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STAND UP AND CLOWN

Author: Chad Damiani

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One of the architects of LA’s current modern clown scene, Chad Damiani (aka The Clown Boss) explores the mercurial nature of this work — and how it can be applied to everything from improv to stand-up to life in general. A mix of interviews with artists that embody clown spirit and solo episodes where Chad offer opinions, instruction and (hopefully) morsels of inspiration.

STAND UP AND CLOWN is named after Chad’s monthly show at LA's Elysian Theater (last Mondays at 9:30pm), where he ruthlessly live directs stand-up comics through a grueling gauntlet of modern clown work.
129 Episodes
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FOLLOW CHAD ON INSTAGRAM -- and check out his classes/shows on LINKTREE! The Clown Boss is back with another daily journal episode!  Chad covers a lot of ground in this one. Chapter one includes insights on his former student Connor Storrie and what his success means for modern clown; chapter two details the mistakes new clowns make when first building pieces; and chapter three discusses another recent collaboration… and what it teaches us about trust. TAKE A CLASS IN LA! March is sold out and spots are going fast for April! Sign up for his modern mask class FACEOFF (designed to help artists lead with their bodies) or his newest intensive DESTABILIZER (it’s really fun!). LINKTREE STAND UP AND CLOWN IS BACK ON MARCH 30TH! This is another epic trios show! We’ve got AGT standout Learnmore Jonasi, Zach Holmes (Zackass from Jackass) – see the whole cast at the link below! 3/30 STAND UP AND CLOWN MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS! “The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Like this podcast? Share it with a friend and help spread the word of clown. FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows!  INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here! TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast deals with issues of grief, death and loss. It’s Chad’s yearly grief-inspired clown podcast! Chad unpacks a phrase he often uses when teaching - “the joy is worth the suffering” – and how it's a mindset that sets clowns up for success (both on and off-the-stage).  STAND UP AND CLOWN FOUR-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW! This show is happening the day this podcast drops! We’ve got some great clowns (Courtney Pauroso, Dee Marcucci, Business Casual), and some of the best and worst comics to ever do the show – including Anna Akana, Danielle Perez, Fumi Abe and Dave Merheje! Come be part of clown history. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! NEW LA CLASSES IN 2026! Chad has only two spots left in his first-ever weekday DISRUPTOR (for people who work weekends), another installment of his newest intensive DESTABILIZER – and his most-popular workshop LANGUAGE OF NONSENSE – which includes a class show. FIND OTHER SHOWS ON CHAD’S  LINKTREE MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS! “The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Like this podcast? Share it with a friend and help spread the word of modern clown. FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows! INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!The longest solo pod ever? Chad does daily journal entries from the Fallsview Casino and Resort in Niagara Falls. He details how he continues to work on his act, while performing with Piff The Magic Dragon’s All-Star Vegas – which often has audiences of 1-2000 people. Plus, a look at interacting with the audience during the pre-show – and how it can help the performer gain an advantage. STAND UP AND CLOWN FOUR-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW!The lineup is set for this epic show! We’ve got some great clowns (Courtney Pauroso, Dee Marcucci, Business Casual), and some of the best and worst comics to ever do the show – including Anna Akana, Danielle Perez, Fumi Abe and Dave Merheje!GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!NEW LA CLASSES IN 2026!Chad is sold out in February, but he’s got a bunch of LA classes in March and April! He’s got a weekday version of his popular class DISRUPTOR (for people who work weekends), another installment of his newest intensive DESTABILIZER – and his most-popular workshop LANGUAGE OF NONSENSE – which includes a class show.FIND OTHER SHOWS ON CHAD’S  LINKTREEMORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPRCLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows! INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!In this solo pod, Chad takes a step back and gives a basic refresher on modern clown. This one is jam-packed with discussion of clown principles and the motivations that make this work unique and dynamic.SHOWS - IN LA AND SAN FRANOn February 1st, Chad is bringing STAND UP AND CLOWN to SF Sketchfest. The cast includes Joey Dardano (Wild 'n Out), Zach Zucker (Stamptown) and Dropout TV favs Demi Adejuyigbe, Anna Garcia and Jordan Myrick. TICKETS HEREAnd check out Chad’s next WIP solo show at the Elysian Theater!  Comedy for Smart People on Saturday February 7th at 830pm. TICKETS HERENEW LA CLASSES IN 2026!Chad is sold out in February, but he’s got a bunch of LA classes in March and April! He’s got a weekday version of his popular class DISRUPTOR (for people who work weekends), another installment of his newest intensive DESTABILIZER – and his most-popular workshop LANGUAGE OF NONSENSE – which includes a class show.FIND OTHER SHOWS ON CHAD’S  LINKTREEMORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPRChad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows! Find links in the episode notes.INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!The first episode of 2026! Chad is still exploring doing daily journals on a variety of topics (as he figures out his next series of interviews). In this solo pod, he talks about how clowns tell stories that share a lot of DNA with professional sports, talks about the challenges that face clowns when they want to perform at traditional stand-up shows and explores the difference between subversion and mockery.SHOWS - IN LA AND SAN FRANOn February 1st, Chad is bringing STAND UP AND CLOWN to SF Sketchfest. The cast includes Joey Dardano (Wild 'n Out), Zach Zucker (Stamptown) and Dropout TV favs Demi Adejuyigbe, Anna Garcia and Jordan Myrick. TICKETS HEREAnd check out Chad’s next WIP solo show at the Elysian!  Comedy for Smart People on Saturday February 7th at 830pm. TICKETS HERENEW LA CLASSES IN 2026!DESTABILIZER is already sold out for February, but a few spots remain for ACCELERATOR – Chad’s first three-day intensive in LA since before the pandemic (a workshop focused on solo work). Classes for March will be announced soon. Accelerator is a more advanced class. READ MORE HEREFIND OTHER SHOWS ON CHAD’S  LINKTREEMORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPRChad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows! Find links in the episode notes.INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!The last episode of 2025! In this solo pod, Chad presents two different journal entries. Each deals with a different topic. How can applying clown to multiple kinds of comedy help expand your understanding of the work? When is it a good time to leave room for laughs and when should we charge through to build more energy? Also, lots of general philosophical talk about the most foolish art form in existence.NEW LA CLASSES COMING IN 2026!Chad’s mask class is almost full at The Elysian in mid-January. This is not a traditional mask class, but one designed to show you how masks are a tool for creating modern work. Also, grab tickets to Chad’s first big show of the new year – his WIP solo show COMEDY FOR SMART PEOPLE on January 8th!You can find all the links HEREMORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPRChad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!The longest solo of 2025! Chad talks about recent happenings in his personal life -- where he realized he needed to think more like a clown. In the second half of the episode, Chad does a deep dive into the mercurial nature of a clown's relationship with an audience – and offers some practical tips on how to maximize the experience for both sides.NEW LA CLASSES COMING IN 2026!I am bringing my mask class to the Elysian – and doing a first-ever weekday intensive at UCB. PLUS! A brand-new UCB intensive in February.You can find all the links HEREMORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPRChad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
FOLLOW Chad on IG to keep up-to-date on classes and shows!INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!Chad is finally back with another solo pod! He catches listeners up on his last few months of clowning around the world, then talks about the questions he asks himself after a show.LAST CLASS OF 2025!Chad is teaching one more round of DISRUPTOR at UCB on December 13-14. As of this posting, there are four spots left!ENROLL HERE!Check out the CLOWNBOSS PATREON for weekly content!PODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jrMORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPRChad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
The return of STAND UP AND CLOWN is a month away! The only show brave enough to save comedy is back on September 29th – with the return of HDTGM’s Paul Scheer! There are only three shows left this year – come be part of the chaos.9/29 TICKETS HEREChad is back with a solo pod. This one has a little bit of everything – including a detailed breakdown of how LA Clown benefited from the improv boom of the early 2010s. PLUS, a discussion on how to prioritize authenticity and purpose over ideas and details.Here’s a link to the YES ALSO podcast!FALL CLASSES ARE LIVE!Make sure to sign up before they sell out!10/04-05: DISRUPTOR (BOTTLE ROCKET IN PITTSBURGH)10/20-21 LANGUAGE OF NONSENSE (ELYSIAN IN LA)11/01-02 DISRUPTOR 2: MASK PLAY (UCB LA) (no pre-requisite required)11/15-16 ORIGINAL DISRUPTOR (UCB LA)INTERESTED IN DOING A ONE-DAY INTENSIVE IN PHILLY ON 10/11? FILL OUT THIS SUBMISSION FORMCheck out the CLOWNBOSS PATREON for weekly content!Follow Chad on INSTAGRAM!PODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr  
Limitations

Limitations

2025-08-1135:43

Chad is on the road for the next couple months – so no classes or shows (in the US). If you are looking for more content, don’t forget about the  CLOWNBOSS PATREON!The Clown Boss is back with a discussion of limitations. What do we do about the things we cannot control? The failures that speak to a greater truth about our current lives – and result in us not having the options we desire. Chad talks about a recent injury and how it affected his summer – and his history of making adjustments to how he approaches clown, based on things outside his control.FALL CLASSES ARE LIVE!Make sure to sign up before they sell out!FALL CLASSES ARE LIVE!Make sure to sign up before they sell out!10/20-21 LANGUAGE OF NONSENSE (ELYSIAN)11/01-02 DISRUPTOR 2: MASK PLAY (no pre-requisite required)11/15-16 ORIGINAL DISRUPTORHELP US SPREAD THE WORD!If you’ve shared this podcast with anyone, a heartfelt thank you. Word of mouth is the only reason it’s spread across the globe. The pod has connected us with all kinds of people, and also led to some of my favorite trips this year.Please keep sharing! Friends and enemies. Let’s get clown in all these small towns – and offer another way to play and connect with people.Follow Chad on INSTAGRAM!PODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr
Discomfort, Part Three

Discomfort, Part Three

2025-07-2942:57

Chad is on the road for the next couple months – so no classes are shows. If you are looking for more content, don’t forget about the  CLOWNBOSS PATREON!The Clown Boss is back with part three of his exploration of discomfort. Chad talks about employing rituals before shows, the importance of exposing ourselves to discomfort and how those exercises can open up all kinds of new possibilities.HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!First off, if you’ve shared this podcast with anyone, a heartfelt thank you. Word of mouth is the only reason it’s spread across the globe. The pod has connected us with all kinds of people, and also led to some of my favorite trips this year.Please keep sharing! Friends and enemies. Let’s get clown in all these small towns – and offer another way to play and connect with people.Follow Chad on INSTAGRAM!PODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr
Discomfort, Part Two

Discomfort, Part Two

2025-07-1437:04

Chad is on the road for the next couple months – so no classes are shows. If you are looking for more content, don’t forget about the  CLOWNBOSS PATREON!(TW: Brief discussion of grief and death)The Clown Boss is back with part two of his exploration of discomfort. Chad recalls a recent show where the discomfort level was off-the-charts, then discusses how exposure and mindset play a role in developing a freedom on-stage. HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!First off, if you’ve shared this podcast with anyone, a heartfelt thank you. Word of mouth is the only reason it’s spread across the globe. The pod has connected us with all kinds of people, and also led to some of my favorite trips this year.Please keep sharing! Friends and enemies. Let’s get clown in all these small towns – and offer another way to play and connect with people.Follow Chad on INSTAGRAM!PODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr
Discomfort, Part One

Discomfort, Part One

2025-06-2236:22

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back with its final show of the summer on June 30th!  It’s a star-studded lineup with Natalie Palamides, Milana Vayntrub, Jon Gabrus, Avital Ash and Bill O’Neill! Don’t miss this epic show!GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!CLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly audio/video bonus content!(TW: Discussion of grief, death and drug abuse)The Clown Boss is back with part one of his exploration of discomfort. The episode goes in lots of directions – but if you want to skip the majority of discussion of loss, skip to about the 20-minute mark. It will still mostly make sense, but no promises…Chad is heading out to work on a clown show for a few months, so no classes or shows to promote! So just a quick reminder that this podcast is fueled by your support (and we couldn’t be more grateful for it). Tell a friend about us – or an enemy! Help us spread the message of modern clown. The world needs more of the good kind of dumb right now.PODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back for its final date of the summer! Monday, June 30th at 930pm!  It’s a star-studded lineup with Natalie Palamides, Milana Vayntrub, Jon Gabrus, Avital Ash and Bill O’Neill! Don’t miss this epic show!GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!CLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly audio/video bonus content!The Clown Boss is back with another loaded episode! Chad discusses the value of reflecting on the past to be a better artist (and person) in the present. Also, thoughts from his recent Austin trip – including advice on how to create a modern clown scene from the ground up).GO SEE THE BOMBER! Chad is doing a few more shows in June before heading out all summer to work with Spiegelworld. BOMBER is his new work-in-progress, based on one of his oldest characters. Come help him build the dumbest clown thrill ride possible Saturday, June 14th at 830pm (The Elysian Vault)THE BOSS IS COMING TO BOZEMAN!The weekend of June 20th! Chad is doing RECKLESS CHAD REUBEN: XX on 6/20 and 6/21 (7pm) and STAND UP AND CLOWN on 6/20 (9pm)He’s also teaching his two-day workshop DISRUPTOR on 6/21 and 6/22. Sign up or if you know folks in Bozeman, tell a friend!PODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr
Envy and Jealousy

Envy and Jealousy

2025-05-1939:07

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back for a big Memorial Day show on May 26th! Riki Lindhome! Shapel Lacey! Hannah Pilkes! Brandon Rogers (Brandon Bored)! Steve Hernandez! Don’t miss this epic show!GET YOUR TICKETS HERECLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly bonus content!The Clown Boss is back with an extra-long solo episode! He talks about performers dealing with envy and jealousy. Both on stage and off.(TW: There is talk about terminal illness, death and grief after the 27-minute mark.)JUNE CLASSES!Chad is teaching twice in LA in June! 6/16-17 LANGUAGE OF NONSENSE at The Elysian (this includes a class show) – then 6/28-29 DISRUPTOR at UCB!SHOWS IN AUSTIN!Chad’s classes are sold out, but come see a show the weekend of 5/30-6/01!5/30 STAND UP AND CLOWN at Fallout Theater5/31 RECKLESS CHAD REUBEN: XX at Fallout TheaterPODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr
Grandiosity

Grandiosity

2025-05-0637:44

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back for a big Memorial Day show on May 26th! We’ve already booked first-timer Shapel Lacey and SUAC favorite Steve Hernandez! Get your tickets before it sells out!GET YOUR TICKETS HERECLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly bonus content!The Clown Boss talks about playing with Grandiosity, his recent clown devising trip to NYC, answers some listener email and more!COME SEE THE CLOWN BOSS BOMB ON MAY 10THChad is starting a brand-new WIP the weekend before his birthday! He’s going to be exploring his infamous BOMBER character and taking some big swings. 5/10 THE BOMBER (830PM ELYSIAN VAULT)FOLLOW THE CLOWN BOSS ON INSTAGRAMPODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr
Highs and Lows

Highs and Lows

2025-04-2231:16

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back on April 28th! It’s an amazing show with the return of EDDIE PEPITONE! Also, Brandon Wardell, Mike Mitchell, Mookie Blaiklock, Tien Tran and Nori Reed.4/28 TICKETS HERE!CLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly bonus content!The Clown Boss explores highs and lows, both on-stage and in life. Plus, some stories from the road and a little discussion about grief.LA MAY CLASSES!Go to the LINKTREE for links and dates.And don’t forget — you can reach out with questions or if you think you have a town that desperately needs clown reach out to THE CLOWN BOSS ON INSTAGRAMPODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr
STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back on April 28th! It’s an amazing show with the return of EDDIE PEPITONE! Also, Brandon Wardell, Mike Mitchell, Tien Tran and Nori Reed.4/28 TICKETS HERE!CLOWNBOSS PATREON link here! Sign up for weekly bonus content!The Clown Boss is back with a solo episode recorded from the road. When you first start doing clown, a lot of time is put into learning when to make an exit. But when is there value in overstaying your welcome? How can time serve to soften up the audience for even dumber and more joyful games?LA MAY CLASSES!Chad’s mask workshop is sold out, but a few spots remain for both his Elysian class and his original Disruptor class at UCB later in the month.Go to the LINKTREE for links and dates.And don’t forget — you can reach out with questions or if you think you have a town that desperately needs clown reach out to THE CLOWN BOSS ON INSTAGRAMPODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr
Burden of Originality

Burden of Originality

2025-04-0835:20

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is back on April 28th! It’s an amazing show with the return of EDDIE PEPITONE! Also, Brandon Wardell, Mike Mitchell, Tien Tran and Nori Reed.4/28 TICKETS HERE!CLOWNBOSS PATREON link here!The Clown Boss is back with another solo pod! This time, Chad talks about some of the challenges of creating original work.ATLANTA - 4/11-4/14ENROLL HERE!  Also, get your tickets for my 4/11 STAND UP AND CLOWN and 4/12 RECKLESS CHAD REUBENLOS ANGELES - THREE CHANCES IN MAY!Three different workshops in May! Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for details.And don’t forget — you can reach out with questions or if you think you have a town that desperately needs clown reach out to THE CLOWN BOSS ON INSTAGRAMPODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr 
Connection, Part Two

Connection, Part Two

2025-03-3131:30

STAND UP AND CLOWN (the show) is TONIGHT! At the time of this pod’s publication, tickets were still available. It’s our three-year anniversary show – with Morgan Jay, Mike Mitchell, Mackenzie Barmen, Michael Strassner, Catherine Mccafferty and Demi Adejuyigbe.TICKETS HERECLOWNBOSS PATREON link here!The Clown Boss is back with another solo pod! This is a follow-up to last week’s episode, exploring more ideas when it comes to the nature of connection. What kind of relationship do we want to foster with an audience? CLASSES, CLASSES, CLASSESCHICAGO - 4/04-4/06You can click on this LINKTREE for more info. The two-day intensive is sold out, but there are still a few spots left in my Dangerous Games workshopATLANTA - 4/11-4/14ENROLL HERE!  Also, get your tickets for my 4/11 STAND UP AND CLOWN and 4/12 RECKLESS CHAD REUBENLOS ANGELES - MAY 4/12 STAND UP AND CLOWNThree different workshops in May! Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for details.COMING SOON - AUSTIN AND BOZEMAN!And don’t forget — you can reach out with questions or if you think you have a town that desperately needs clown reach out to THE CLOWN BOSS ON INSTAGRAMPODCAST THEME SONG BY MIRTHQUAKE JACKSON: @mqj_groove_jr
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Comments (1)

Charlotte Bækdahl

Love, love, love Mike and Puddles! Chad: Way too many "like"s. it's, like, kind of, like, annoying ;0)

Nov 5th
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