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
Category: Clown Perspective
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
The Zoom Room
Zoom used to be a word I used exclusively with the toddler in my life. We zoomed in the stroller. We zoomed as we animated a spoonful of peas into an airplane. We shrieked, “Zoom zoom!” while racing to put … Continue reading
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
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
Hierarchy Is a Barrier
Leora Sapon-Shevin went on her very first CWB – USA tour this past December. The team, which included Meredith Gordon and Clay Mazing, performed for communities affected by 2019’s Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm. Leora sat down with CWB … Continue reading
Listen In: CWB On the Air
Progressive Radio Network featured Clowns Without Borders in conversation with host Eleanor LeCain. Executive Director Naomi Shafer, CWB Board Vice President Erin Leigh Crites, and Board Member Sayda Trujillo describe CWB’s work, how clowning can serve the needs of a … Continue reading
Meet Ilana Levy, Founder of CaliClown
Do you ever wonder about CWB – USA’s amazing partners? We’re sitting down with project partners from around the world to talk about their organization and its relationship to CWB! Ilana Levy, founder of CaliClown and ClownEncuentro talks professionalism and forging … Continue reading
Facts on Funny Femmes
With hard work, commitment, and a funny-bone, anyone can be a clown. But, CWB – USA knows that certain histories aren’t as widely shared as they should be. Guest writer Beth Grimes draws on her encyclopedic entertainment history knowledge to … Continue reading
Audience of One
Six months ago, CWB – USA wrapped our last performance in Myanmar. Over the course of the tour we spent 60 hours on planes, six hours a day in the car, and performed for over 9,000 people. Amidst all those … Continue reading
A Beacon For Play
Nose matter which way you look at it, that bright red honker announces, “Something different is about to happen!” In the United States, red noses are sometimes associated with negative perceptions of circus. CWB – USA board member Sarah Liane … Continue reading
No Comedy Without Conflict
Conflict is at the heart of most comedy. But if everyone gets along, there’s not much to laugh at. No Comedy Without Conflict? One of the great joys of physical comedy is watching a fight unfold. Clowns are relatable because … Continue reading
What Is Protracted Displacement?
What does displacement look like? The UNHCR estimates there are 68.5 million forcibly displaced people worldwide: 40 million internally displaced people (IDP); 25.4 million refugees; and 3.1 million asylum seekers. There are also an estimated 10 million stateless people, or … Continue reading
