6200, womensproject.org.

SHOW: Providence, RI: Credo Theatre Oct 4.

2008-10-03T00:19:00.001-04:00

Part of the Firstworks festival, two Bulgarian clowns use puppetry and magic to create a fantastic show.

It's supposed to be great (although I haven't seen it)

It's in Providence, RI on Saturday, October 4, 8pm
RISD Auditorium

Credo Theatre,
Daddy's Always Right

BULGARIA - U.S. PREMIERE TOUR

Consummate theatrical clowns transform a bare stage into a winter fairyland complete with drifts of dazzling snow in a moving story for adults which remind us of the true value of simple things. With stunning puppet techniques and a little bit of magic, Nina Dimitrova and Vassil Vassilev-Zuek created this performance for the worldwide celebration of the 200th anniversary of Hans Christian Anderson's birth. Credo performances have toured the globe, including the London stage of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Appropriate for adults and families – ages 10 and up. Waterfire traffic and parking advisory for Saturday, Oct. 4: Please allow extra time.

Evening JumpStart pre-show performance, 7:15pm

tickets
$18

"One of the best art events of the festival"
Edinburgh Festival

News: Clowns Face Ban on Playing Trumpets

2008-09-28T18:09:00.003-04:00

In England, Clowns have been silenced by a council which has banned them from playing
their trumpets at Zippo's Circus.
The circus said it was told by council officials that the show could not go
on unless the clowns dropped the musical part of their act.

The circus, which is currently performing in Birmingham, fell foul of the
Licensing Act 2003 which forbids the playing of live music without a licence.
A spokesman for the circus said that Birmingham City Council officials
warned the show was breaking the law and would be shut down unless it complied.

But proprietor Martin Burton said that applying for a licence was time
consuming and expensive, and called for circuses to be exempt.
Mr Burton said: "I'm a big fan of silent comedy but this is nonsense.
"Live music is an essential part of traditional clowning, and for us to be
told that they can't play instruments, even in the three minutes of the show
which features trumpets, is laughable."
Peter Luff, Conservative MP for Mid Worcestershire, said: "When the law
silences the clowns, one wonders who the clowns really are.
"It would be very funny if it wasn't so serious for circuses.
"For a long time now, the Government has admitted the legislation is having
a disproportionate effect on circuses. It's time for them to act and sort out
this mess."

FW: Call for Mourners: Brick Clown Funeral

2008-09-27T16:13:00.001-04:00

CLOWN FUNERAL PROCESSION & CLOSING NIGHT PARTY

Call for mourners!! Please meet us Sunday at 6:15 at Bedford Ave. and North 7th Street (Bedford stop of the L Train). We will moan, sob, wail and keen our way to The Brick. Where there will be a short viewing before the funeral service from Dzieci. If you would like to make a brief statement about the soon to be deceseased please come prepared.

Where: Procession begins at Bedford Ave. and North 7th Street (Bedford stop of the L Train)Theatre Group Dzieci leads the funeral rite following, clown widows and widowers will remember with great passion the achievements of the festival in its 4 short weeks of life. Be sure to stay after the funeral rite for the traditional Closing Night Party.

He would have wanted it so
.
www.dziecitheatre.org

www.bricktheater.com/clown/

Naked Clown Calendar 2009

2008-09-25T08:15:00.003-04:00

Seeking to raise money to cure Multiple Sclerosis, 16 graduates from the Clown Conservatory of 2008 have unveiled the 2009 naked clown calendar, which features them posing in nothing but their makeup and their birthday suits.

The proceeds from the calendar benefit the Judy Finelli Fund, which supports research and advocacy for cures and treatment of MS. Judy Finelli was one of the finest female jugglers ever. Throughout her career in the 1960s-80s, she made appearances at Carnegie Hall, on Sesame Street, on the Mike Douglas Show, with the Pickle Family Circus. She was also the first and only female president of the International Jugglers' Association. She was also a co-founder of the San Francisco School for Circus Arts (now the Circus Center, where the Clown Conservatory is located)

In 1989, Judy was diagnosed with MS. The illness progressed quickly, removing her ability to perform and disabling her to the point of quadriplegia by 2004. In spite of the effects of this devastating disease, Judy has remained an inspiration to the students of the Circus Center.

The Judy Finelli Fund, created in honor of Judy's life of performing and teaching, supports research and advocacy for cures and treatment of MS. It promotes artistic expression through circus arts training and enables those affected by MS to pursue their passions.

100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this calendar go to the Judy Finelli Fund so that others throughout the world may aspire toward their dreams regardless of their limitations.

To purchase a calendar or to find out more, visit their website listed below:

http://www.nakedclowncalendar.com/

Photos from the Clown Reunion

2008-09-24T16:26:00.001-04:00

Article about Clown College Reunion in Baraboo

2008-09-19T18:05:00.001-04:00

World's top clowns gather in Baraboo for show tonight

By Brian D. Bridgeford / News Republic

Many of the world's best clowns will be in Baraboo this weekend as they hold a 40-year reunion of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College graduates at the Circus World Museum.

Tonight at 7 p.m., the clowns will perform a show called "40 Years of Laughter" in the museum's Hippodrome as a benefit for Circus World Museum.

On Tuesday afternoon, Baraboo professional clown Greg DeSanto and CWM volunteer Jeff Tobin were moving giant clown props around the museum's Elephant House as they set up exhibits on the history of the college and those who trained there. At least 165 clowns from the United States, Germany and Mexico are expected to attend the event, DeSanto said.

The Clown College was founded in Venice, Fla., in 1968, shortly after entertainment promoter Irvin Feld bought "The Greatest Show on Earth" from the descendants of Baraboo's five Ringing brothers, he said.

"When he looked at the show, there were 14 clowns working. They were great clowns, but the youngest clown was in his 50s, the oldest clown was in his 80s," DeSanto said. "(Feld) saw that the art form was dying."

Feld set up the College of Clowns, later changed to the Clown College, so new performers could learn the arts of clowning from the old masters, he said. The college received 2,000 applications each year, but only 50 performers were selected to participate.

The 10-week program ran six days a week. People learned about every aspect of being a clown — make-up, acrobatics and slapstick gags, even throwing pies, DeSanto said. A 23-year veteran performer, DeSanto said he attended Clown College in 1985 and also taught at the program.

The Clown College ran for 30 years, mostly in Florida, but also ran for three years in the early 1990s at Circus World Museum.

"It was the salvation of American-style circus clowning in America," DeSanto said. "I believe there were about 1,272 graduates from the college."

Even after the Clown College ended, various kinds of clown training programs continue around the United States, such as a clowning camp held periodically at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, DeSanto said.

Among the circus clown memorabilia that is part of CWM's legacy of the Clown College is a prop pizza oven painted with the words "DeSanto's Pizza." DeSanto said he first used it in 1985 to create a routine in Clown College that the managers of the Ringing Bros. Circus liked so much they had him perform it for two years on the road.

"At the end, I put my head in it and it explodes," he said. "A lot of kids remember it because there's a big explosion.

"A lot of drama and a lot of flying powder and pizza dough," DeSanto said.

New Jersey clown Pat Cashin said he graduated during the Clown College's final year in 1997. He was in town to help set up the reunion, but usually works with the Kelly-Miller Circus. It is owned by John Ringling-North II, a descendant of Baraboo's Ringling brothers.

Cashin said he loved the circus as a child, but it was at age 29 that he won admission to Clown College and started a whole new life performing. It is hard work setting up his show and the gags, but he enjoys it.

"It was the chance to start a whole new career," he said. "Once you get out in front of an audience, it's all worth it."

Greg DeSanto's wife, Baraboo professional clown Karen DeSanto, said she was a California resident who already had her own clowning business with several employees when she auditioned to come to chilly Wisconsin for the 1993 session of Clown College. The program began each year after CWM's performance season closed at the end of summer, and she remembers celebrating Halloween in Baraboo.

Clowns have to learn many of the circus skills to perform their gags, she said, but for her the toughest thing was learning acrobatics.

"I could never do a cartwheel as a kid," Karen said. "When they told me I had to fly on a trapeze, and I had to swing in a thing called a Russian swing and I had to do triple stand, stand on somebody's shoulders and somebody stand on my shoulders, I said 'you got to be kidding me.'"

Despite, not being "built for it," Karen said she learned those skills.

Clown College provided the foundation of her future life, DeSanto said. She and Greg lived for a time in New York City and have traveled around the world for clowning performances.

"It broadened my horizons. I've traveled the world doing this," she said. "The circus opened up a whole world of experiences and friendships."

Greg was an instructor at Clown College, and after the course both of them were selected to travel with the Ringling Brothers "Greatest Show on Earth." While working together, romance blossomed and they were eventually married.

"We both thought each other was funny, and you know what happens then," Karen said.

Cashin said people coming to "40 Years of Laughter" will be seeing some of the most talented, experienced clowns in the profession.

"There will be a greater collection of circus clowns here than anywhere in the world," he said.

Karen DeSanto agreed some of the best clowns in the world are in Baraboo this weekend.

"Clowns from all the years of Clown College who have worked in the business all these years will bring their talents to Baraboo to perform," she said. "It's going to be an outstandingly funny, great show."

If you go

* What: "40 Years of Laughter" clown show

* When: 7 p.m. today

* Where: Circus World Museum Hippodrome

* Admission: $7

Article in the NY Time about Clown Festival Classes

2008-09-13T07:52:00.001-04:00

At Clown Class, Reaching Deep Into the Psyche for Something Silly

Tina Fineberg for The New York Times

Rima Miller, left, and Lynn Berg in a physical-comedy workshop at the New York Clown Theater Festival.

By APRIL DEMBOSKY

Published: September 11, 2008

In the face of uncertainty, some people go to church. Others dive onto their analyst's couch. The next time life gets confusing, how about a clown workshop?

Tina Fineberg for The New York Times

Bob Berky, with beard, leads Hilary Chaplain, far left, David Gochfeld, Audrey Crabtree and Jeff Seal in an exercise.

We're not talking oversize shoes and rainbow wigs. There's no water-squirting flower, no animal-shaped balloons. Bozo is no idol here; think Puck, Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball. This is clown theater. It's a sophisticated approach to reflecting reality through comedy, workshop leaders say, cutting through the politics and politesse of life to reach the simple truths of our existence. And when the clown pulls the curtain back on all the layers of civilization, we can't help laughing, not only at the clown before us but also at ourselves.

Clowning is having a serious resurgence in America. Performance teachers, theories and lessons from Europe and South America have been invading since the 1980s. Now clowning is taught, sometimes as a mandatory requirement, at the Yale School of Drama, New York University, the Juilliard School and other esteemed institutions.

"Working on clown is in vogue right now with performing artists of all different walks," said Dody DiSanto, director of the Center for Movement Theater in Washington. "It's a vehicle to freedom, it's a way to soften and to find truth."

How do you teach someone to be funny? How do you get people to laugh at themselves so that others will also laugh at them? Forget comedy class; this is more like philosophy, religion, psychoanalysis. Through Sept. 28 five professional clowns are teaching workshops at the third annual New York Clown Theater Festival, at the Brick Theater in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Workshops, which vary from one to three days, cost $200. The instructors' approach is an unexpected lesson in soul searching and self-discovery, geared to advanced clowns, performers of all types and members of the public looking to spike their creative life.

In its essence, clowning is psychoanalysis. So the first step in clown training, much as in military training, is desocialization.

"You have to relearn to be deeply inappropriate," said Christopher Bayes, head of physical acting at the Yale School of Drama, who is teaching introductory clowning at the festival. "The body isn't built to sit and be quiet. It's built to run and play and make a mess."

That play is the root of clowning, he said, which gets lost the more we are taught to mind our manners. So aspiring clowns need to delve back into childhood. They need to relearn how to be loud, rude and emotionally raw. How to cry, ask vulgar questions and throw tantrums.

"You have to strip away lots of clever ideas and socializing impulses to get at something much more simple, much more naïve," Mr. Bayes said. "If we can find a way to shed some of that polite behavior, a different kind of sparkle starts to show up in the eye of the actor."

When that polite veneer cracks, what remains is a vulnerable human being. But instead of being exposed in the privacy of a therapist's office or a confessional, the clown is in front of an audience, inviting strangers to relate to the vulnerability.

People won't laugh at a disingenuous, dishonest clown, workshop leaders explained, so more formal actors tend to have trouble playing their actual selves.

"Instead of playing a character, you're shining the light on your own humanity," Ms. DiSanto said. "It's terrifying to expose yourself, but that's what gets a laugh."

Also, clowning is religion.

Bob Berky is a Buddhist clown. He shrugs at the label, and at most others, because, as he often says, "these are just words." But at his workshop last weekend, the first of the festival, the lessons of physical comedy came in philosophical statements about nonattachment, stillness and staying in the present.

"The essence of clowning is seeing what is," he said. "In a lot of Eastern religious literature, even early Western religious literature, you find the 'holy fool,' the idiot who is more conscious of what's going on than anyone else."

On Saturday Mr. Berky guided his students through an exercise involving two socks: one unfolded on the floor, the other scrunched into a ball eight feet away. Participants were asked to stand by the unfolded sock, quietly visualize the path to the scrunched one, then close their eyes, walk the distance between the socks and place a hand on the balled-up one. Two out of nine students did it. The others veered off course, reaching for a sock that was actually a few feet in front of them, several inches to the left or right between their legs. Afterward, Mr. Berky addressed the class.

"How many of you really wanted to touch the sock?" he asked.

Several hands went up in the air.

"Now, isn't that pathetic?" Mr. Berky said.

The students had been too goal-oriented, focused on succeeding, preoccupied with being perfect.

"A lot of comedy is based on the relationship between perfect and imperfect," he said, explaining that walking past the sock or standing on top of it was funnier than touching it. "Performance, more than anything, is watching for accidents."

Lynn Berg, a workshop participant, is an actor from Bushwick, Brooklyn, who has been drawn to clowning classes lately.

"It's a more open approach to performance," he said, because clowning is about "celebrating mistakes." He added, "When you're playing Shakespeare there's an expectation of perfection, which is the opposite of what we're doing here."

Clowning, he said, is about connecting directly with the audience over the joy of being human, shared experience and the recognition that "we are the same."

"It feels spiritual," he said, "in a laughing way."

A version of this article appeared in print on September 12, 2008, on page E5 of the New York edition.

FW: NYC Area Clown Insider Info

2008-09-10T07:37:00.001-04:00

SHOW DISCOUNTS

Baby Wants Candy was founded in Chicago in 1997, and has performed
over 2000 completely improvised musicals to sold-out crowds and rave
reviews from Singapore to Edinburgh. The Scotsman says "They are an
entertainment phenomenon and I am in awe of their talent". TimeOut New
York awarded BWC "Best Visiting Comedy Ensemble of the Year". Chicago
Sun Times calls Baby Wants Candy "Critic's Choice".

2 PERFORMANCES ONLY!

SEPTEMBER 12th & 13th

AT THE BARROW STREET THEATRE

Click here to purchase discount tickets!

http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showCode=BAB7

Enter the code: CANDY

----

Ugo's Last Dance is a beautiful musical, based on a canto of Dante's
Inferno, and is the story of three clowns who, under the leadership of
a religious despot, are imprisoned for sedition. It is a play about
survival, about trying to find humanity in the face of oppression, and
the blossoming of love in even the most dire of circumstances. The
production is an extravaganza of music, clowning, foley, fights,
dances, and live musical accompaniment by Moore & Sons, a folk rock
band from Brooklyn. Think vaudeville meets trunk show meets German
Expressionism! Inspiration has come in parts from Commedia styles,
works like La Strada, and Charlie Chaplin.

UGO'S LAST DANCE

September 10 - October 4, 2008

549 W. 52nd Street, 3rd floor (bet. 10th and 11th)

www.ugoslastdance.com

$13 tickets for the following performances: Wed. September 10 at 8pm,
Thurs. September 11 at 7pm, and Fri. September 12 at 8pm.

BUY TICKETS at https://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showCode=UGO

The discount code is UGOLD

CLASSES

The New York Television Festival (www.nytvf.com) is offering Comedy Classes check 'em out.

Writing Sketch Comedy with P.I.T on Sunday at 2:45 http://www.nytvf.com/tixSYS/2008/progguide/schedule/list/2008-09-14/

AND, there is also going to be a late night comedy writer panel that
has yet to be officially announced but it will include the head
writers of Conan, Colbert, Daily Show, Letterman and possibly SNL. It
will likely be at 5 or 5:30 on Sunday.

AUDITION

HIRING THEATRICAL CHARACTERS TO PROMOTOE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S WINTUK

Theatre MAMA seeks PERFORMERS OF VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: PHYSICAL ACTORS,
CLOWNS, ACROBATS, GYMNASTS, ANIMATORS, JUGGLERS, STILT WALKERS, etc.
for an 8-week Mobile Marketing Tour to visit surrounding towns in the
Tri-State area for 8 weeks to promote a Cirque du Soleil's WINTUK
coming into Manhattan this fall for 3 months. For Mobile Marketing
Tour, we will leave from NY City every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
morning, to then return at the end of each day.

Imagine a pair of stilt-walking minstrels around a city's Downtown
area at 5pm to wave goodnight to all of the commuters and leave them
with a flier announcing the arrival of WINTUK by Cirque du Soleil.
Imagine a delicate mime character sitting in a grassy park with 30
children around...all wearing clown noses AND smiles. Imagine a
tumbler wowing crowds on a busy day in the park!

For the Promotional Characters, we seek performers who see this as an
opportunity to perfect their craft. Candidates must have a love for
"causing a scene" and have a talent for balancing the art of
performing and handing out fliers to the public. Finally, the ideal
candidate must be comfortable promoting outside on our world's largest
stage, and must be excited about WINTUK!

The performers hired must be available for the entire run of the tour.
We will be casting this week (week of September 8). For all
interested applicants, please first submit your interest in our
casting network at

http://cts.vresp.com/c/?NewYorkDowntownClown/df825b0f6b/TEST/b4706521a0
[http://cts.vresp.com/c/?NewYorkDowntownClown/df825b0f6b/TEST/99e6241756]

and once in the system, please apply for the specific job Mobile
Marketing Tour and a Theatre MAMA representative will be in touch with
you.

This is a paid gig which requires the utmost professionalism. Please
include a current resume to your application and have a wonderful
day!...

NY Clown Festival Workshop with Bob Berky-- Special Discount!

2008-09-04T15:06:00.000-04:00

Architectures of Physical Comedy
With Bob Berkey
Saturday September 6th, 10-3
Sunday September 7th, 10-3
$200 Special Discount $150 ($50 off)
15 Students Max
Break for lunch
at The Battle Ranch Annex
405 Johnson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11206
(2.5 blocks from Morgon stop off the L train)
http://www.vampirecowboys.com/battleranch.htm

This course will explore structural and rhythmic elements of physical comedy, and techniques for opening possibilities of
exploration and writing in the world of the theatrical clown. Participants should come with at least a five minute piece to be "played" with. We will look at their current content and structure of the piece and search for ways of expanding the material in a way that supports and deepens the ideas that the artist intends. Who is the performer and what are they saying?

Bob Berky has performed as a solo artist throughout the world. In New York, he has appeared at the Dance Theatre Workshop, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center and as a featured artist at The Brooklyn Academy of Music Next Wave Festival in "The Alchemedians" and "The Power Project". "The Alchemedians", with Mr. Berky and Michael Moschen, was produced off-Broadway and toured worldwide. He has also performed at the Kennedy Center and Arena Stage in Washington and the National Theatre in London, England.

Bob Berky directed movement and clowning for producer Joseph Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival's production of "Twelfth Night" at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. He was movement choreographer for the Longw harf Theatre's production of "A Flea In Her Ear", directed by John Tillinger. He has also worked as movement coach for such performers as Donal Donaldson, Gregory Hines, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Mr. Berky has taught at many universities and theaters as a guest artist and Master Teacher including The Juilliard School, Brandeis University, University of Texas at Austin, the North Carolina School for the Arts, UCSB, Smith College and the Dell Arte School of California. He has worked extensively as a teaching and performing artist with the Lincoln Center Institute.

Current projects include a two man version of Richard 3 with Eric Bass and directing "El Magnifico" currently playing in the NY Clown Theatre Festival.

Dell'arte Goes to Bali 2009 Feb 9-March 12, 2009

2008-08-31T09:09:00.002-04:00

FEBRUARY 9 - MARCH 12, 2009
Check out the Bali Blog 2007
by School Director Joan Schirle

Since 1996, Dell'Arte International has invited students, teachers, designers, directors, and artists to immerse themselves in the traditional arts of Bali and encounter the profound spirit of the Balinese people. In this unique and wonderfully successful program participants study traditional Balinese performing arts and crafts with village masters, as well as Dell'Arte mask and movement techniques led by Dell'Arte's Founding Artistic Director Joan Schirle and Dell'Arte faculty.

Bali is an extraordinary island where creativity is ordinary. In Bali, art serves the community, the religious practices, the economy and everyday living. This trip introduces students to Balinese performing arts in a way that allows them to experience how the Balinese live and create, and how family life and religious customs are woven into the creation of art. Unlike programs designed for art tourism, this program is designed for those who want to participate in the family life of outstanding Balinese master teachers as they teach.

Due to the sacred nature of most Balinese arts and the complete intertwining of daily life with ritual, this trip can be an opportunity to deepen our internal connection to our own artistic practice, as well as to take inspiration for creative projects.

THE PROGRAM
The program begins with a relaxing traditional Balinese buffet dinner, followed by three days of orientation to the language, customs, and ceremonies of Bali, as well as informal meetings with Balinese teachers to observe their work. Orientation will include a symposium on masks with famous carver I. B. Anom, visits to the studios of several mask carvers and puppet makers, and attendance at the famous kecak, or monkey-chant dance by firelight.
During the three and a half weeks of formal study, classes meet five days a week. Sometimes our study will take place in a classroom setting, sometimes outdoors, and most often in its traditional setting at village and temple ceremonies.

In addition to their core area of study, all students will study kecak, the rhythmic vocal chant, as well as participate in alternating yoga/Alexander Technique, ensemble voice/chant sessions, plus symposiums on the links between Balinese and western mask performance traditions.

All along there will be time for recreation such as mountain hiking, beaches, scuba, nightlife and shopping, including guidance on how to buy Balinese crafts. Massage and revitalizing body treatments are available at extremely low cost.

CORE AREAS OF STUDY

The core of the program is designed so that each student spends a large percentage of their class time on an area of interest most important to them, and we offer the following options:

• Mask Carving
• Mask Carving/ Balinese Dance (topeng)
• Shadow puppetry (wayang kulit) / Balinese dance

MASK CARVING
Learn from a Balinese master carver how to work with the wood, the traditional tools (axe, chisels, knives), and the paints to create traditional and contemporary masks. You may order and bring home their own complete set of tools for under $40. Students will spend 4 – 6 hours daily in the home of their teacher.
For a lively account of one man's encounter with mask carving, visit this link for interview with design Professor Ron Naverson (S. Illinois U, Carbondale), who was on our '03 trip.

MASK CARVING/BALINESE DANCE
Your morning will include one hour of Balinese dance. Topeng is the name of the masked dance form performed at most Balinese ceremonies. You will work in the studio of a Balinese master teacher, learning the basic walks, postures, arm and head movements in the mask. Topeng is based on stock characters like the king, minister, clown, and you will have the opportunity to see it performed at village ceremonies during your studies. Your carving program is the same as that described above, except that you will have a break after dance, and be carving in the afternoon, spending up to four hours daily with your teacher.

SHADOW PUPPETRY(wayang kulit) & BALINESE DANCE

Wayang kulit is the traditional art of storytelling through shadow puppets, performed by firelight. The puppet master is a combination of priest, storyteller, therapist, actor, and improviser, who manipulates and voices dozens of puppets in one play.
Your morning will include one hour of Balinese dance (see above). Your afternoon will be spent at the home of a shadow puppet master, or dalang, who will instruct you in the art of leather puppet making: design, using the metal punches, painting and rigging techniques. You will observe how the traditional shadow screen is used and develop a short shadow play. Those who are interested in learning Balinese music may elect to spend some time learning the gamelan instrument, the gender, which accompanies shadow plays.

For students who wish to study more dance, we will arrange for other teachers depending on your interest, at a small additional cost.

ACCOMODATIONS

Cost is based on double occupancy in fan-cooled rooms with two beds, private bath, and breakfast included. (Single rooms available for supplemental cost). There is a swimming pool, beautiful gardens, and a covered, open-air studio where some of our classes will be held. Other meals are available in nearby restaurants at very reasonable costs. Vegetarian food is easily available.

You may apply for a shortened version of the program, but must be able to begin the course on the start date. Address inquiries to the Bali program director.

All interested participants will receive detailed advance information on what to bring, how to prepare, and much more.

FOR MORE INFO: EMAIL OR CALL info@dellarte.com 707.668.5663
or visit http://www.dellarte.com

Happy Birthday Clown Alley's Pat Cashin!

2008-08-29T10:21:00.002-04:00

Pat Cashin is 29 (again) today.

If you want, you can attend his birthday party drunk, have your makeup sloppily made-up, root through his garbage, smoke cigars throughout his house, curse a lot, and offer to date his wife.

I think he'd like that.

On the other hand, you could just go visit his website and wish him a happy birthday in the comments!

http://www.clownalley.net

Olympic Comedy--Paul Hunt & his Comedy Gymnastics Routines

2008-08-23T06:17:00.001-04:00

Just happened across some amazing gymnastic comedy by Paul Hunt. He was a coach and gymnast in the 1980's and does some amazing comedy gymnastic routines in drag. In a tutu, Paul manages to perfectly parody a number of female gymnastic stunts, while at the same time doing a lot of amazing gymnastics and acrobatics himself.

I haven't been able to find out what happened to him (the videos are all from the 1980's) If somebody out there knows, please comment listed below.

There is a Hunt's Gymnastics Academy in Utah, but the webpage is currently defunct.

Enjoy these incredible videos (most of which seem to be shot at Gymnastic competitions, and at least a few of these are commented on by professional sports commentators.) It's very interesting to see the floor routine shot side by side, one in French, and one in English, and how the commentators comment on them.

COMEDY FLOOR ROUTINE IN ENGLISH

COMEDY FLOOR ROUTINE IN FRENCH

COMEDY PARALLEL BAR ROUTINE

COMEDY BALANCE BEAM ROUTINE

Bindlestiff Cavalcade of Youth seeks performers

2008-08-22T17:22:00.001-04:00

Got this in from Viveca Gardner, of Playful Productions, and the Youth Director of the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus.

They are looking for Youth under age 21 to perform in the Cavalcade of Youth-- see below for more information.

If you'd like to perform, email or call Viveca pronto. They've got spots available, and are always looking for the next generation of fantastic new performers.

=======

Hello!

It's that time again--we're looking for jugglers, clowns, magicians, musicians, dancers, acrobats, and other variety performers under age 21! We want to put you in the spotlight!

The next Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Cavalcade of Youth performances will be September 26 and November 16 (both Sunday afternoons) at the beautiful Zipper Factory Theater in Midtown Manhattan. If you would like to participate, please reply soon!

Also, please help spread the word about these great shows--both to potential audience members and to potential performers. All the information is below.

Thanks and best wishes to all. I look forward to hearing from you!

Viveca Gardiner
Director of Youth Programs, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
President, Playful Productions
212-989-4718

EMAIL: Viveca@playfulproductions.com

*****

The Zipper Factory Theater presents
a Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc. and Playful Productions production

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus's
CAVALCADE OF YOUTH
The Performers of Tomorrow Steal the Stage Today!
_______________________________

What: Bindlestiff Family Cirkus's Cavalcade of Youth
When: Sunday, September 28, 2008 Showtime: 2 pm
Where: Zipper Factory Theater
336 West 37th Street, New York City
Admission: Advance Purchase: $7 youth / $12 adults
At the Door: $10 youth / $15 adults
Info/reservations: 212-352-3101 http://www.thezipperfactory.com
_______________________________

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus presents a special showcase for young variety performers, ranging from amateurs to world-class professionals. Juvenile jugglers, diminutive dancers, adolescent acrobats and a host of other moppets and mummers present a full show of vernal vaudeville. Acts range from debuting amateurs to world-class champion performers—all under the age of 21.

Now in its fifth year, Bindlestiff's Cavalcade continues to feature an amazing array of young talent. These are the future stars of Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and television. Where else can you see juvenile unicyclists, tap dancers, magicians, clowns, and contortionists sharing the stage with Broadway-bound singers and classically trained musicians?

Since its inception in January 2004, Bindlestiff's Cavalcade of Youth (COY) program has grown markedly. In September 2006, a few of the COY participants were featured performers in the Speigeltent at the South Street Seaport. In the past year COY has had programs at Abrons Arts Center, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and COY instructors are offering circus skills in after school programs throughout the city. This past summer, COY participated in the American Circus Youth Festival in Illinois. The 2008 Cavalcade of Youth performance season is hosted by the Zipper Factory.

* * * * * * *

http://www.bindlestiff.org * http://www.thezipperfactory.com * http://www.playfulproductions.com

Kenny & Brenda Ahern

2008-08-18T10:39:00.000-04:00

Kenny Ahern is a clown and performer based in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. A graduate of Ringling Clown College, Kenny has also studied with Bill Irwin, Chris Bayes, and Pavel Groditsky of the Soviet School for Circus and Variety Arts.

Kenny has been performing for nearly 25 years. He does a number of shows aimed at the corporate, educational, and family markets. He has two shows aimed at school age audiences "Through the Eyes of a Fool" and "School Matters."

His theatre show "A Slippery Universe" is designed for proscenium stages. Kenny also has his own Variety stage that he brings to fairs and festivals.

His corporate work features original shows created specifically for a company, as well as a show titled "A Day In The Life" which features parodies of the life of an office worker.

Kenny has also taught clowning at a number of places, including schools, clown camps, and Ringling Clown College.

Kenny's wife Brenda is also a graduate of Ringling Clown College. Currently an elementary school teacher, she also presents shows to libraries and schools throughout the Wisconsin area.

To find out more about Kenny and Brenda's work, please visit his website listed below:

http://kennyahern.com/

They were also featured in a recent article in the Watertown Daily Times.
Read the article
(Please note, this article may go away after a few days of this post.)

Festival Preview: Orianne Bernard

2008-08-17T13:17:00.001-04:00

Orianne Bernard is a French actress, clown, writer, and director. She studied with Jacques LeCoq in Paris and at the Ecole Internationale de Kiklos . Since then, she has studied with a number of people, including Giovanni Fusetti, who has directed her latest work.

Orianne has also done quite a bit of work as a hospital clown, both for sick children and also for adults who are dealing with Alzheimer's and other ailments. Oriane has also taught clowning in France and Europe.

Since 2002, she has been creating stories and shows around her clown Mmlle Oberniche

The NY Clown Theatre Festival is the first stop on an international tour.

To find out more about her work, visit the website listed below (in French)

C'est La Nuit Qu'il Faut Attraper La Lumiere
(It is The Night That Should Catch the Light)

(performed in English)
A Depressive Comedy with Miss Oberniche

Strasbourg, France, Companie Accès-Soir
Director: Giovanni Fusetti,
Performer: Orianne Bernard

Miss Oberniche invites you into her home to show you her universe, her habits, her friends and above all, her charming prince. She is usually funny, but not always. Sometimes she is on the edge of tears. In her home, you will also meet Santa Claus and her boss, God.
So, world, hold her tight and make her dance a waltz. Then take her for an extra turn: a turn of laughter, a turn of love, a turn of life!
Is anybody looking when no one is there?
www.oriannebernard.com
www.giovannifusetti.com
70 minutes

Sun 9/7 at 5pm
Fri 9/12 at 10:30pm
Sun 914 at 5:30pm
Thurs 9/18 at 8:30pm

Festival Preview: The Birdmann

2008-08-16T08:29:00.000-04:00

The Birdmann is an Australian circus/vaudeville/sideshow performer who combines magic, theatre, circus skills, and inspired nonsense to create a show that is unique. Acts include plastic-bag juggling, knife-throwing, and nostril tea-drinking. The act has displayed in fifteen countries internationally, and goes directly from the NY Clown Festival back home to the Melbourne Fringe in Australia.

Here's what The Groggy Squirrel, an independent publication that reviews Australian comedy has to say about the Birdmann (reviewing a previous show, Birdmannifesto:

The Birdmann is a curious creature. A character comic who has invested so much into the one character that you find yourself forgetting that this is just a persona. A performer who performs tricks that would normally be the domain of clowns with a straight-faced intensity that makes them as impressive as any serious circus performer.

Every element of this show, from the opening “is this a dagger I see before me” (no, it’s an umbrella) to the crab impersonations and costumes screams absurdity, but the straight-faced delivery ensures that the audience never feels lost or confused. These things might seem ridiculous coming from any other performer, but here they are just part of the Birdmann experience.

While this show is very tightly scripted and performed, Birdmann is also comfortable breaking out into casual improvisation to deal with any unforeseen input. Constant creaking of the roof and the late arrival of enough punters to double his audience were dealt with amusingly and without any break from the world that he has created for us.

There’s something uniquely special about Birdmannifesto, a quality to it that screams “this show is a great show”. It’s not the funniest show in the festival, and the circus skills aren’t the most impressive I’ve seen, but something about it as a whole makes it stand out from the crowd. The fact that this is also one of the cheapest shows in the festival (only $10 in a laugh pack or on Tuesdays) makes this arguably the best value for money to be found in the festival. I can’t imagine how anyone, regardless of their comedy tastes, could walk out of this show and not feel thoroughly entertained.

You can find out more about his work at http://www.myspace.com/trentbaumann
His website http://www.thebirdmann.com.au/ is currently under construction.

The Birdmann will be at the NY Clown Festival at the Brick on:

Sat 9/6 at 7pm
Wed 9/10 at 10pm
Sat 9/13 at 9pm
Tue 9/16 at 7pm

Festival Preview: Kill Me Loudly: A Clown Noir

2008-08-15T04:46:00.000-04:00

Fri 9/19 at 8:30pm
Sun 9/21 at 5pm
Fri 9/26 at 10:30pm

CAUTION. May or may not contain clown nudity. Not for children.

Sex! Murder! Clowns?!

Ever wanted clowns to admit how miserable, desperate and obsessive they really are? Director Eric Davis (Red Bastard, Cirque du Soleil, Bouffon Glass Menajoree) pushes under the freaky-happy façade of clowns to reveal a cast of cutting-edge comedians ready to whip out their dark sides.

In this dream-like murder mystery, a clown trio attempts to stage a film noir. But beware! No one returns unscathed from the depths of depravity! Meet the clowns who get caught up in the corruption, perversion and betrayal of their own twisted tale!

Here is a clown show is full of drug-addled bums, brain-battered boxers, high society pedophiles, and of course, the barely-clad-yet-deadly femme fatale. Here is an ever-changing cityscape of lonely office buildings, dead-end alleys, glitzy clubs, and old-timey neighborhoods.

Here is a show in black and white, in light and shadows, angles and corners. It's a "Caligari"-esque, expressionistic hallucination of the 40's crime genre that defined an American archetype. Done by clowns.

Here is a show in which good-natured comedy-makin' turns into vicious back-stabbing, horrible revelations and plenty of nervous breakdowns.

Here is a clown noir. Very good intentions. Very bad clowns.

THE PLAYERS. Butt Kapinski, Jeff Seal and Chris "Buttons" Manley have performed around town at theaters like the Kraine, Theatre For The New City, the UCB, the PIT, the Magnet, Galapagos, the Brick, and on the streets of New York. Eric Davis, internationally-renown Red Bastard, has been a clown with Cirque du Soleil, directs Bouffon Glass Menagerie (NYIT award winner: Outstanding Production), teaches clown and bouffon, and is a Co-Director of the Brick Theater Clown Festival. Costume design by Molly Austin, set design by Antonio Zito, lighting design by Brian Aldous, Assistant Directed by Jason Leinwand and Andy Dickerson of Cirque This! Set construction by Chris Roberti. Music by Mitchell Yoshida.

To find out more about the show, visit the website:
http://www.clowninadirtytown.com/

To find out more about the festival, visit the website:
http://www.bricktheater.com/clown/

Otsie Kerplotsie

2008-08-14T05:00:00.001-04:00

Otsie Kerplotsie is Brooklyn clown and NY Downtown Clown Impresario Christopher Luecke.

Christopher was born in Milwaukee, WI. He is a graduate of The Dell’ Arte International School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake, CA and has also earned a BFA in Acting from Brooklyn College (Cum Laude). Most recently he has studied clown with the New York GOOFS. Christopher is an actor and clown for stage and film. He has performed in many venues including the Brooklyn Public Library, dirty little theatres, and the Grand Ole Opry and has also appeared in many small films. When not performing Christopher teaches puppetry in the New York Public Schools with Puppetry in Practice. He is also a certified instructor of Japanese samurai sword fighting and enjoys beating people up in competitions.

In his role as Otsie, Christopher performs at birthday parties, social gatherings, and many other events. In fact, he even offers a discount-- call him and mention WEB, and you'll get $25 off your show.

To find out more about Otsie Kerplotsie, visit the website listed below, or just give him a call.

http://www.otsieclown.com/
347-585-9767

RIP, Mr. Snot

2008-08-13T10:49:00.004-04:00

Joe Kudla, half of the team of Puke and Snot, passed away on Monday. He was 58 years old, and had been performing Ren Faire stages for over 30 years, including letting young upstarts Penn and Teller open for them.

Read more below (obit from the Pioneer Press) or visit the Puke and Snot website, listed below for more details. At the website listed below, Joe's partner Mark Sieve shares stories and fan email about Joe.

PUKE AND SNOT WEBSITE: http://www.magaga.com

Actor Joe Kudla of 'Puke and Snot' team dies at 58
By Dominic P. Papatola
dpapatola@pioneerpress.com
Article Last Updated: 08/11/2008 06:30:56 PM CDT

Minneapolis actor Joe Kudla - half of the "Puke and Snot" comedy team that entertained crowds at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival for more than three decades - died Monday at the age of 58.

Kudla died at his home in Northeast Minneapolis, according to his performing partner, Mark Sieve. A cause of death was not immediately available.

"I'm wondering if Bud Abbott felt this way when Lou Costello died," said Mark Sieve, who played Puke in the popular comic duo that mixed swordplay and groaner jokes. Sieve said he and Kudla were supposed to go over some new material Monday, but that Kudla wasn't returning phone calls.

"I was complaining to my wife about my irresponsible partner not answering his phone," Sieve said, honoring his late partner with a bit of gallows humor. "Turns out he had a good excuse."

Kudla was already a fixture on the local performing scene when he and Sieve conjured the idea of a pair of medieval types who would crack wise and cross swords. The first iteration of the duo, dubbed Mouldy and Wart, premiered at the 1973 festival.

Puke and Snot appeared the next year. At the height of their fame, the opening act for their routine was a young pair of comic-magicians named Penn and Teller. Kudla and Sieve trained others their shtick, and have been a fixture at Renaissance festivals across the country ever since.

In 2007, Kudla took a break from playing Thomas Snot, earning rave reviews in the History Theatre production of "The Baron," a paean to old-school professional wrestling in which he played, among other famous grapplers, Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon.

Sieve intends for the show to go on when the Minnesota Renaissance Festival opens later this month. "It would be a great tribute to Joe to keep it going," he said, "but I don't know. I might break down in the middle of the routine."

Circus Amok Summer Schedule

2008-08-11T21:19:00.003-04:00

Circus Amok, New York’s radical, community oriented, political free Summer in the Parks Circus is up and about again for summer 2008.

This year's show is called "SUB-PRIME SUBLIME" and will feature the following:

Acrobatic Economists, Fantastical Free-Falling Free Markets, Tenanacious Tenants, Querelous Quarks, Neurotic Neutrons, Vaulting Villains, Stupendous Stilters, Disco Dorothy, Lions and Tigers and Zebras Oh My!

They will be performing throughout the five boroughs of New York, primarily in the parks from Sept 5-28.

Here's the schedule:

SAT, SEPT 6 – UPPER WEST SIDE – Riverside Park - 2pm & 5pm
79th Street & Riverside Drive

SUN, SEPT 7– CONEY ISLAND, BROOKLYN – Coney Island - 2pm & 5pm
West 10th Street & Surf Avenue

MON, SEPT 8– EAST NEW YORK, BROOKLYN – MLK Park - 5pm
Miller & Dumont Avenues

WED, SEPT 10 – FT GREENE, BROOKLYN – Ft. Greene Park - 5:30pm
Myrtle Avenue & St. Edward's Street

FRI, SEPT 12 – SOUTH BRONX – St. Mary's Park - 5pm
St. Ann’s Avenue & St. Mary’s Street

SAT, SEPT 13 – LONG ISLAND CITY, QUEENS – Socrates Sculpture Park - 3pm
Broadway & Vernon Boulevard

SUN, SEPT 14 – PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN – Prospect Park - 2pm & 5pm
Enter @ 9th Street & Prospect Park West
Show is at the base of the grassy hill near the dog beach.

WED, SEPT 17 – LOWER MANHATTAN – Columbus Park - 5:30pm
Mulberry & Worth Streets

FRI, SEPT 19 – SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN – Sunset Park - 5:30pm
6th Avenue & 41st Street

SAT, SEPT 20 – GREENWICH VILLAGE – Washington Square - 2pm & 5pm
University Place & Washington Square South

SUN, SEPT 21 – HARLEM – Marcus Garvey - 2pm & 5pm
Madison Avenue & 122nd Street

WED, SEPT 24 – WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN – Bedford Playground - 5pm
Bedford Avenue & South 9th Street

FRI, SEPT 26 – LOWER MANHATTAN –Battery Park - 1pm & 5pm
Castle Clinton Plaza

SAT, SEPT 27 – LOWER EAST SIDE – Seward Park - 4pm
Canal & Essex Streets

SUN, SEPT 28 – EAST VILLAGE – Tompkins Square - 12pm & 3pm
Avenue A & East 7th Street

Visit WWW.CIRCUSAMOK.ORG for late-breaking news and weather updates

They are also seeking volunteers for each and every show. You can run away and join the circus for the day. If you'd like to join them for the day, please send an email to circusamokinfo@gmail.com, or call 802-274-0502.

SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!!
================================

CIRCUS AMOK is NYC's internationally-acclaimed one-ring FREE traveling circus. Since 1994 they've been bringing fabulous, political circus spectacle to more than 10,000 diverse audience members in the parks of NYC each season. From East New York to the East Village, Jamaica to Harlem, CIRCUS AMOK dazzles audiences with their mix of circus skills and variety arts, puppetry and music, glitter, grime and glamour as they tackle tough issues that touch New Yorkers: immigration, affordable housing, quality public education, police-community relations, healthcare for all.

For more info, visit http://www.circusamok.org

Here's a video from YouTube:

Besserwisser

2008-08-10T04:46:00.002-04:00

What do you get when you take two European Cirque du Soleil performers who decide they want to focus a little bit more on clowning and a little bit less on spectacle? Besserweiser. Which in English translates roughly as "Know-it-all" , features two very skilled performers from Cirque who do just that.

In their own words:

In our society we are constantly trying to be faster, better, and smarter… only to realize that we are consistently trying to reach unattainable goals. Rather than be content with where we are, we deform ourselves to reach an ideal that we have self created or bought into. This pushes us to the ridiculous, eventually becoming a know-it-all, hence a Besserwisser.

Jesko and Guennadi present their comedic duo “Besserwisser”. They offer unique situations with extraordinary objects to reveal the human interaction between he who thinks thar “he knows” and is perfect, and he who tries to aspire toward perfection. Two sides of the same psyche… A besserwisser, Nothing more annoying…

The artists
Jesko von den Steinen
Jesko von den Steinen was a solo clown with Cirque du Soleil’s “Saltimbanco” for 5 years. He is currently also performing with Familie Flöz, a Berlin based, physical theatre company. Jesko works on occasion in Paris, France with Philippe Gaulier, as his teaching assistant. He recently co-wrote co-directed and choreographed a film for Bravo! TV. The film “Corps” uses acrobatics and contemporary dance as its form of narration. It has been selected for various international film festivals.

Guennadi Tchijov
Guennadi has performed with Cirque du Soleil for 12 for years. Creating the role of “The Dreamer” for Saltimbanco and later working in Mystere. He originates from the Ukraine and is a former student of Valentine Gneuschiev. He subsequently has worked as Character and clown, for example with Rolf Knie’s “SaltoNatale” and has performed in various Varietés such as Roncalli’s WinterGarten.

You can find out more about the duo on their website, listed below:

http://www.jesko-guennadi.com