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 avoid. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR STAND UP AND CLOWN! Grab your tickets early for the June show! The la...
Jun 09, 2024•26 min•Ep. 74
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 TICKETS NOW FOR STAND UP AND CLOWN! The show is coming up in just one week! Memorial Day shows ar...
May 20, 2024•21 min•Ep. 73
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.damiani Find links for his May 24-25 and June 1-2 intensives at UCB. The second one is a brand-new series of drills to further explore risk, breaking the rules and connecting with audiences. There are only a few tickets l...
May 13, 2024•22 min•Ep. 72
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 fun! Get your tickets for April 29th! The last STAND UP AND CLOWN sold out and a few unlucky folks did...
Apr 15, 2024•46 min•Ep. 71
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 class show (but, to be fair, it sounds like he was absolutely crushing). And, as always, lots of nerdy c...
Apr 08, 2024•47 min•Ep. 70
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 learning clown during LA’s golden era of improvisation, detail different approaches on how to build bits ...
Apr 02, 2024•54 min•Ep. 69
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 juggling work that pays the bills and feeds the soul. THERE ARE STILL TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR STAND UP ...
Mar 25, 2024•46 min•Ep. 68
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 into the clown strategy and psychology utilized in the show, discuss how they approach subverting sta...
Mar 18, 2024•59 min•Ep. 67
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 understanding musicality as it applies to clown. ALL THINGS KAREN HALL! Learn about Karen’s current shows an...
Mar 11, 2024•56 min•Ep. 66
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_lis JULS N’ LIS IG: @juls_n_lis ALISSA’S IG: @lissosaurus JULIANNA’S IG: @pootychop SUBSCRIBE TO CHAD’S SUBSTACK: ...
Mar 04, 2024•58 min•Ep. 65
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 IG: @deedmarcucci Tickets are going fast for STAND UP AND CLOWN’s March 4th two-year anniversary s...
Feb 27, 2024•56 min•Ep. 64
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/readiness IAN’S IG: @enefarley Tickets are already available for STAND UP AND CLOWN’s March 4th two-year anniversary show. It’s going to be a ver...
Feb 12, 2024•51 min•Ep. 63
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 GRAYSON Learn more about Grayson’s current bouffon troupe IL FUNGO: IG: @wtfungo And follow Grayson at @morrisgrayson Tickets are already available for STAND UP AND CLOWN’s March 4th two-year anniversary show. It’s going to be a v...
Feb 06, 2024•54 min•Ep. 62
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: @hannahpilkes LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/hannahpilkes GET YOUR TICKETS TO SEE RORY AND CHAD! The last show was epic and they’ve...
Jan 29, 2024•55 min•Ep. 61
WE ARE HAPPY TO BE BACK! This week, Chad talks with comedian and magician NICK PAUL. Nick has toured all over the world doing magic, as well as consulting for TV and film. They discuss the similarities and differences between clown and magic, creating comedy for different crowds and how to balance creating new material with stuff that works. LEARN MORE ABOUT NICK! And get a copy of his book “Magically Introverted” (It’s also available on Audible) IG: @nickpaulmagic WEBSITE: https://www.nickpaul....
Jan 15, 2024•58 min•Ep. 60
HAPPY NEW YEAR, CLOWNS! Chad is still on break, but we put together a short bonus episode with new clips from former guests CAMIRIN FARMER and ANDEL SUDIK. Regular interviews will be returning very soon. STAND UP AND CLOWN is back on January 22nd! We’re going to have lots of comedy music royalty on this show – including Wolves of Glendale, Morgan Jay and Luke Null! 1/22: https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/standupandclown CHAD IS TEACHING IN JANUARY! It’s been a few months, but Chad will be doi...
Jan 03, 2024•22 min•Ep. 59
Chad interviews clown and burlesque performer KIKI MAROON! Kiki has been a fixture on the burlesque scene for over a decade — doing both traditional and comedy pieces. Chad and Kiki discuss the intersection of clown and burlesque, giving audiences profound experiences through comedy and the dangers of defining yourself by your art. STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is finishing up it’s second year with one final show on Monday, December 18th, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! As of this recording, the c...
Dec 10, 2023•57 min•Ep. 58
Chad interviews veteran improviser and teacher JIM WOODS! Jim has done it all in improv — including stints overseas — and currently helps run WGIS (World’s Greatest Improv School) with past guest Will Hines and Sarah Claspell. Jim has recently started studying clown work and discusses the positive and negatives. There are stories of bad shows, discussions of the current state of improv and lots of reflection about being older and surrounded by young artists. STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is fini...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 57
Chad interviews clown performer TYLER WEST! Tyler West is based out of New York and has performed at venues like The Box, The House of Yes, The Slipper Room and Stamptown. Chad and Tyler discuss the difference between Cirque-style pieces and lots of the clown work in LA, developing acts in front of burlesque audiences and some fundamental tools that young clowns often forget. Also, lots of stories from both in a very fun interview. STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at...
Nov 27, 2023•59 min•Ep. 56
Chad interviews teaching artist and veteran improviser ANDEL SUDIK. Andel took Chad’s clown intensive earlier this year and has doubled-down on her exploration of the work (which she’s dabbled in for years). They cover a ton of topics, including the current challenges facing clown and improv, teaching students to be authentic and not getting stuck in roles on-stage that don’t excite you. Also, lots of stories. STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! ...
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 55
Chad interviews clown, teacher, actor and improviser KRISTEN SCHIER. Chad and Kristen discuss the Portland clown scene and Chad’s recent trip up to teach and perform. They also talk about combining clown and improv, self-doubt, the challenge of challenging oneself and much more… STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on November 27th. Already booked for the show are Alice Wetterlund and Eddie Pepitone! 11/27: https://shorturl.at/gJO...
Nov 06, 2023•53 min•Ep. 54
Chad interviews his friend, collaborator and current star of Spiegelworld’s THE HOOK at Caesars in Atlantic City — SCOUT DURWOOD. A fun conversation about status, nudity and sexuality in clown, the keys to interacting with audiences, creative goals and lots of stories. STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on October 30th (it’s a Halloween show!) – already signed on for this one are Cameron Esposito, Moses Storm, Jon Daly, Brooks W...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 53
Chad interviews improv royalty WILL HINES. Will is the author of “How to be the Greatest Improviser on Earth” and runs WGIS (World’s Greatest Improv School) – but is starting to experiment with clown work. We discuss his journey into a new art form, the current states of clown and improv and Chad offers clown advice (both solicited and otherwise). STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on October 30th (it’s a Halloween show!) – alre...
Oct 23, 2023•58 min•Ep. 52
Chad interviews Playspace hosts and co-creators RACHEL HO and PAUL SCHLESINGER! Rachel and Paul are two on-the-rise clowns in LA – and have built a very unique community around their weekly clown jam at The Elysian Theater in Los Angeles. We discuss their recipe for success and humble beginnings in clown. STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on October 30th (it’s a Halloween show!) – already signed on for this one are Cameron Espo...
Oct 18, 2023•58 min•Ep. 51
Chad interviews clown and owner of Toronto’s Sweet Action Theatre GORDON NEILL. They discuss the origins of the theater and its focus on clown work. They also discuss Chad’s recent Toronto classes and shows – and how the Canadian clown scene continues to grow. STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on October 30th (it’s a Halloween show!) – already signed on for this one are Cameron Esposito and Danielle Perez! 10/30: https://tinyur...
Oct 09, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 50
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back on Monday, October 30th for a Halloween Spooktacular! Check the episode notes for links on classes and my new Substack. In this solo pod, Chad talks about setting up rules of engagement in shows and how they differ in clown and improv. STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on October 30th (it’s a Halloween show!) – already signed on for this one are Cameron Esposito and Danielle Perez! 10/30: h...
Oct 02, 2023•27 min•Ep. 49
Chad interviews his regular collaborator and friend CAMIRIN FARMER! It’s a great discussion of clown work, being influenced by other training, personal philosophies and so much more… STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is on the release date of this pod - Monday, September 25th! Camirin Farmer, Danny Jolles, Liam Cullagh, Danielle Perez, Dylan Adler, Kyle Mizono AND SURPRISE GUESTS! 9/25: http://tinyurl.com/ypsk378u Here’s Chad’s ne...
Sep 25, 2023•59 min•Ep. 48
In this solo pod, Chad goes deeper into examining rules of restriction and how they affect the end product in clown and improvisation. STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is September 25th! Michael Longfellow (SNL), Danny Jolles, Liam Cullagh, Danielle Perez, Dylan Adler, Kyle Mizon AND SURPRISE GUESTS! 9/25: http://tinyurl.com/ypsk378u Here’s Chad’s new substack! Regular posts beginning this month!: SUBSTACK: https://tinyurl.com/25...
Sep 18, 2023•27 min•Ep. 47
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is September 25th! Already announced for the show — Michael Longfellow (SNL) and Danielle Perez (Comedy Central). 9/25: http://tinyurl.com/ypsk378u HAVE A POD QUESTION OR COMMENT? DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani Chad interviews the director of Chicago’s Hot Clown Company, EVAN RICHTER! Evan discussed building a clown company and an independent scene from scratch. Also, lots of fun discourse about t...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 46
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) takes place last Mondays, 930pm at The Elysian Theater! The next show is September 25th! 9/25: http://tinyurl.com/ypsk378u HAVE A POD QUESTION OR COMMENT? DM CHAD ON IG: @thechaddamiani In this solo episode, Chad starts to break down the role of rules and tools in clown improv – and how they ultimately affect the final product on-stage. The first part of a longer conversation. Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for shows and classes https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani Here’s Chad...
Sep 05, 2023•30 min•Ep. 45
