Intro to Medical Clowning
Schedule
35 Hours of Instruction time, plus a few hours for rehearsal outside of class. A sample day runs from 9am–6pm with a 90 minute lunch.
The Study
The Clown’s great capacity for buoyancy and feeling through the unknown holds great power off the performance stage as well. In this weeklong 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. Some previous experience in one or more of the following is required: clowning, play / kinetic therapy, improv, teaching artistry.
NOTE: This program runs at the same time as the Effort-Risk-Momentum-Joy Physical Theater Intensive.
PAYMENT & LOGISTICS
Tuition & Fees: $600
A full payment will be required to secure your spot in the intensive. Links for all payments will be emailed to you after you’ve completed our admission survey.
We have two scholarships which cover all of the tuition available for students identifying as Black, indigenous, or a person of color. You indicate your intention to apply for one in the admission survey.
Full tuition must be paid by May 27. 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
Your full tuition for the Introduction to Medical Clowning Intensive can be refunded (minus a $25.00 processing fee) before May 27. A cancellation occurring after May 27 will only be eligible for a 25% refund of the tuition cost.
No refunds are made after the intensive begins.
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.
HOUSING
Dell’Arte does not have a campus with student housing. Upon request, the School Administrator can connect you to a list of local landlords and housing resources to help you find my housing for the duration of your training. We also recommend searching on Airbnb or similar sites for housing.
UPDATE: We have negotiated a limited number of additional housing possibilities nearby at Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata. A small booking fee and a refundable security deposit will apply if you select this option. Note your housing interest on your admissions survey.
Students will have the option to join a private Facebook group where they can connect with other students regarding the sharing and coordination of housing and transportation.
TRAVEL INFO
Location
This intensive takes place at our campus in Blue Lake, California. We are situated in beautiful Humboldt County, approximately 5 hours north of San Francisco by car.
Our physical address is 131 H. Street, Blue Lake, CA, 95525
Our mailing address is: PO Box 816, Blue Lake, CA 95535
Flights and Airports:
Direct flights to the Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) are served by several major cities:
San Francisco, California (SFO)
Denver, Colorado (DEN)
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)
Los Angeles, California (LAX)
Phoenix, Arizona (PHX)
Burbank, California (BUR)
ACV is located in McKinleyville, about a 20-minute drive away from Blue Lake. The airlines that serve the airport are United and Avelo.
Ground Transportation from Airports
From Arcata/Eureka airport (ACV)
We are in a rural area, and popular rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber do not have reliable coverage here. You can take a shuttle service called Door-to-Door Airporter at 707-839-4186. You’ll want to arrange it ahead of time, once you have your flight information. Prices for 2024 are $28.00 if you are a Dell’Arte Student,or $30.00 regular- so be sure to mention that you are a student when you book.
From San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK)
You can take the Greyhound Bus to Arcata. To reach the Greyhound bus station from the airport, use the local transit called BART (the schedule for the BART trains is here: http://www.bart.gov/).
The Greyhound bus station in San Francisco is located at 200 Folsom St. Bus tickets can be purchased online or at the station. Be sure to take the bus to Arcata, CA. The bus doesn’t run every day, so look into Greyhound ahead of time if planning this route.