Guest Faculty — Applied Clown, Healthcare Clowning

Jeff Raz co-founded the Medical Clown Project with his wife, Dr. Sherry Sherman, in 2010. He has also performed nationally and internationally for decades, starring as an acrobat, juggler and clown in circuses including Cirque du Soleil and the Pickle Family Circus, and as an actor in theaters from Berkeley Rep to Broadway. Jeff’s three novels, The Circus Trilogy, and his recent non-fiction book An International Circus Affair, are inspired by his career. He is a graduate of Dell’Arte International, where he has also taught, and was the co-founder of Vaudeville Nouveau, the New Vaudeville Festival and The Clown Conservatory. In addition, he has directed dozens of circus, dance, puppet, and theater productions and worked globally as a communications consultant.

Director, Healthcare Clowning

Julie Douglas is an actor-creator, teacher and clown. She is currently the Director of the Dell’Arte Healthcare Clowning Program. While on faculty at Dell’Arte Julie has taught the Michael Chekhov Technique, the Alexander Technique, Clown Plus, Healthcare Clowning, Improv/Play, Mask performance and more. She also directed the 42nd Annual Dell’Arte Company Holiday Show, Nightlight, A Winter Solstice Story, which toured to rural communities throughout Humboldt county and Here Comes the Flood, with Dell’Arte’s Professional Training Program. As Head of Arts Engagement Julie facilitated a variety of activities, exchanges, service projects, and learning opportunities between local community groups and Dell’Arte. She has been seen on the stages of Humboldt in The Poor of New York, Love’s the Best Doctor, and in various cabarets at Dell’Arte as well as in NCRT’s A Christmas Carol and local drag shows. 

Adjunct Faculty, Summer — Clown Core, Clown Pro, Healthcare Clowning

Michelle N. Matlock (She/They) is a performing artist, teacher, producer, director and creative coach. Most recently she was awarded a 2023 NEA grant through KCFringe Presents to revive her critically acclaimed solo show, The Mammy Project. Her solo show has travelled to universities and theaters across the United States, Canada and South America. She has been performing for over 20 years and has had the pleasure of creating original characters for Cirque du Soleil, Circus Amok, and Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. Other notable experiences have been teaching as Adjunct Faculty at Dell’Arte International, Clown Gym, Laughter League and directing the clowns of Circus Bella in San Francisco. Michelle currently resides in Tacoma, WA