The Art of Modern Clown with Goldy
Curious About Clown?
When many people hear the word clown, a few familiar images pop up: the circus, kids’ birthdays, red noses, white makeup, big floppy shoes. Pop culture hasn’t helped much either—thanks to things like IT, Terrifier, or Juggalos, clowning can feel a little… misunderstood.
But there is so much more to clown than most people realize.
Clown is often considered one of the oldest forms of comedy, with roots stretching back thousands of years—some say as far as 2400 BC in ancient Egypt. Across cultures and throughout history, clowns, fools, tricksters, and jesters have held a special place in society. They appear in myths and rituals, in royal courts and village squares, and in Indigenous traditions such as the Heyoka of the Sioux and the Pueblo Kachina.
Historically, the clown has played a sacred role:
to turn things upside down, to break the rules, and to show us what’s not working—by doing it “wrong.”
As one description puts it:
A clown shows how to do ordinary things the wrong way. By doing ordinary things the wrong way, the clown reveals the world in a new light.
That said—don’t worry.
This class will not be heady or overly philosophical.
For two hours, we’re going to be dumb, playful, and vulnerable. We’ll explore this unique art form through games and physical exercises I’ve gathered over 12+ years of practice. Expect laughter, awkwardness, surprises, and moments of genuine connection.
This workshop is open to total beginners and experienced performers alike. It’s a physical class, so please wear comfortable clothes you can move in. No red noses required—but you’re encouraged to wear or bring something a little silly if you’d like.
What to Expect:
Practicing connection through eye-gazing
Working and expanding your “play muscles”
Exploring concepts like fixed point and tableau
Making lots of mistakes—and learning how to succeed by embracing them
Fun, game-based exercises designed to get you out of your head and into the moment
A small, informal showcase for ourselves at the end (time permitting)
Come be curious. Come be ridiculous. Come play.
Goldy Yason is 14 year veteran of the Toronto Clown and Improv comedy scene. A former president of a socially anxious Toastmasters Club, An actor, film-maker, storyteller, host, and sometimes burlesque dancer. Years ago he jumped into a Second City drop-in to become more social and push himself outside his comfort zone and ended up becoming addicted to the performing arts. He is known for being a former regular cast of The Lunacy Cabaret, and more recently a part of award-winning Fringe touring Sweet and Sultry. He has been in festivals like Sh’Bang, helped to produce shows like 10 000 Digits of Pi and Bitty Bat that have toured and seen success in The Edinburgh Fringe. And produced his own clown storytelling show; Sweet Nights of Tales and Utters. Goldy is a regular, sometimes organizer, and OG member of Sweet Action Theater; “Toronto’s home for the ridiculous”