Masterclass | Clowning with Christopher Bayes

Description

Arrival: May 19, 2026

Departure: May 27, 2026

This masterclass offers a rare opportunity to study with internationally renowned clown and commedia master Christopher Bayes—founder of The Pandemonium Studio in New York, Head of Physical Acting at Yale School of Drama, and author of Discovering the Clown, or The Funny Book of Good Acting—in an immersive European setting at the Accademia dell’Arte.

Highlights

• Train exclusively with renowned clown and commedia dell'arte master Christopher Bayes

• Experience commedia dell'arte in its native Italy, surrounded by beautiful Tuscan country-side

• Retreat-style atmosphere at the Accademia dell'Arte located in Arezzo, Italy

• Accommodation and most meals included in price (see details)

Outcomes

Over a week of focused, rigorous exploration, participants will investigate the clown in all of its complexity—messy, vulnerable, and deeply human. Through physical listening, improvisation, and play, students will cultivate responsiveness of the body, a dynamic connection to collaborators and spectators, and a greater freedom within their own creative impulses. The work emphasizes risk, presence, and pleasure as essential tools for the actor.

Who Can Attend

This workshop is designed for actors, teachers, clowns, comedians, and performers of all experience levels who wish to deepen their physical expressivity, ensemble awareness, and relationship with the audience through the practice of clown and comic play.

Cost of attendance

€1,990 per person

• A non-refundable deposit of €500 is due by March 15, 2026 to secure a place in the workshop.

• Full payment of the remaining balance is due by April 1, 2026. Participation is confirmed only once full payment has been received.

Inclusions

• 8-nights accommodation in double occupancy rooms (single rooms available with additional fee)

• Training facilities at the Accademia dell'Arte

• Delicious home-cooked Italian meals: Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners, including special welcome and farewell meals

• Cultural activity in Arezzo

• Teacher fees, coursework and materials

Exclusions

• Airfare

• Meals not mentioned

• Transfers

• Private tours

• Insurance, medial coverage