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 Pro, 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 March 21): $608
10% off Early Bird (by April 21): $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 such as Intro to Healthcare Clowning to performers near and far. Registered students faced with the unfortunate need to drop a course for any reason may request a refund of tuition paid. The following are important dates to be aware of.
Through May 8, 2026, Healthcare Clowning students may receive a full refund of tuition paid, minus a $45 processing fee.
From May 8, 2026 to June 20, 2026, Healthcare Clowning students are only eligible for a refund equal to 25% of tuition paid.
No refunds will be granted once the course has started on June 21, 2026.
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.
