Intro to Modern Clown (1-Day Intensive) - February 7th

February 7, 2026
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

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:

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.

 

Chase is a fearless improviser with a sharp sense of humour and a deep grounding in clown dramaturgy. He’s a warm, sensitive, and rigorous teacher who cares deeply not only about his students’ learning journeys, but about the state of clown pedagogy itself. He’s constantly experimenting with new exercises, innovating within the form and pushing it beyond a strictly clown-centric box, opening the work to new expressive comedic forms. He’s simply one of the best clown teachers and performers in the city. Highly recommend watching him perform and taking his classes.

— Adam Paolozza, Actor, Director, Teacher & Artistic Director, Bad New Days Theatre

 

 

With warmth, care, and real skill, Chase creates a welcoming and stimulating space to explore beyond our habits and reconnect with spontaneity. It feels less like an invitation and more like a permission to be. The workshop supported me in finding my way back to a childlike, playful exploration, allowing me to take risks with spontaneity and with others.

— Isabelle Meline, Gestalt Therapist & Workshop Participant

 

What I love most about Chase’s approach is that he encourages you to find what works for you. He’s deeply empathetic and clearly cares about every person in the room, while also bringing a level of organization and consistency that’s rare. I don’t think I could have found a better teacher than Chase to dive into the clown world. Through the work, I’m slowly finding the confidence to be weird on stage.

— Ankur Kaushal, Performer & Goofing Student

 

Chase creates a space where it feels safe to take risks. Even when I lack confidence, I never feel alone out on the floor. His skills are multi-disciplinary and solid, and I love his classes, even though they are challenging.

— Carol Wilson, Goofing Workshop Student (2 workshops)