clown

This week, Chad talks with clown cellist KAREN HALL! Karen works as a professional cellist and has been featured on shows like GLEE – along with pursuing her love of clowning, touring with her solo show Delusions and Grandeur. Chad and Karen discuss their long working relationship, teaching, the classical musician mindset as it applies to clown, working with music when you’re on-stage and understanding musicality as it applies to clown. 

ALL THINGS KAREN HALL!

Learn about Karen’s current shows and ways to contact her here:

WEBSITE: http://www.inforthelonghall.com/

IG: @inforthelonghall

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE and get tickets to STAND UP AND CLOWN on March 25th! Also, links to current classes, both at UCB and The Elysian. And don’t forget his current experimental theater project with Rory Scovel (also watch Rory’s awesome special on MAX)

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

IG: @thechaddamiani

THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

Silence may be golden, but is "Modern Times"? This 1936 classic marks the final silent film of Charlie Chaplin's storied filmography, as well as the final appearance of his beloved Tramp character. A predominately pro-worker comedy picture, this film stands out on The List, as one of the oldest and one of the few sans dialogue (sort of). Can one, in the year 2024 C.E., still appreciate and even enjoy this film? See for yourself.

Intro/outro music: Sambapagode #109

MODERN TIMES (1936), written and directed by Charlie Chaplin, cinematography by Ira H. Morgan and Roland Totheroh, featuring Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Tiny Sandford, and Chester Conklin.

This week, Chad talks with ALISSA AHLBERG and JULIANNA BECKERT - also known as the clown duo Juls n’ Lis!  Chad and his guests talk about working as a duo and the importance of having more than chemistry. They also discuss the Denver clown scene, building a scene, teaching and share lots of weird and funny stories. A fun listen!

JULS N’ LIS CLASSES AND SHOWS: https://linktr.ee/juls_n_lis

JULS N’ LIS IG: @juls_n_lis

ALISSA’S IG: @lissosaurus

JULIANNA’S IG: @pootychop

SUBSCRIBE TO CHAD’S SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for other shows, including his new project with Rory Scovel.

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

This week, Chad talks with Spiegelworld performer DEE MARCUCCI! Dee is a former student of Chad’s – who has gone on to play Wanda in the megahit Vegas show Absinthe. Dee tells her amazing story of running away to the circus during a global pandemic. The two also reminisce about the early days of LA clown – as well as some issues that tend to plague performers who rely deeply on improvisation.

DEE’S IG: @deedmarcucci

Tickets are going fast for STAND UP AND CLOWN’s March 4th two-year anniversary show. It’s going to be a very fun line-up, including JAMES ADOMIAN, JENNIFER LANDON and THE FREAK NATURE PUPPETS.

3/04: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/standupandclown

SUBSCRIBE TO CHAD’S SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for other shows, including his new project with Rory Scovel.

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

This week, Chad talks with new teacher, performer and longtime friend IAN FARLEY. Ian and Chad talk about the intersection of improvisation and clown, the early days of the LA clown scene, being part of bad shows that bring us joy and much, much more!

TAKE IAN’S CLASS!

Saturday 2/17 and 2/18 12-4PM at The Elysian:

https://www.elysiantheater.com/classes/readiness

IAN’S IG: @enefarley

Tickets are already available for STAND UP AND CLOWN’s March 4th two-year anniversary show. It’s going to be a very fun line-up, including NATALIE PALAMIDES, JAMES ADOMIAN, JENNIFER LANDON and THE FREAK NATURE PUPPETS.

3/04: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/standupandclown

SUBSCRIBE TO CHAD’S SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for other shows, including his new project with Rory Scovel.

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

 THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

This week, Chad talks with fellow clown teacher and performer GRAYSON MORRIS. Grayson and Chad discuss their love of clown ensembles, when to start pursuing solo work, how they differ as teachers, creating joy on stage when you’re  feeling sad and more. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAYSON

Learn more about Grayson’s current bouffon troupe IL FUNGO:

IG: @wtfungo

And follow Grayson at @morrisgrayson

Tickets are already available for STAND UP AND CLOWN’s March 4th two-year anniversary show. It’s going to be a very fun line-up, including NATALIE PALAMIDES and JAMES ADOMIAN and THE FREAK NATURE PUPPETS.

3/04: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/standupandclown

SUBSCRIBE TO CHAD’S SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for other shows, including his new project with Rory Scovel.

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

NEW THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

This week, Chad talks with comedy character powerhouse HANNAH PILKES. Hannah has built up a huge social media following and was recognized as one of the most exciting new artists on the scene by Just For Laughs. This one gets super-nerdy, with a lot of talk about process, creating work and classroom culture (Hannah also teaches).

FOLLOW AND LEARN MORE ABOUT HANNAH! 

IG: @hannahpilkes

LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/hannahpilkes

GET YOUR TICKETS TO SEE RORY AND CHAD! The last show was epic and they’ve got even bigger plans for tonight.

1/29: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/roryandchad

Tickets are already available for STAND UP AND CLOWN’s March 4th two-year anniversary show. It’s going to be a very fun line-up, including NATALIE PALAMIDES.

3/04: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/standupandclown

SUBSCRIBE TO CHAD’S SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for other shows, including his new project with Rory Scovel.

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

NEW THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

WE ARE HAPPY TO BE BACK! This week, Chad talks with comedian and magician NICK PAUL. Nick has toured all over the world doing magic, as well as consulting for TV and film. They discuss the similarities and differences between clown and magic, creating comedy for different crowds and how to balance creating new material with stuff that works.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NICK! And get a copy of his book “Magically Introverted” (It’s also available on Audible)

IG: @nickpaulmagic

WEBSITE: https://www.nickpaul.net/

BOOK: http://tinyurl.com/mtywsh6s

STAND UP AND CLOWN is back on January 22nd!  We’re going to have lots of comedy music royalty on this show – including Wolves of Glendale, Morgan Jay and Luke Null!

1/22: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/standupandclown

SUBSCRIBE TO CHAD’S SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for other shows, including his new project with Rory Scovel.

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

NEW THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

HAPPY NEW YEAR, CLOWNS! Chad is still on break, but we put together a short bonus episode with new clips from former guests CAMIRIN FARMER and ANDEL SUDIK. Regular interviews will be returning very soon.

STAND UP AND CLOWN is back on January 22nd!  We’re going to have lots of comedy music royalty on this show – including Wolves of Glendale, Morgan Jay and Luke Null!

1/22: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/standupandclown

CHAD IS TEACHING IN JANUARY! It’s been a few months, but Chad will be doing his clown intensive LANGUAGE OF NONSENSE at the Elysian on January 18-19 from 11-3pm. There’s also an evening class show the following week! Sign up while there are still spots.

1/18-1/19: https://www.elysiantheater.com/classes/introtononsense

SUBSCRIBE TO CHAD’S SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for other shows, including his new project with Rory Scovel.

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

NEW THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

Chad interviews clown and burlesque performer KIKI MAROON! Kiki has been a fixture on the burlesque scene for over a decade — doing both traditional and comedy pieces. Chad and Kiki discuss the intersection of clown and burlesque, giving audiences profound experiences through comedy and the dangers of defining yourself by your art.

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is finishing up it’s second year with one final show on Monday, December 18th, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! As of this recording, the cast includes Dana Gould, Irene Tu, Matt McCarthy, Luke Null, Anna Seregina and Kyle Mizono (with more surprises coming)

12/18: https://tinyurl.com/3e6kz3hc

Chad’s show CATSBY is also having their final show of 2023 on the (early) release day of this podcast. Chad will be doing a special silent clown set with two of the best in Los Angeles — Natalie Palamides (NATE) and Bill O’Neill (AMAZING BANANA BROTHERS). This show takes place at The Clubhouse in Los Feliz and is a donation-only show that focuses on building clown community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KIKI MAROON

IG: @kikimaroon

Here’s Chad’s new Substack! New posts weekly.

SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes 

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

NEW THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

Chad interviews veteran improviser and teacher JIM WOODS! Jim has done it all in improv — including stints overseas — and currently helps run WGIS (World’s Greatest Improv School) with past guest Will Hines and Sarah Claspell.  Jim has recently started studying clown work and discusses the positive and negatives. There are stories of bad shows, discussions of the current state of improv and lots of reflection about being older and surrounded by young artists.

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is finishing up it’s second year with one final show on Monday, December 18th, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! As of this recording, the cast includes Dana Gould, Irene Tu, Matt McCarthy, Luke Null, Anna Seregina and Kyle Mizono (with more surprises coming)

12/18: https://tinyurl.com/3e6kz3hc

LEARN MORE ABOUT JIM WOODS AND WGIS

WEBSITE: https://www.wgimprovschool.com

IG: @jimwoods5686

Here’s Chad’s new Substack! New posts weekly.

SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes 

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

NEW THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

Chad interviews clown performer TYLER WEST!  Tyler West is based out of New York and has performed at venues like The Box, The House of Yes, The Slipper Room and Stamptown. Chad and Tyler discuss the difference between Cirque-style pieces and lots of the clown work in LA, developing acts in front of burlesque audiences and some fundamental tools that young clowns often forget. Also, lots of stories from both in a very fun interview.

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on November 27th. We have an amazing lineup: Eddie Pepitone, Alice Wetterlund, Robby Hoffman, Hannah Pilkes, Jade Catta-Preta, Emily Browning, Anna Seregina, Camirin Farmer and Chad’s young clown supergroup FLWLS! Get your tickets!

11/27: https://shorturl.at/gJOR4

LEARN MORE ABOUT TYLER:

WEBSITE: https://theoriginaltylerwest.com

IG: @theorginaltylerwest

Here’s Chad’s new Substack! New posts weekly.

SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes 

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

NEW THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

Chad interviews teaching artist and veteran improviser ANDEL SUDIK. Andel took Chad’s clown intensive earlier this year and has doubled-down on her exploration of the work (which she’s dabbled in for years). They cover a ton of topics, including the current challenges facing clown and improv, teaching students to be authentic and not getting stuck in roles on-stage that don’t excite you. Also, lots of stories.

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on November 27th. We have an amazing lineup: Eddie Pepitone, Alice Wetterlund, Robby Hoffman, Hannah Pilkes, Mike Falzone, Emily Browning, Anna Seregina, Camirin Farmer and Chad’s young clown supergroup FLWLS! Get your tickets!

11/27: https://shorturl.at/gJOR4

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANDEL:

BLOG: https://shorturl.at/uEST2

IG: @the_proactive_pessimist

Here’s Chad’s new Substack! New posts weekly.

SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes 

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr

This week, The Actor's Helpline welcomes Blue Man, Gazillionaire, and ACTUAL CLOWN Michael Rahhal!  Michael is the most employed actor in the history of live performance.  His career has taken him around the world and across the seven seas. Check this episode out for a look at a unique, successful actor's life.  Ask us a question at theactorshelpline.com

Michael Rahhal Instagram

Absinthe

Contact The Actor's Helpline 

Instagram

Michael Instagram 

Laura Instagram

Theme music by Matty Alger

Pod art by Jamie Skeele

Contact The Actor's Helpline 

Instagram

Michael Instagram 

Laura Instagram

Theme music by Matty Alger

Pod art by Jamie Skeele

Chad interviews clown, teacher, actor and improviser KRISTEN SCHIER. Chad and Kristen discuss the Portland clown scene and Chad’s recent trip up to teach and perform. They also talk about combining clown and improv, self-doubt, the challenge of challenging oneself and much more…

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on November 27th. Already booked for the show are Alice Wetterlund and Eddie Pepitone!

11/27: https://shorturl.at/gJOR4

LEARN MORE ABOUT KICKSTAND COMEDY!

KICKSTAND WEBSITE: https://www.kickstandcomedy.org

Here’s Chad’s new Substack! New posts weekly.

SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes 

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

Chad interviews his friend, collaborator and current star of Spiegelworld’s THE HOOK at Caesars in Atlantic City — SCOUT DURWOOD. A fun conversation about status, nudity and sexuality in clown, the keys to interacting with audiences, creative goals and lots of stories. 

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on October 30th (it’s a Halloween show!) – already signed on for this one are Cameron Esposito, Moses Storm, Jon Daly, Brooks Wheelan and many more!

10/30: https://tinyurl.com/ydppu6td

LEARN MORE ABOUT SCOUT DURWOOD!

THE HOOK TICKETS: https://shorturl.at/pqFIL

SPOTIFY: https://shorturl.at/nxI01

IG: https://shorturl.at/dmowI

PERSONAL WEBSITE: https://www.scoutdurwood.com

Here’s Chad’s new Substack! New posts weekly.

SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes 

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

Chad interviews improv royalty WILL HINES. Will is the author of “How to be the Greatest Improviser on Earth” and runs WGIS (World’s Greatest Improv School) – but is starting to experiment with clown work. 

We discuss his journey into a new art form, the current states of clown and improv and Chad offers clown advice (both solicited and otherwise). 

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on October 30th (it’s a Halloween show!) – already signed on for this one are Cameron Esposito and Danielle Perez!

10/30: https://tinyurl.com/ydppu6td

GET CONNECTED WITH WILL HINES:

PERSONAL WEBSITE: https://www.willhines.net

SCHOOL: https://www.wgimprovschool.com

BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Greatest-Improviser-Earth/dp/0982625723

Here’s Chad’s new Substack! New posts weekly.

SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes 

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

Chad interviews Playspace hosts and co-creators RACHEL HO and PAUL SCHLESINGER! Rachel and Paul are two on-the-rise clowns in LA – and have built a very unique community around their weekly clown jam at The Elysian Theater in Los Angeles. We discuss their recipe for success and humble beginnings in clown.

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on October 30th (it’s a Halloween show!) – already signed on for this one are Cameron Esposito, Jon Daly and Danielle Perez!

10/30: https://tinyurl.com/ydppu6td

You can also see Chad directing this week at BORN FROM NOTHING – a three-day incubator to create a fully-devised clown mask show. This is a Clown Zoo and Friends production, which means great names from the original cast and some new friends. Come every night and see an entire show created for a big Saturday debut.

USE THE CODE “ZOO” FOR DISCOUNTS ON 10/19 and 10/20

10/19: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/clownzoo101923

10/20: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/clownzoo102023

10/21: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/clownzoo102123

FOLLOW PLAYSPACE ON IG!

IG: @__playspace__

Here’s Chad’s new substack! New posts weekly.

SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes 

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

Chad interviews clown and owner of Toronto’s Sweet Action Theatre GORDON NEILL. They discuss the origins of the theater and its focus on clown work. They also discuss Chad’s recent Toronto classes and shows – and how the Canadian clown scene continues to grow.

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on October 30th (it’s a Halloween show!) – already signed on for this one are Cameron Esposito and Danielle Perez!

10/30: https://tinyurl.com/ydppu6td

LEARN MORE ABOUT GORDON AND SWEET ACTION THEATRE

WEBSITE: https://www.sweetaction.ca

IG: @sweetactiontheatre

Here’s Chad’s new substack! New posts weekly.

SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes 

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back on Monday, October 30th for a Halloween Spooktacular! Check the episode notes for links on classes and my new Substack.

In this solo pod, Chad talks about setting up rules of engagement in shows and how they differ in clown and improv. 

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on October 30th (it’s a Halloween show!) – already signed on for this one are Cameron Esposito and Danielle Perez!

10/30: https://tinyurl.com/ydppu6td

Here’s Chad’s new substack! New posts weekly.

SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25jyps3a

DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani

Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes 

https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani