Clown Workshops & Classes
Learn the art of beautiful failure and unbridled joy with me!
Clowning isn't just for performers and actors - it's a transformative practice that can benefit people from all walks of life. Whether you're a business professional looking to improve public speaking and creativity, an educator seeking new ways to engage students, a healthcare worker aiming to bring more levity to your practice, or simply someone wanting to rediscover play and spontaneity in your life, clown classes offer unique opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
When I became a clown teacher, I knew I had achieved a major milestone in one of my life's callings: to share the art and philosophy of clowning. Through clowning, humans learn to embrace vulnerability, celebrate ourselves, and find joy in failure - skills that are valuable far beyond the stage.I am a certified clown teacher (The Clown School) and have taught classes in San Diego, Chicago, Philadelphia, NYC, and in the virtual world. I studied the art of Teaching Clown, guided by the Clown School’s Founding and Artistic Director, David Bridel. In my training, I examined the history of the clown, strove to understand the discipline deeply, studied exercises and learned their purpose, understood the fundamental principles and archetypes of clowning, identified current trends in the field, and developed my personal approach to teaching. Prior to gaining my certification, I trained with teachers from Cirque de Soleil, Theater Unspeakable, the Neo-Futurists, Viola Spolin’s improvisational technique, the Ringling Brothers, and Commedia dell'arte master Antonio Fava.
I was interviewed and filmed by San Diego local NPR's KPBS Education reports about teaching and performing as a clown in San Diego. Check out the coverage here.
Below are some recorded talks, and resources on clown you can check out!
For more on clown workshops I’m leading in the future, check out my linktree to stay up to date!
Recently taught classes
7-week Clown School’s course Fundamentals of Clown at San Diego’s Diversionary Theatre
4-week Clown School’s course Clown and Traditions in Judaism online
The Clown’s Compass workshop at NYC’s Clown Gym
4-week UnYeshiva’s Becoming Your Sacred Shmuck course online
Clown School’s Permission to Play weekend workshop at Philly’s Deep End Studios
Finding Your Fool workshop at Philly’s ComedySportz
Embodying Your Animal workshop at NJ summer camp Fiddleheart Academy
Dan Schifrin: theatre artist, performer, and playwright
“As a playwright working within a clowning framework, I took Danielle's class to help me get more in touch with my inner clown. I have to say it's hard work to smile on command, and develop the quicksilver emotional reflexes to pivot between emotions and physical stances. It was a joy to learn both the art and science of the clowning repertoire, and I look forward to my next class!”
Alice Eve Cohen: playwright, solo theater artist, and memoirist
“Danielle Levsky is a hilarious and philosophical clown and a wonderful teacher. I had the good fortune to take her online clown workshop, and it was a total joy. Though I’m a complete beginner in clowning, I immediately felt comfortable and uninhibited, thanks to her supportive guidance. She taught the workshop with the perfect balance of clown history and experiential performing exercises. Danielle is super smart, very funny, and deeply caring, qualities that make her a marvelous clown and an excellent teacher.”
Student Testimonials
Evan Wray, Clown 1 San Diego student
“I can't speak highly enough about the class. I felt like I was allowed to play for the first time since I was a kid. That freedom has already made be a better performer in my other endeavors, but more importantly, it's made daily life fun and new in a way I never thought I'd get to experience again.“
Brittany Wood, Epidemiologist, Clown 1 San Diego student
“I felt nervous to sign up for a clown class as I thought it would be quite a big leap out of my comfort zone, but I am so glad I did. I had no idea of the depth behind clowning and how it is truly about being vulnerable and taking emotions you have and blowing them up to 1000%. I appreciated the opportunity to take risks in a safe space and to connect with others undergoing a similar self-exploration. Danielle’s passion for clowning is quite evident and she has inspired me to want to learn more about this little-known craft and world. In my life now, I feel I am a little bit more willing to show my silly side, I am more in tune with my emotions, and I am more observant of the way people around me are interacting with each other.“
Rebecca Begonias, Therapist, Permission to Play Philadelphia student
“Permission to Play felt transformational! Danielle taught us that clowning is all about connection- to oneself, to the audience, to the fellow clowns. I feel that connection more deeply throughout my life in my personal relationships as well as my work in healthcare. During the course of the weekend, I felt grounded in a profound way, which I didn't think was possible given my history of stage-fright. Danielle has the ability to create a real feeling of safety- emotionally and physically. And from that really grounded starting point, it feels so much easier to be brave and silly and try new things. There's something so special about engaging in pure, child-like play as an adult. Creativity flows, failure happens, and it's fun! It's SO much fun! I would recommend this workshop to anyone who'd like to let their inner critic take a vacation.”
Let’s put a clown class on your organization’s roster.
Contact me today to bring the joy and wisdom of clowning to your institution! Whether you're a theatre company, community center, school, or any organization looking to explore creativity, teambuilding, and personal growth, clown classes can offer unique benefits.
Email danielle.levsky@gmail.com or call (312) 354-0820 to discuss how we can tailor a clown workshop for your needs.