Joining The Cirkestra

The first thing you hear in our production of The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) was composed by Peter Bufano, a graduate of Clown College, a former Ringling Brothers Circus Clown, and now an assistant professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Peter talks about his journey from Clown to Composer and shares some of his secrets; his comic and musical inspirations; the difficulty of hitting moving targets; finding the music in a gag; how relationship and function is most important in finding the funny; and the importance of finding and maintaining community in music, in clowning, and in life. (Length 23:39)

Episode 551. Ringling Brothers Memories

”Since the 146-year-old institution folded up its tents back in May, Reed Martin (pictured) reminisces about his days touring with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Featuring lost livelihoods, evolving tentpoles, the wild contrast between onstage and offstage antics, outdated economic models, the demise of Clown College and the rise (and possible Read more…

Episode 424. Comedy’s Seriously Funny

”Austin Tichenor talks about The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) with Julie Motz, host of Arts Desire on KWMR in Point Reyes, California. Featuring some great laughs, “incisive political commentary,” surprising poignancy, a terrible hint about the RSC’s next show, a special appearance by Adrian Scarborough (who’s busy in LA shooting this), and finally the best reason Read more…

Episode 422. Dean Of Comedy

”Steve Smith is the former dean of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown College, director of the Big Apple Circus, and has forgotten more about comedy than we’ll ever know. In discussing his career and thoughts about comedy, Steve touches on his comic inspirations, impressive audio visual aids, the Read more…

Episode 101. Clown College Reunion

”Since it’s election week in America, let’s talk to clowns! RSC actors Reed Martin and Matt Croke, veteran clowns and alumni of Ringling Brothers Clown College, attend the school’s 40th reunion and catch up on old gags. Featuring lessons learned, what to do if they’re laughing at you not with Read more…