Not All Clowns Are Bozos

Current Show info

Not All Clowns Are Bozos IV: So You Think You Can Clown

April 5-8, 2012, 8 PM

Ear to the Ground will once again present an evening of theatrical clown and physical comedy entitled "Not All Clowns are Bozos IV: So You Think You Can Clown" at Theatre Off Jackson April 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Why we do what we do

We are drawn to the theatrical clowning tradition because work in this style can be not only gut-splittingly funny, but also pathetic and wonderful and stupid and eye-opening and more. It has the potential to touch audiences including, and really, especially adults, in a way that can carry a lasting affect. We hope that everyone, both those who love and those who think they hate clowns, will join us.

While theatrical and circus clowning have similar roots, they are different and hit audiences in different ways. Theatrical clowns offer both laughs and insight into our wants and needs. Their transparency offers a reflection of our own vulnerability and failing. They make fun of us by making fun of themselves. This is deeper than a guy in big shoes making balloon animals at the fair.

In our work, we encounter a surprising number of people who think clowns are scary or just for kids. Not all Clowns are Bozos is an evening of theatre specifically designed for such folks. We hope they'll come and see that there's another brand of clowning out there that can be touching, funny, and sweet. There's nothing scary or dumbed-down about what we do. Indeed, not all clowns are Bozo, Ronald McDonald, or that creepy clown from Poltergeist.

To give you an idea of the kinds of clowns and clowning you may expect at a Not All Clowns Are Bozos show, here are some examples:

Here is information about our January 2009 Not All Clowns are Bozos performances.