Intro to Modern Clown (1-Day Intensive) - February 7th
- Date: February 7th, 2026
- Time: 1 PM - 5 PM
- Venue: Avenue Road Music and Performance Academy - 460 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON, M4V 2J1.
This 4-hour crash course in modern clowning is really a deep dive into you—your goofy, vulnerable, delightfully ridiculous self. No red nose, no circus act. Just the clown that already lives inside you. Drawing inspiration from the Lecoq method, Gaulier’s philosophy, and contemporary Idiot work, this intensive blends physical play, improvisation, and audience connection to help you unlock your most honest and hilarious self. Through solo and group exercises, we’ll explore how to be fully present, take bold risks, and turn failure into fun. You don’t need any performance experience to join—this class is open to all. Whether you’re an actor, musician, dancer, comic, curious beginner, or just want to try something new, you’ll be met exactly where you’re at. We’ll use improvisations, games, and moments of real presence to find your clown—not a character you create, but the silly, vulnerable version of you that emerges when you stop trying to be funny and just are. If the audience is laughing, your clown is in the room. If they’re not, we’ll go looking.
What We’ll Explore:
- Being truly live—responsive to the audience and the moment
- Failing (and making that funny)
- Physical comedy, rhythm, stillness, and exaggeration
- Voice, silence, surprise, and honest play
- Inviting the audience into the game (with permission!)
- Letting go of “trying to be funny” and uncovering what already is
- Building your personal clown vocabulary through risk and discovery
- Using improvisation as a tool for connection and discovery
Come ready to fail joyfully, laugh deeply, and uncover a whole new side of yourself.About Chase: Chase Jeffels is a graduate of École Jacques Lecoq and the Laboratoire d'Étude du Mouvement (Laboratory of Movement Study) in Paris, France. He also trained under the guidance of renowned clown master Philippe Gaulier (teacher of Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Thompson). Gaulier had this to say about Chase’s work (imagine it in a thick French accent): “I do not like very much Canada, but I like what you do.” Chase has also studied with a host of other notable teachers in clown, bouffon, and idiot work, including Aitor Basauri, John Gilkey, Chad Damiani, Kevin Krieger, Deanna Fleysher, Jaime Mears, Ken Hall, Isaac Kessler, and Gordon Neill. Additionally, he completed the three-year classical theatre conservatory program at George Brown Theatre School. As an actor and comedian, Chase’s work spans film, television, and theatre. He has performed across Canada, France, and China. Chase is one half of the dynamic duo West 2 West, celebrated for their innovative blend of sketch, clown, and improv comedy. In his solo endeavors, Chase continues to push the boundaries of comedy, merging improv, sketch, and a unique fusion of stand-up and clown. His work bridges the gap between mainstream comedy and the art of clowning, showcasing his passion for creative performance.