Hey guys, so I have a bit of an unorthodox career aspiration - I would love to be a professional clown. To fulfill this dream, I'm looking to attend a clown college, but I want to make sure I'm going to a reputable one. The problem is, I'm not quite sure how to determine which are the best. Could anyone recommend any renowned clown colleges? Any guidance is appreciated, thank you!
Firstly, it's wonderful to see someone pursuing a unique career aspiration like becoming a professional clown! It's definitely an exciting path.
As for attending a clown college, there are several places you might consider. One of the well-regarded entry points into the profession is the "École Nationale Supérieure des Arts de la Marionnette" (ESNAM) in France. While it's not exclusively a clown college, it's a three-year program that offers a wide range of skills desirable for a clown, such as movement, clowning, voice, puppetry, dramaturgy etc.
Another school to consider is the "École Philippe Gaulier" in France, a prestigious institute where students from all over the world come to study theatre under the renowned clown and theatre instructor, Philippe Gaulier.
"Circomedia" in Bristol, UK, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Circus with Physical Theatre. This program takes a more contemporary approach to clowning, integrating it with a range of other physical performance disciplines.
Finally, within the United States, there's "Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre" in California. Their program offers training in physical theatre which includes commedia dell'arte, a form of theatre characterized by masked types which started in Italy and features some of the characteristics and discipline needed for professional clowning.
Each of these schools has a unique approach to the art of clowning and other aspects of physical theatre. You might want to begin by researching these options and seeing which aligns more with your aspirations!
One thing is crucial to bear in mind - much like any form of art, being a clown is not just about the school or the program you attend. It's about honing in on your unique style, practicing your skills regularly, and embracing an ongoing journey of artistic development. Good luck!
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