GET INVOLVED

Making new work can be scary (and expensive)!

Down to Clown aims to make it easier to develop new work by offering a friendly, supportive audience of clowns (and the people who love them) in a low-risk space. There’s no cost to produce or perform, and we split the door amongst all the artists on the night. You won’t get rich, but you’ll probably cover your subway fare or a tasty snack.

We have three sizes of performance slots available:

  • Open Mic Act (5-7 minutes) - brand new bits! Whether you're a first time performer or a seasoned pro, this is the place to try something for the very first time.

  • Draft (15-20 minutes) - stage time for that nebulous space between 'act' and 'show,' with an option for facilitated feedback if you want.

  • Work in Progress (45-50 minutes) - solo or ensemble, this is your chance to test work, preview it before a tour or longer run, or just make some new friends.

    • Looking for inspiration? Here are some of our WIP alumni you may have seen around town and at festivals: Rachel Resnik & Shanice Stanislaus’s $$$ (NY Comedy Fest), Hannah Marias’s Strip Teas, Krista Komondor’s Sunny Chatum: An American Dream, Karen Anne Light’s Prowling the Abyss (NYC and Orlando Fringe), and Marilyn Mineo’s Beefy Smalls: Chapter Next.

But wait, there’s more! New work isn’t just about performers - we’re here for hosts and producers too! If you’ve always wanted to curate, produce, or host a show but weren’t quite ready to take on the risk of booking and paying for a space, now’s your chance to give it a go.

  • Whole dang show - Got an idea for a new game show? Want to celebrate your favorite holiday or season? Teaching a workshop and want to give your students a chance to show off their new skills? The stage is yours.

    • Past shows include animal and nature themed acts produced by Michael Galligan, Shhh! (nonverbal work curated and hosted - in mime! - by Kristin McCarthy Parker), Sideshow Shenanigans hosted by Mike Weiss, a festive holiday variety show, and a Pride show.

Pitches are open year-round and slots are filled on a rolling basis, so get in quick, especially if you have your heart set on a particular date!

Whether you’re prepping for a tour, planning your visit to NYC, or just want to set yourself a deadline, we’re here to help you plan ahead!