Intro to Healthcare Clown
June 21–27, 2026
Instructors: Michelle Matlock, Julie Douglas, Jeff Raz. Read Bios
Course of Study
The Clown’s great capacity for buoyancy and presence through the unknown holds great power off the performance stage as well. In this 7-day intensive, participants can investigate how to use those skills for humanitarian purposes in places of healing. Expect a skills-based focus with exercises around presence, listening and awareness. Participants will learn about how clowns engage in various care facilities (such as nursing homes and hospitals), as well as receive instruction about practicing emotional hygiene and self-care in this work.
Who Should Apply
Previous participation in Clown Core, Clown Create, or experience in the following is required: clowning, play, drama, art or kinetic therapy, improv, teaching artistry.
Schedule & Classes
Roughly 38 Hours of instruction time over the course of 7 days, plus a few hours for engagement outside of class. The session will conclude with a site-visit of a local partner healthcare organization. A typical day runs from 9am–5:30pm with a 90 minute lunch. Students are encouraged to spend free time exploring the forests, coasts, rivers and mountains of Humboldt County or attending some of the overlapping Baduwa’t Festival in Blue Lake.
"Michelle, Julie, and Jeff all brought incredible skills to the program. They provided well-rounded insights into the profession of medical clowning. They were all supportive faculty that made this program life changing."
— 2024 Intro to Medical Clowning student
PAYMENT & LOGISTICS
Tuition & Fees: $760
20% off Early Bird (by April 12): $608
10% off Early Bird (by May 17): $684
A full payment will be required to secure your spot in the intensive. Links for all payments will be emailed to you upon acceptance.
Two partial scholarships are available for students of the global majority (those identifying as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color).
These are for a 50% reduction of tuition. Qualifying applicants may request a partial scholarship in the admissions application.
Other scholarships and payment plans are negotiated on a case by case basis. Please email our School Coordinator at schooladmin@dellarte.com if you have further questions before proceeding.
REFUND POLICY
This policy is in place to ensure our ability to continue offering high-quality programs to performers near and far. Registered students faced with the unfortunate need to withdraw from a course for any reason may request a refund of tuition paid based on the following timeline:
- Early Withdrawal (45+ days out): Requests made more than 45 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee.
- Standard Withdrawal (44–15 days out): Requests made between 44 and 15 days before the course start date are eligible for a 50% refund of the tuition paid.
- Final Deadline (14 days or less): No refunds will be granted within 14 days of the start date or once the course has commenced.
All refund requests must be submitted in writing to the program administrator.
Exceptions may be made for documented medical emergencies or visa denials at the discretion of the School Director. In these cases, we may offer a tuition credit for a future intensive instead of a cash refund.
FAQs 
For information regarding appropriate attire, school policies, and other logistics, see our frequently asked questions PDF. Still have questions? Contact the School Coordinator at schooladmin@dellarte.com or by phone at +1 707-502-2276.
For information about housing options and travel, visit this page.
