Yale Professor Brings Unique Clowning Workshop to USD Theatre Students, Community

Unmasking an individual’s authentic self was the motivation behind the Clowning Workshop with Chris Bayes. Hosted by the University of San Diego Department of Theatre, the program offered students and the community the chance to learn from internationally known clown and commedia master, Chris Bayes.

At the behest of Jesse Perez, director of the Old Globe and Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, Bayes, who currently teaches at the Yale School of Drama, taught three workshops on the USD campus (Feb. 13, 14, 18), enabling Master of Fine Arts in Acting students and undergraduates from the theatre department, to learn from an expert in the acting field. Through loud exclamations, exaggerated movement, and ongoing dialogue, this immersive workshop encouraged openness, personal growth, and a chance to peel back the layers for greater self-understanding. For Bayes, the workshop is not only inspiring, but also enlightening. “The main thing that I think you’re left with is this ability to listen. To listen to each other more closely, to listen to the world more closely, and to listen to yourself a little bit more closely.”

— Video and text by Allyson Meyer ‘16