About The Clown Institute

Welcome to The Clown Institute, where the serious and the absurd collide to offer a transformative experience inspired by the renowned Jacques Lecoq® pedagogy. I'm Alicia Gonzalez, a performer, coach, and devoted advocate of the art of clowning.

My mission is clear yet profound: to wholeheartedly embrace clowning as a serious art form while delving headfirst into the captivating world of nonsense and play. This isn't just about clowning around; it's about nurturing a space where we ignite your boundless creativity. 

When you join a clown class:, you'll discover a world where:

• I'm Serious About Nonsense: I offer intensive workshops and classes that delve deep into the art of clowning.
• We're a Community of Play: Connect with kindred spirits in Sydney and beyond, all passionate about the art of clowning.
• Empower Creativity: My purpose is to guide you in unlocking your creative and playful self through clowning.
• Guided by the 'Poetry of Nonsense': My bedrock, the 'Poetry of Nonsense' manifesto, serves as our guiding principle, supporting you to:
  1. Discover your untapped creativity.
  2. Embrace your quirkiest whims.
  3. Playfully navigate life with relentless curiosity.
  4. Revel in profound moments of beauty and wonder.​

At the core of my clowning philosophy lies a deep trust in the body as the storyteller. My ultimate aspiration in teaching is to empower others to experience a profound sense of freedom. I believe in surrendering to somatic impulses, allowing our physicality to guide the narrative. 

My own clown journey began in New York, studying under the tutelage of Virginia Scott. I continued my exploration in Paris at the Ecole Jacques Lecoq, training with luminaries like Jos Houben. My quest for absurd profundity led me to further hone my craft with Avner the Eccentric and Eric De Bont in Spain.

As a comedy writer and performer, I've graced the stages of prestigious events such as the Sydney Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, and Adelaide Fringe festivals. Beyond the spotlight, I'm also affectionately known as 'Dr. Ding Dong,' spreading smiles as a medical clown doctor.

When I'm not pondering life's absurdities, I'm whipping up tasty smoothies and sharing laughs with my mini smoothie buddy—my son.. With a clown's heart and a storyteller's soul, I've facilitated clowning and movement classes at renowned art centres, businesses, and theatres across Australia and over the seas.

Now, I invite you join me on this whimsical journey to self-discovery and creative liberation, where there are no filters, only your beautifully unique self. Together, we'll uncover the beauty in the nonsensical and the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Alicia xx

PS. Follow my journey over on Instagram for some fun times.

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