Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 08, 2025
Coney Island Clown Skool Returns with Expanded Nonprofit Program
TLDR
- Coney Island Clown Skool offers performers a competitive edge through intensive training with industry experts, enhancing skills applicable across entertainment and communication fields.
- The program provides structured workshops in clown fundamentals, puppetry, mime, and comedic techniques, culminating in public performances for practical experience.
- This nonprofit initiative preserves clowning as a cultural legacy, fostering joy and emotional connection while supporting community through inclusive, donation-based events.
- Students explore unique skills like clown magic and social circus, with field trips and performances at Coney Island's legendary venues.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it represents the revitalization of clowning as a serious art form with practical applications beyond entertainment. Clowning techniques teach essential communication skills—vulnerability, improvisation, and authentic connection—that are valuable in numerous professional contexts including public speaking, education, and corporate training. The program's nonprofit status ensures accessibility and preservation of cultural heritage while providing tangible career development opportunities for performers. In an increasingly digital world, the emphasis on live, physical performance and human connection addresses growing needs for authentic interaction and emotional intelligence skills.
Summary
The Coney Island Clown Skool returns for its second annual intensive training program from September 14-21, 2025, building on its successful debut as a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded by veteran clown Glen Heroy, the Skool has established itself as a permanent institution dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of clowning as both a performance tradition and cultural legacy. With support from Coney Island USA, the organization behind iconic attractions like the Coney Island Circus Sideshow and Mermaid Parade, the Skool continues Coney Island's historic role as a birthplace of American comedy and vaudeville.
This year's program features world-class instruction from renowned performers including puppeteer Tyler Bunch from the Jim Henson Company, mime artist Becky Baumwoll of Broken Box Mime Theater, and master clown Michael Trautman, former Creative Director at the Maine Circus Academy. The curriculum covers clown fundamentals, puppetry, mime arts, classic comedic techniques, clown magic with Sara Crasson (celebrated as the 'Magician at Law'), and social circus with Kat Alexander. Participants will enjoy unique opportunities including a field trip to UniverSoul Circus, performances on the famous Coney Island Sideshow Stage, and one-on-one mentoring with industry professionals.
The Skool will host two public events during the session: Flavors of Magic on September 18th, a magical showcase blending wonder and comedy with tickets available through FlavorsOfMagic.com, and a Student Showcase on September 20th supporting Coney Island USA through suggested donations. The program demonstrates how clowning remains a vital, evolving art form that teaches vulnerability, physical storytelling, and deep audience connection—skills that extend beyond circus performance to theater, street performance, and even corporate public speaking.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Coney Island Clown Skool Returns with Expanded Nonprofit Program
