Clown Gym Ensemble

The Clown Gym Ensemble devises shows that are joyful, collaborative, funny, and made with love.

Interested in booking the Clown Gym Ensemble? Reach out to our Production Manager Rachel Resnik at shows@clowngym.com

SHOWS

“HERO” a work in progress presented at Chelsea Factory

In a fertile land gone dry, abandoned by the gods, the animals, and their daddy, a group of dreamers search for a hero to save us all. Using original live music, DIY instrumentation, circus tricks, dance, Greek tragedy, pantomime and very serious acting, a group of clowns set out to make their performance dreams come true, and maybe, just maybe, save the world while doing it. Running time: one hour. For audiences 13+. June 2024, and in development.

“Once Upon A Clown” devised for and performed at the inaugural PhysFestNYC

What happens when a gaggle of clowns is invited to the Festival? Come find out in the playful fairytale inspired show about living your dream and getting what you wished for. We made this love letter to physical theatre and Sondheim for PhysFest in the best way we know possible: as clowns. Running time: 20 minutes. For all audiences. January 2024.

“today’s mess,” artistic residency at the cell theatre inspired by the Fall 2021 Examining Clown Lab

We’re all a part of it, (yes, even you) but what are we going to do about it? Come watch as a bunch of clowns try, and keep trying, to come together as things fall apart. This show explores how we attempt to build community and how we deal with our own mess and other peoples’. How do you keep trying even when you’re so dang tired? There will be music, singing, dancing, and silliness performed by individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts, and yes, quite a bit of mess. Running time: one hour. For audiences 13+. April 2023.

Current Ensemble Members

Kevin Allen (he/him) is a New York City-based actor & writer. He’ll co-star as Principal Isaacs in the upcoming feature film, Fakes. Kevin was the understudy for Dad/Obama in the national tour of Jabari Dreams of Freedom. As a writer, Kevin is a member of the Writers Guild of America, a Black List quarterfinalist & a Big Apple Film Festival semifinalist. When not writing or performing, Kevin teaches Iyengar Yoga to adults & children. Kevin would like to thank his fellow ensemble members, Clown Gym, his wife, Brooke, as well as his family & friends for their love and support. kevinjallen.com

Lex Alston (any) is a NY based performing artist and teaching artist. Lex has the honor of being a Laugher League pediatric healthcare clown, a member of the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Clown Alley, and a circus arts instructor with Bindlestiff’s Cirkus After School. A longtime Clown Gym fan, Lex is so honored be a supporting member of the clown gym team.

Michael Galligan (he/him) is a performer, producer, and teaching artist. Michael’s work has been developed and performed at Irondale Center, The Deep End, 59E59 Theater, the Upper Jay Art Center, and ZOO at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His solo show, BANANA, was described as a “comedic tour de force” by The Interrobang during the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe. Another nice review called him “truly unafraid” but he is actually scared of a few things. He is a co-producer for Clown Gym’s Clown Flex, and also produces PUNCHLOCK, a punishment-based variety spectacular. michaelgalligan.com // @michael_galligan

Julia Proctor (she/her) is an educator, collaborator, and community builder. She is the Founding Director of Clown Gym and a Co-Founding Producer of PhysFestNYC. She loves devising, directing, and performing smart, funny, and innovative theatre. Training includes Middlebury College BA, the Academy for Classical Acting MFA, Ecole Philippe Gaulier, The PIT, and an apprenticeship with Christopher Bayes. Julia’s a member of Actors Equity and has performed at The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Ford’s Theatre, Round House Theatre, Synetic Theatre, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, among others. Julia teaches Physical Acting at NYU’s New Studio on Broadway and was Beanie Feldstein’s personal Clown Coach for the Broadway revival of Funny Girl.

Rachel Resnik (she/her) is a producer and comedian who has toured her solo comedy shows internationally. She holds a certification in physical theater from The School for Theater Creators, based in Padova Italy where she studied under the late, great Paola Coletto. She has also trained with Phillipe Gaulier. In addition to Production Managing for Clown Gym, she is a former Board Member of The Pack Theater, and is currently the Vice President on the board of Hub City Opera.

Aya Tucker (she/her) holds an MFA in Lecoq-Based Actor Created Theatre. Her original clown act, Kiki and Ted, was nominated for The NY Downtown Clown Golden Nose Awards (Audience Choice Best Clown Act). She has performed in London and NY, including Hold Music (Sightline Arts; The NY Innovative Theatre Awards nominee for Outstanding Performance Art Production). Aya is a certified Lucid Body instructor and a healthcare clown for Laughter League. Originally from Japan, her mission is to make acting/clown training accessible to all, with self-care, compassion, and playfulness.