Kids will explore the fundamentals of modern clown and performance art that make the Elysian the buzzing center of Los Angeles’ underground comedy scene. Guided by teaching artists who actively create and perform at the theater, campers will be empowered to make their own work for the stage, trying out different genres of comedy to devise unique bits, invent new characters, and experiment with solo and ensemble performances. The camp celebrates creative curiosity, innovation, collaboration, and unabashed play.
Mornings begin with group exercises and games focused on an essential tenet of comedic performance. Improvisation, character building, stand-up, and sketch writing will be taught and modeled, all with a clown edge. This isn’t your grandfather’s clown–there will be no red noses here (well, maybe one will get snuck in). After lunch, we’ll apply the themes of the day to help students craft their new material. They will be encouraged to experiment, connect with each other and their audience, and unleash their wild imagination to find the funniest parts of themselves as they create new material.
To inspire the work of the week, the first day of camp includes a special kids-geared performance of our in-house show Bizarre Bazaar, starring a cast of Elysian’s favorite comics and clowns!
As a bookend, the camp will culminate with an Elysian-style variety show, feat. L.A.’s freshest and weirdest young comics (your children).
Monday - Friday
July 20th, July 21st, July 22nd, July 23rd, July 24th
9am-12pm Morning Session (with two 10-minute breaks)
12pm-12:30pm Lunch – please bring a packed lunch
12:30pm-3pm Afternoon Session (with one 10-minute break)
in the Skunk Room
Led by the renowned teaching artists of the Elysian!
Class cancellation policy: No refunds, exchanges, or transfers.