Blog

A beach in Puerto Rico, shortly after Category 5 Hurricane Maria made landfall

Climate Emergency and Displacement

What makes something a crisis? Is it the scale? Or the severity? Or maybe it’s the duration? Climate crisis includes all three of these factors: It affects billions of people and every ecosystem on the planet, and a forthcoming Intergovernmental … Continue reading

Little boy holds lots of hats

Human Rights Day 2020

December 10th is Human Rights Day, commemorating the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark United Nations document specifies that all people have the same inalienable rights, regardless of background, origin, or other difference. This year’s theme, “Recover … Continue reading

Ecuador 2019

First of May Part 3: Josie Mae, Leora Sapon-Shevin, and Eric Rubin

Hear from artists Josie Mae, Leora Sapon-Shevin, and (new board member!) Eric Rubin as they reflect on their First of May experiences—in this case, their first CWB tours! This interview is part of our Clowns In Conversation series, which lives on … Continue reading

All the clowns say "Ta-Da!"

First of May Part 2: Dustin Allen, Melissa Aston, and Ania Upstill

In the American circus, “first of May” refers to someone who is in their first season with the circus. In that spirit, we interviewed three artists about their respective first CWB – USA tour. This is the second in a four-part … Continue reading

Poki balances on Ania's shoulders, in front of a large outdoor audience

First of May Part 1: Dustin Allen, Melissa Aston, and Ania Upstill

CWB – USA Executive Director Naomi Shafer interviewed Dustin Allen, Melissa Aston, and Ania Upstill on May 1 2020. In American circus, “First of May” is a nickname for somebody who is in the circus for the first time. These … Continue reading

Woman in yellow speaks and looks toward the camera

World Humanitarian Day 2020

World Humanitarian Day Today is World Humanitarian Day, commemorating aid workers who are killed or injured in the course of their work, and those who continue to serve others despite the odds. Humanitarian aid is intended to save lives and … Continue reading

Darina chases children in her chicken costume

UNICEF Helps Girls Share Their COVID-19 Stories

What does resilience look like these days? UNICEF’s “Coping With COVID-19” video series highlights sixteen girls from nine different countries, as they document their daily life during COVID. CWB – USA envisions a future in which children are free to exercise … Continue reading

Parents and children laugh during a show in Mexico

When Children Take the Lead: New UN Report

The United Nations Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children recently published a report titled “When children take the lead: 10 child participation approaches to tackle violence.” This report draws parallels between the development … Continue reading

Kolleen blows bubbles in Lesvos

Ethical Volunteering

Did you know that all Clowns Without Borders artists volunteer their time during a tour? These professionals donate their abilities and expertise to craft responsive, culturally humble performance tours that create space for levity amidst crisis. Code of Ethics CWB … Continue reading

Clown School: An Interview With Selena McMahan

In this series, CWB – USA interviews artists and educators about their experience in clown school. Next up, CWB’s Communications Director Nicole Loeffler-Gladstone talks to CWB – USA board member Selena McMahan, a graduate of The Jacques Lecoq School. Selena is an … Continue reading

Clowns shot from the back, facing an audience seated on a hillside

What Does “Internally Displaced Person” Mean?

Internally Displaced Person, or IDP, refers to someone who is forced to flee their home but remains within their country of origin. Refugees may cross national boundaries to seek safety, but IDPs are unable, or choose not, to do so. … Continue reading

Lebanon 2017

Clown School: An Interview with Hannah Gaff

In this series, CWB – USA interviews artists and educators about their experience in clown and circus school. First up, CWB’s Communications Director Nicole Loeffler-Gladstone talks to Hannah Gaff, a graduate of Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre and a faculty member … Continue reading

Clowns Without Borders Girl Laughs Hard

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Refugees

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt and upended people’s sense of security. The unknown, and all its associated stress and fear, has become the new normal. It’s important to remember that global crises of inequity continue, and … Continue reading