STAND UP AND CLOWN
Chad Damiani, aka The Clown Boss, explores the modern clown scene in Los Angeles and how clowning applies to improv, stand-up, and everyday life. The show mixes interviews with artists who embody the clown spirit and solo episodes where Chad shares opinions, instruction, and inspiration. It's named after his monthly live show at LA's Elysian Theater, where he directs stand-up comics through a challenging gauntlet of modern clown work.
Episodes
Zach Zucker Returns - Part One
STAND UP AND CLOWN is back on FRIDAY, October 30th at 10:30pm for a special late night Halloween Spooktacular! It’s the one time a year in LA the show doesn’t happen on a Monday night – and will be full of scary clown fun.PLUS: An amazing cast, featuring Alex Edelman (The Paper), Aaron Branch (Dysfunctional Friends), Demi Adejuyigbe (Dropout TV) and many more!GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!Follow The Clown
Why do some clowns struggle with success/being loved?
STAND UP AND CLOWN is back on Monday, August 31st! 930pm! (The day this podcast drops)
This is the last LA show until Halloween! It features an amazing cast. THE SKLAR BROTHERS! RAY LAU! BRANDON ROGERS (BRANDON BORED ON YOUTUBE)
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
ALSO, SUAC IS COMING TO NYC! Tuesday, September 8th, 930pm! The cast includes a mix of improvisers, clowns and stand-up comics -- including TAL
Clown Wars
STAND UP AND CLOWN is back on Monday, August 31st! 930pm!
This is the last LA show until late fall – and features an amazing cast. THE SKLAR BROTHERS! RAY LAU! BRANDON ROGERS (BRANDON BORED ON YOUTUBE)
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
ALSO, SUAC IS COMING TO NYC! Tuesday, September 8th, 930pm!
COME TO THE FIRST-EVER NYC SHOW!
Follow The Clown Boss on INSTAGRAM
Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
Th
High Status, Playing Anger (and other Clown Boss tricks)
STAND UP AND CLOWN is back on Monday, August 31st!
This is the last LA show until late fall – and features an amazing cast. THE SKLAR BROTHERS! RAY LAU! BRANDON ROGERS (BRANDON BORED ON YOUTUBE) and many more surprises.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Also, SUAC is coming to NYC! Tuesday, September 8th! More details to come, but mark your calendars for an epic show.
Follow The Clown Boss on INSTAGRAM
Check
Circus Flora, Part Two
STAND UP AND CLOWN is back next Monday in LA! July 31st! The cast includes Paul Scheer (How Did This Get Made), Anna Garcia (Dropout) and many more!
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
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Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
The Clown Boss returns with part two of his thoughts on Circus Flora! The exploration leads to observations of Chad's time in pro wrestling and work
Circus Flora, Part One
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Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
The Clown Boss reports on his experience at Circus Flora in St. Louis. This is Chad’s first time working for a big top circus – having come from the world of LA Clown (which tends to focus on creating work for adults). Chad talks about the similarities and differences in the styles of clown – and some of the lessons h
Clown Mentor Series: Molly Renze
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Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
In this mentor series, Chad interviews clowns he’s worked with beyond just classes and shows. It’s a look at clown through different generations – and also the process of both learning from more experienced people, while still defining your own path.
This first interview is with Molly Renze - a member of Silent Partne
Clown Mentor Series: Jamonte Williams
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Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
In this clown mentor series, Chad interviews clowns he’s worked with beyond just classes and shows. It’s a look at clown through different generations – and also the process of both learning from more experienced people, while still defining your own path.
This first interview is with Jamonte Williams - one half of Cl
That’s So Mental: The Clown Paradox with Chad Damiani (Part 1)
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This is the first half of Chad’s interview with Ilana Cohn Sullivan and Cristina Fernandez, hosts of the That’s So Mental podcast (also former students). The second half of this interview will appear on their feed on May 6th. Subscribe through the links below:
THAT'S SO MENTAL (APPLE PODS)
THAT'S SO MENTAL (SPOTIFY)
C
How to Thrive in Chaos, Entrances and the Dangers of Being Precious
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!
NETFLIX IS A JOKE PRESENTS: STAND UP AND CLOWN (5/04) is just around the corner. The show is opening up the festival for the Elysian – right after Natalie Palamides does her brand-new WIP show. We’ve got a lot of fun surprises planned for this one – and the cast includes Melissa Villaseñor (SNL) and Steven Castillo.
The Clown Boss covers a lot of ground in this solo po
The Clown in Crisis (Connor Storrie on SNL)
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!
STAND UP AND CLOWN (3/30) is one-week from the day this podcast drops! It’s another wild trios show – with a lot of comics doing clown for the very first time. The cast includes Learnmore Jonasi (AGT), viral music sensation Carter Veil, Zach Holmes (Jackass), Rachel Bonnetta (Sports Bitches) and many more! Get your tickets!
The Clown Boss takes a look at Connor Storrie
Daily Journal: Connor Storrie, Savoring the Moment and Devoted Deception
FOLLOW CHAD ON INSTAGRAM -- and check out his classes/shows on LINKTREE!
The Clown Boss is back with another daily journal episode!
Chad covers a lot of ground in this one. Chapter one includes insights on his former student Connor Storrie and what his success means for modern clown; chapter two details the mistakes new clowns make when first building pieces; and chapter three discusses another r
The Joy is Worth the Suffering
Like this podcast? Share it with a friend and help spread the word of clown. FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows!
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast deals with issues of grief, death and loss.
It’s Chad’s yearly grief-inspired clown podcast! Chad unpacks a phrase he often uses when teaching - “the joy is worth the suffering” – and
Devising and Pre-Show Games: Notes from Niagara Falls.
Like this podcast? Share it with a friend and help spread the word of modern clown. FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows! INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!The longest solo pod ever? Chad does daily journal entries from the Fallsview Casino and Resort in Niagara Falls. He details how he continues to work on his act, while performing with Piff The Magic Dragon’s A
2026 Refresher: What is Modern Clown?
FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows! INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!In this solo pod, Chad takes a step back and gives a basic refresher on modern clown. This one is jam-packed with discussion of clown principles and the motivations that make this work unique and dynamic.SHOWS - IN LA AND SAN FRANOn February 1st, Chad is bringing STAND UP AND CLOWN to SF Sket
Clown Games, Subversion and Playing Stand-Up Shows
FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows! Find links in the episode notes.INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!The first episode of 2026! Chad is still exploring doing daily journals on a variety of topics (as he figures out his next series of interviews). In this solo pod, he talks about how clowns tell stories that share a lot of DNA with professional sports, talks ab
Holiday Grab Bag: Versatility, Authenticity and Listening for Laughs
FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows! Find links in the episode notes.INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!The last episode of 2025! In this solo pod, Chad presents two different journal entries. Each deals with a different topic. How can applying clown to multiple kinds of comedy help expand your understanding of the work? When is it a good time to leave room for l
Getting Them To Love You
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!The longest solo of 2025! Chad talks about recent happenings in his personal life -- where he realized he needed to think more like a clown. In the second half of the episode, Chad does a deep dive into the mercurial nature of a clown's relationship with an audience – and offers some practical tips on how to maximize the experience for both sides.NEW LA CLASSES COMING I
Questions a Clown Should Ask
FOLLOW Chad on IG to keep up-to-date on classes and shows!INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!Chad is finally back with another solo pod! He catches listeners up on his last few months of clowning around the world, then talks about the questions he asks himself after a show.LAST CLASS OF 2025!Chad is teaching one more round of DISRUPTOR at UCB on December 13-14. As of this posting, there are four spots le
How Improv Helped Create the LA Clown Scene
The return of STAND UP AND CLOWN is a month away! The only show brave enough to save comedy is back on September 29th – with the return of HDTGM’s Paul Scheer! There are only three shows left this year – come be part of the chaos.9/29 TICKETS HEREChad is back with a solo pod. This one has a little bit of everything – including a detailed breakdown of how LA Clown benefited from the improv boom of
Limitations
Chad is on the road for the next couple months – so no classes or shows (in the US). If you are looking for more content, don’t forget about the CLOWNBOSS PATREON!The Clown Boss is back with a discussion of limitations. What do we do about the things we cannot control? The failures that speak to a greater truth about our current lives – and result in us not having the options we desire. Chad talk
Discomfort, Part Three
Chad is on the road for the next couple months – so no classes are shows. If you are looking for more content, don’t forget about the CLOWNBOSS PATREON!The Clown Boss is back with part three of his exploration of discomfort. Chad talks about employing rituals before shows, the importance of exposing ourselves to discomfort and how those exercises can open up all kinds of new possibilities.HELP US
Discomfort, Part Two
Chad is on the road for the next couple months – so no classes are shows. If you are looking for more content, don’t forget about the CLOWNBOSS PATREON!(TW: Brief discussion of grief and death)The Clown Boss is back with part two of his exploration of discomfort. Chad recalls a recent show where the discomfort level was off-the-charts, then discusses how exposure and mindset play a role in develo
Discomfort, Part One
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back with its final show of the summer on June 30th! It’s a star-studded lineup with Natalie Palamides, Milana Vayntrub, Jon Gabrus, Avital Ash and Bill O’Neill! Don’t miss this epic show!GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!CLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly audio/video bonus content!(TW: Discussion of grief, death and drug abuse)The Clown Boss is back with part on
Self-Reflection (Notes from Austin)
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back for its final date of the summer! Monday, June 30th at 930pm! It’s a star-studded lineup with Natalie Palamides, Milana Vayntrub, Jon Gabrus, Avital Ash and Bill O’Neill! Don’t miss this epic show!GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!CLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly audio/video bonus content!The Clown Boss is back with another loaded episode! Chad discusses t
Envy and Jealousy
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back for a big Memorial Day show on May 26th! Riki Lindhome! Shapel Lacey! Hannah Pilkes! Brandon Rogers (Brandon Bored)! Steve Hernandez! Don’t miss this epic show!GET YOUR TICKETS HERECLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly bonus content!The Clown Boss is back with an extra-long solo episode! He talks about performers dealing with envy and jealousy. Both
Grandiosity
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back for a big Memorial Day show on May 26th! We’ve already booked first-timer Shapel Lacey and SUAC favorite Steve Hernandez! Get your tickets before it sells out!GET YOUR TICKETS HERECLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly bonus content!The Clown Boss talks about playing with Grandiosity, his recent clown devising trip to NYC, answers some listener email
Highs and Lows
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back on April 28th! It’s an amazing show with the return of EDDIE PEPITONE! Also, Brandon Wardell, Mike Mitchell, Mookie Blaiklock, Tien Tran and Nori Reed.4/28 TICKETS HERE!CLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly bonus content!The Clown Boss explores highs and lows, both on-stage and in life. Plus, some stories from the road and a little discussion about g
Deep Water (The Art of Building a Long Clown Show)
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back on April 28th! It’s an amazing show with the return of EDDIE PEPITONE! Also, Brandon Wardell, Mike Mitchell, Tien Tran and Nori Reed.4/28 TICKETS HERE!CLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly bonus content!The Clown Boss is back with a solo episode recorded from the road. When you first start doing clown, a lot of time is put into learning when to make
Burden of Originality
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back on April 28th! It’s an amazing show with the return of EDDIE PEPITONE! Also, Brandon Wardell, Mike Mitchell, Tien Tran and Nori Reed.4/28 TICKETS HERE!CLOWNBOSS PATREON link here!The Clown Boss is back with another solo pod! This time, Chad talks about some of the challenges of creating original work.ATLANTA - 4/11-4/14ENROLL HERE! Also, get your tickets for
Connection, Part Two
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is TONIGHT! At the time of this pod’s publication, tickets were still available. It’s our three-year anniversary show – with Morgan Jay, Mike Mitchell, Mackenzie Barmen, Michael Strassner, Catherine Mccafferty and Demi Adejuyigbe.TICKETS HERECLOWNBOSS PATREON link here!The Clown Boss is back with another solo pod! This is a follow-up to last week’s episode, exploring
Connection, Part One
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is happening in one week! It’s our THREE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Please come out and support. TICKETS HEREThe Clown Boss is back with another solo pod! Chad starts his series on connection by talking his time in pro wrestling – and how they empower audiences to participate in every aspect of a live show. He tells a story about one of his favorite career moments as an announ
Growing Pains and SXSW
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is about to have its THREE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY! This is the show that inspired this podcast! Comics are directed through their first-ever clown show by the Clown Boss – and must explore their dumbest impulses to win over the audience. This show is absolutely loaded, with Cameron Esposito, Morgan Jay, Demi Adejuyigbe and more! TICKETS HEREThe Clown Boss is back with anoth
Failure, Part Three (And Other Gems)
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is about to have its THREE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Come celebrate the clown show that declared war on stand-up… and continues to convert new comics to the joy of suffering. This show is absolutely loaded, with Cameron Esposito, Morgan Jay, Demi Adejuyigbe and more! TICKETS HEREThe Clown Boss returns with another full-length solo pod! Chad delves deeper into failure, discuss
Clown Notes from Toronto
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is tonight! February 24, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! This line-up is epic! Steph Tolev (Netflix, Filth Queen tour) returns after doing our first-ever show, UCB royalty Colton Dunn (Superstore), show favorites Luke Null (SNL) and Paul Elia (Low-Key Comedy)... and more!TICKETS HERE!The Clown Boss returns with another solo pod! This is a shorter episode, but packed wit
Clown Fundamentals: Failure, Part Two
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is right around the corner! February 24, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! This line-up is epic! Steph Tolev (Netflix, Filth Queen tour) returns after doing our first-ever show, UCB royalty Colton Dunn (Superstore), show favorites Luke Null (SNL) and Paul Elia (Low-Key Comedy)... and more!TICKETS HERE!The Clown Boss returns with the solo pod, Failure, Part Two! This time
Clown Fundamentals: Failure, Part One
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back! February 24, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! This line-up is epic! Steph Tolev (Netflix, Filth Queen tour) returns after doing our first-ever show, UCB royalty Colton Dunn (Superstore), show favorites Luke Null (SNL) and Paul Elia (Low-Key Comedy)... and more!TICKETS HERE!The Clown Boss has another solo episode. To start the year, Chad is focusing on some clown
Courage and Risk, Part One
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back at the end of this month! February 24, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! You’ll want to get your tickets before we announce our all-star lineup.TICKETS HERE!The Clown Boss is back with a solo episode! Chad talks about the relative nature of courage and risk, as it pertains to clown and improvisation. It’s good to play to your strengths, but often the key to gettin
James Mastraieni, Part One
The Clown Boss is back with his first interview of 2025! He’s speaking with teacher, improviser and comedy philosopher James Mastraieni! James has reached the highest levels of success at various major theaters – but has also battled management at every one, in an effort to maintain his authentic voice and honor his beliefs. He now runs his own classes and shows through The Shared Experience Studi
Tales of Clown Disaster
If you wanna help out Public Displays of Altadena, check out their GoFundMe pageYou can also follow them here for more updates:Public Displays of Altadena (@pda_space)Another solo episode! A little talk about the wildfires and how they’ve affected the clown community in LA, but mostly old stories about clown moments in non-clown shows – and how we can learn from them.CLOWN BOSS TOUR 2025Friday, Ja
Idioms and the Virtue of Nonsense
Chad will be doing his WIP show on JANUARY 9TH at 930pm! He is also heading to BALTIMORE, BETHLEHEM and PHILADELPHIA for the second half of January.Dates for classes and shows listed below!Another solo episode from The Clown Boss! In this one, Chad discusses how he uses idioms to create prompts in classes and shows. This leads to a deep dive into playing abstract ideas. How can clowns create non
100th Episode!
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is on hiatus for a couple months! Chad will be doing his WIP show on JANUARY 9TH, 930pm at the Elysian Theater in Los Angels. Then he’s leaving LA to teach and perform on the east coast.The Clown Boss celebrates episode 100 by talking about the clown lessons he’s taken away from doing the podcast, how the presence of an authority in play helps short-circuit the brain
Year End Thoughts
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is on hiatus! Chad will be doing his WIP show in early January (the last few have sold out), but then he’s leaving LA to teach and perform on the east coast (dates listed below)The Clown Boss returns with another solo episode. This one covers a number of related topics, as Chad discusses what’s on his mind as he begins his holiday break. There’s a discussion of grief
Unlearning
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back on December 16th at 930pm. The cast includes Luke Null (SNL), Zach Zucker (Stamptown) and more!12/16 STAND UP AND CLOWN (THE ELYSIAN)The Clown Boss returns with another solo episode. This time around, he talks about the concept of unlearning – and how it can bring more surprises and joy to your shows.ARTICLE ON LEFT BRAIN AND RIGHT BRAIN DEBATESHARE THIS POD
BOOKENDS: Change and The Path of Least Resistance
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is tonight! Monday, November 25th at 930pm. The cast includes Melissa Villaseñor (SNL), Nick Thune, Justine Marino, Chris Thayer and more!!11/25 STAND UP AND CLOWN (ELYSIAN THEATER)The Clown Boss returns with a new kind of solo episode. As Chad continues to work on his book, he’s starting to review old writing and podcasts — adding more context, revising ideas and loo
The Writer, The Director and The Fool, Part One
Monday, November 25th is STAND UP AND CLOWN! The cast includes Melissa Villaseñor (SNL), Nick Thune, Justine Marino, Chris Thayer and more!11/25 STAND UP AND CLOWN (ELYSIAN THEATER)The Clown Boss returns with another solo episode. Chad discusses how clowns balance their desire to write and direct with being open and present in the moment of creating work. SHARE THIS POD AND SPREAD THE WORD!CHECK O
Natasha Mercado Returns, Part One
Monday, November 25th is STAND UP AND CLOWN! The cast includes Melissa Villaseñor (SNL), Nick Thune, Justine Marino, Christina Catherine Martinez and more!11/25 STAND UP AND CLOWN (ELYSIAN THEATER)The Clown Boss interviews clown, teacher and collaborator NATASHA MERCADO! Chad has worked with Natasha for many years – and recently co-directed her second solo show #1 SON, which did a full-run at The
Rough Play, Part One
Monday, November 25th is STAND UP AND CLOWN! We’ll be announcing the cast soon, but we’ve got some very fun surprises planned. Get your tickets early!11/25 STAND UP AND CLOWN (ELYSIAN THEATER)The Clown Boss is back with another solo episode! This time, Chad discusses the idea of rough play – shows that purposely court danger, hurl insults and tackle difficult topics. The episode was inspired by th
The Reshma Interview, Part One
Monday, October 28th is STAND UP AND CLOWN’s Halloween Spooktacular! Riki Lindhome, Chloe Radcliffe, Anna Akana, Janet Varney and Freak Nature Puppets! Do not miss this show!STAND UP AND CLOWN HALLOWEEN SHOW 10/28A little something different! Chad was recently interviewed by past guest and delightful clown RESHMA. She is working on something called The IKEA project. Reshma is talking to people abo
Focus, Part One
Like this podcast? Share it with a friend. Chad is also starting to book travel dates to teach and perform in 2025! Reach out to Chad on IG (@thechaddamiani) and see if there’s a way to bring some clown to your town.The Clown Boss is back with a solo episode about FOCUS! Chad discusses how live comedy shows can do a better job making sure the audience knows where to look and why — and how that at
Seeing the Audience, Part Two
Like this podcast? Share it with a friend. Chad is also starting to book travel dates to teach and perform next year! Reach out to Chad on IG (@thechaddamiani) and see if there’s a way to bring some clown to your town. Chad is back with part two of seeing the audience! This episode talks more about breaking the fourth wall when playing with a scene partner. How can you serve the narrative, the rel
Seeing the Audience, Part One
Like this podcast? Share it with a friend. Want more clown in your town? Reach out to Chad on IG (@thechaddamiani) and ask about his traveling and teaching programs.Chad is back with another solo episode! A lot of people struggle to stay connected to the audience because they find looking at them awkward and unnatural – but that’s conditioned behavior that can be unlearned over time. Chad discusse
Play is a Simulation
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode reflects on grief and loss.Chad is back with another solo episode. The topic: a performer’s relationship with play. Why is it so hard to surrender and enjoy shows fully — when we know the real-life stakes are very low? Chad discusses his journey, including some recent heartbreaks that have reminded him of his biggest breakthroughs as a clown. Wanna see how the clown s
Brianna Ahlmark
This week, Chad interviews former student and clown-about-town BRIANNA AHLMARK. Chad and Bri work together as part of the improvised ensemble FLWLS (pronounced flawless), but Bri has really made waves doing improvised clown at some of LA’s best alt stand-up shows. Bri talks about her journey, including low points during the Covid lockdown, and the process of developing a unique voice on-stage. Sep
Adding Clown to your Improv
Chad returns with another solo episode. This one is based on a question he gets asked all the time (especially after his UCB workshops). How can I add some more clown to my improv? Often, the biggest challenge is getting your teammates onboard with these brand-new ideas. Chad discusses how to do more than just explain what you’re doing. There are a variety of creative (and sneaky) ways to help the
Chris Alvarado
Chad interviews CHRIS ALVARADO. Chris runs Chris Alvarado Workshops and has been improvising for nearly three decades. He is also part of the LA powerhouse team Heyday – which still plays regularly at Santa Monica’s Westside Comedy Theater. But Chris is also on a clown journey, taking classes and creating experimental shows. Chad and Chris pull no punches as they discuss what they like and dislike
Bill O’Neill returns!
BILL O’NEILL makes his return to the podcast. A lot has changed for Bill since his first appearance. He’s now the star of an award-winning solo show The Amazing Banana Brothers, and appears on TV regularly as part of the Wendy's ad campaign. Chad and Bill discuss developing his show, dealing with injuries, creating work, finding balance and our favorite and least favorite trends in the current clo
Joe Mitchell
Chad interviews his longtime friend and performer JOE MITCHELL. Joe is a legend in the current LA Clown scene, having been a core cast member in ensembles like The Murge, After Hours and currently Cruel Babes. Joe is also the host of JOEDOME – a one-of-a-kind show that’s been integral in developing new clowns for over a decade. Chad and Joe discuss Joe’s unlikely artistic journey, ongoing medical
Class Clowns
Chad returns with a solo episode! This time, he discusses the complicated life of class clowns – and how and why they often struggle as clown adults.CHECK OUT CHAD’S LINKTREE for future classes! Some highlights:Chad is teaching his original two-day intensive SAVE THE SHOW on 8/19-20!Chad is putting up his first experimental clown show at UCB on 8/15!Also, catch up on Chad’s SUBSTACKIG: @thechaddam
A Clown’s Guide to YES AND
Chad returns with another solo episode… with an improv twist. He’s breaking down the idea of YES AND… and how it shows the innate differences (and similarities) between improv and clown work. Remember, you can always reach out to Chad on his IG account – @thechaddamiani with questions or subject requests.The show STAND UP AND CLOWN is July 29th! This is one of the biggest lineups we’ve ever had —
Bandit the Clown
Chad returns for a special episode, along with his friend, roommate and fellow clown JOHN WYATT. They discuss the recent passing of Chad’s beloved dog Bandit — and how she deeply influenced his approach to clowning and life. A warning: this episode explores grief and death, not only of pets — but also the loss of Chad’s partner Kiera Goodman.Remember, you can always reach out to Chad on his IG acc
Solo episode: Rhythm
Chad is back with another solo episode! This week, he talks about finding THE RHYTHM of a piece and how it allows you to sync up with the audience. Instead of focusing on ideas, can you prioritize a more primal connection? Chad discusses how considering rhythm can open up some more innovative ways to heighten and explore during a set or show.Remember, you can always reach out to Chad on his IG acc
The Clown Wrestling Connection: Getting Over
Chad is back with another solo episode exploring the clown wrestling connection. This time, he talks about the idea of GETTING OVER – and how “winning” can look a lot of different ways. Remember, you can always reach out to Chad on his IG account – @thechaddamiani with questions or subject requests.CHAD’S SHOWS, CLASSES AND MORE!The show STAND UP AND CLOWN is July 29th! Kumail Nanjiani is schedule
Christina Catherine Martinez returns
Chad interviews his long-time friend and collaborator CHRISTINA CATHERINE MARTINEZ — the podcast’s first return guest. They discuss Christina’s YOUTUBE special, artist residencies and the relationship between modern clown and stand-up.WATCH CHRISTINA’S SPECIAL HERE!How to Bake a Cake in the Digital AgeALL OTHER THINGS XTINA:https://linktr.ee/christinacatherineCHAD’S SHOWS, CLASSES AND MORE!There
The Clown Wrestling Connection: Entrances
Chad is back with another solo episode! This time, he’s discussing the use of entrances in pro wrestling. How can you build momentum and interest before you speak a word on stage? And what kinds of games can you create with a calculated entrance?GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR STAND UP AND CLOWN!Tonight is the night! Melissa Villaseñor! Jon Gabrus! Rachel Scanlon! Mike Mitchell! Fumi Abe! Plus, the retur
The Clown Wrestling Connection: Selling
Chad is back with another solo episode! He’s back doing another pod comparing clown to pro wrestling — with a focus on the carnie term SELLING. What is the difference between committing to scenes and selling them? Chad talks about keeping the audience in mind when creating fictions on stage, so they can buy more deeply into your performance.GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR STAND UP AND CLOWN!We’ve got sup
SOLO POD: Counter Energy
Chad is back with another solo episode! This time, he’s talking about COUNTER ENERGY – creating work that purposely challenges the existing conventions of a particular art form, style or scene. It’s a form of subversion that works well for clowns, especially when they want to perform in non-clown spaces (like stand-up and improv shows). Chad talks about his process and some practices he tries to a
The Clown Wrestling Connection: Kayfabe
Chad is back with another solo episode! He talks about some of the connections he’s made between clown and his time in professional wrestling. This week, it’s the concept of kayfabe - a carnie term that refers to committing to storylines on-and-off screen. If people like these episodes, Chad plans on doing a series.You don’t need to be a wrestling fan to enjoy this one. All haters welcome!GET YOUR
SOLO EPISODE: Am I clowning?
Chad is back with his first solo episode of the year! The podcast asks its guests to define clowning; this episode explores some of the qualities Chad associates with modern clown. Also, some talk about future plans for the pod.CHECK OUT CHAD’S LINKTREE:https://linktr.ee/chad.damianiFind links for his May 24-25 and June 1-2 intensives at UCB. The second one is a brand-new series of drills to furth
Toni Nagy
This week, Chad talks with TONI NAGY. Toni is a one-of-a-kind comedian, dancer and performance artist who tackles difficult topics with a sense of mischief and foolishness. Chad and Toni talk about her unique online presence, performing alt comedy in traditional stand-up spaces, finding comedy later in life and lots and lots of nerdy talk about performance and self. This is a wild one, but very fu
Anne Zander
This week, Chad talks with ANNE ZANDER! Anne is a formally-trained actor who is now thriving as a clown in Portland, Oregon – both performing and teaching, while also raising twins. Anne shares her backstory, discusses her teaching and performance philosophy and her approach to exploring dark and dangerous subjects on the stage. Anne also exposes Chad for taking too much spotlight in a recent clas
Bonnie He
STAND UP AND CLOWN returns on April 29th! Fahim Anwar! Tien Tran! Plus – Chad’s new classes are up for late April and early May (the rest are sold out).This week, Chad talks with clown and teacher BONNIE HE. Bonnie was one of Chad’s earliest students – and has gone on to tour internationally with her silent solo clown show A TERRIBLE SHOW FOR TERRIBLE PEOPLE. Chad and Bonnie reminisce about learni
Tallie Medel
This week, Chad talks with clown, actress, teacher, choreographer and artist TALLIE MEDEL! You might recognize Tallie from the film Everything Everywhere All at Once. She also performs clown in New York City and teaches at BCC (Brooklyn Comedy Collective). Chad and Tallie discuss Tallie’s journey into clown, the New York and LA clown scenes, they take a deep dive into performance philosophy, and j
Zach Zucker
This week, Chad talks with his longtime friend and collaborator ZACH ZUCKER. Zach is the clown mastermind behind STAMPTOWN – a one-of-a-kind international variety show. He’s most known for playing failed comedian Jack Tucker – and is currently running his one-person show at Soho Playhouse in New York through April 13th. Chad and Zach discuss Stamptown (Chad is an ensemble member), do a deep dive i
Karen Hall
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 understa
Juls n’ Lis
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_lisJULS N’ LIS
Dee Marcucci
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
Ian Farley
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/readinessIAN’S IG: @enefarleyTickets are already
Grayson Morris
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 GRAYSONLearn more about Grayson’s current bouffon troupe IL FUNGO:IG: @wtfungoAnd follow Grayson at @morrisgraysonTickets are alr
Hannah Pilkes
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: @hannahpilkesLINKTREE: https:
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