
Advertise on podcast: STAND UP AND CLOWN
Rating
4.9from
This podcast has
139 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Chad DamianiExplicit
Yes
Date created
2022/09/22
Latest episode
2026/08/31
Average duration
39 min.
Release period
17 days
Description
One of the architects of LA’s current modern clown scene, Chad Damiani (aka The Clown Boss) explores the mercurial nature of this work — and how it can be applied to everything from improv to stand-up to life in general. A mix of interviews with artists that embody clown spirit and solo episodes where Chad offer opinions, instruction and (hopefully) morsels of inspiration. STAND UP AND CLOWN is named after Chad’s monthly show at LA's Elysian Theater (last Mondays at 9:30pm), where he ruthlessly live directs stand-up comics through a grueling gauntlet of modern clown work.
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Check latest episodes from STAND UP AND CLOWN podcast
Why do some clowns struggle with success/being loved?
2026/08/31
STAND UP AND CLOWN is back on Monday, August 31st! 930pm! (The day this podcast drops)
This is the last LA show until Halloween! It features an amazing cast. THE SKLAR BROTHERS! RAY LAU! BRANDON ROGERS (BRANDON BORED ON YOUTUBE)
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
ALSO, SUAC IS COMING TO NYC! Tuesday, September 8th, 930pm! The cast includes a mix of improvisers, clowns and stand-up comics -- including TALLIE MEDEL (Everything Everywhere All At Once), IKE UFOMADU (Stamptown) and CHLOE RADCLIFFE!
COME TO THE FIRST-EVER NYC SHOW!
Follow The Clown Boss on INSTAGRAM
Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
TW: A brief discussion of grief/death takes place in the first 10 minutes of the podcast.
The Clown Boss is on Netflix as part of the Stamptown special! He plays Alvert the janitor – who is a huge crowd favorite, despite doing very little to win them over. Chad discusses the difficulty some clowns feel when receiving positivity from an audience just for being onstage (as opposed to getting laughs for failing or making silly offers). Why are some kinds of positive reinforcement easier to process?
Remember, the best way to spread the word of modern clown is to tell a friend about this pod!
ATTENTION, BETHLEHEM PA!
Chad is teaching and doing a show on Sunday, September 13th!
MORE DETAILS HERE
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Clown Wars
2026/08/17
STAND UP AND CLOWN is back on Monday, August 31st! 930pm!
This is the last LA show until late fall – and features an amazing cast. THE SKLAR BROTHERS! RAY LAU! BRANDON ROGERS (BRANDON BORED ON YOUTUBE)
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
ALSO, SUAC IS COMING TO NYC! Tuesday, September 8th, 930pm!
COME TO THE FIRST-EVER NYC SHOW!
Follow The Clown Boss on INSTAGRAM
Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
The Clown Boss talks about critics of the LA clown scene – many of which identify as clowns themselves. Chad addresses some of the most common gripes, while also discussing some of the elements that make LA clown so unique and challenging. PLUS: A discussion of clown shows that leave audiences unhappy – and the necessity of making terrible work, in the pursuit of finding new and fresh approaches.
TAKE A CLASS!
Check out Chad’s LINKTREE for classes in September and October.
Also, Chad’s teaching in BETHLEHEM, PA on September 13th! MORE DETAILS HERE
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
High Status, Playing Anger (and other Clown Boss tricks)
2026/08/05
STAND UP AND CLOWN is back on Monday, August 31st!
This is the last LA show until late fall – and features an amazing cast. THE SKLAR BROTHERS! RAY LAU! BRANDON ROGERS (BRANDON BORED ON YOUTUBE) and many more surprises.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Also, SUAC is coming to NYC! Tuesday, September 8th! More details to come, but mark your calendars for an epic show.
Follow The Clown Boss on INSTAGRAM
Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
The Clown Boss makes some counterpoints to last week’s solo pod – discussing times where bigger isn’t always better. This blossoms into a deeper discussion of high status and playing the villain, including tactics Chad employs in both classes and shows.
TAKE A CLASS!
There are still a few spots left in Chad’s modern mask intensive at The Elysian, August 17-19th. This is not traditional mask – but a way to help performers connect more with their physical and emotional choices (for everything from clown to improv to stand-up) – ENROLL HERE
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Circus Flora, Part Two
2026/07/20
STAND UP AND CLOWN is back next Monday in LA! July 31st! The cast includes Paul Scheer (How Did This Get Made), Anna Garcia (Dropout) and many more!
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Follow The Clown Boss on INSTAGRAM
Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
The Clown Boss returns with part two of his thoughts on Circus Flora! The exploration leads to observations of Chad's time in pro wrestling and working for the circus company Spiegelworld – and how these experiences all inform each other. Chad also discusses how performers can pursue being more "exceptional" – and the importance of knowing what experience you want for an audience.
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Circus Flora, Part One
2026/06/15
Follow The Clown Boss on INSTAGRAM
Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
The Clown Boss reports on his experience at Circus Flora in St. Louis. This is Chad’s first time working for a big top circus – having come from the world of LA Clown (which tends to focus on creating work for adults). Chad talks about the similarities and differences in the styles of clown – and some of the lessons he’s already learned in preparation for the month-long run.
CLOWN BOSS ACROSS AMERICA TOUR!
As of publication of this podcast, Chad is in Circus Flora for one more week!
CIRCUS FLORA WEBSITE
Spots are still available for Chad’s workshops in OMAHA AT BACKLINE (6/25) and VEGAS AT MOM'S BASEMENT (6/30 & 7/01)
He’s also doing shows in St. Louis (6/22), Kansas City (6/24), Denver (6/27) and Vegas (6/29) - SHOW LINKS HERE!
Follow Chad on INSTAGRAM for more details on how to sign up.
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Clown Mentor Series: Molly Renze
2026/05/26
Follow The Clown Boss on INSTAGRAM
Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
In this mentor series, Chad interviews clowns he’s worked with beyond just classes and shows. It’s a look at clown through different generations – and also the process of both learning from more experienced people, while still defining your own path.
This first interview is with Molly Renze - a member of Silent Partners.
Follow Molly on social media:
SILENT PARTNERS (IG)
MOLLY (IG)
Check out her Silent Partners show at The Elysian on 6/23: TICKETS HERE
CLOWN BOSS ACROSS AMERICA TOUR!
Chad is performing in Circus Flora for all of June!
He’s also teaching and doing shows in St. Louis (6/08 and 6/15), Kansas City (6/24), Omaha (6/25), Denver (6/27-6/28) and Vegas (6/30-7/01)
CLASS LINKS FOR ST. LOUIS, KANSAS CITY, OMAHA, DENVER AND VEGAS!
Follow Chad on INSTAGRAM for more details on how to sign up.
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Clown Mentor Series: Jamonte Williams
2026/05/11
Follow The Clown Boss on INSTAGRAM
Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
In this clown mentor series, Chad interviews clowns he’s worked with beyond just classes and shows. It’s a look at clown through different generations – and also the process of both learning from more experienced people, while still defining your own path.
This first interview is with Jamonte Williams - one half of Clowns of Color.
Follow Jamonte on social media:
CLOWNS OF COLOR (IG)
JAMONTE (IG)
Also, check out Clowns of Color at Hollywood Fringe:
SHOW DETAILS HERE
CLOWN BOSS ACROSS AMERICA!
Chad is performing in Circus Flora for all of June! He’s also teaching and doing shows in St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver and Vegas.
6/08 AND 6/15 (EVENINGS): ST. LOUIS (THE IMPROV SHOP)
6/24: KANSAS CITY! ONE DAY DISRUPTOR WORKSHOP
6/27-6/28: DENVER (WAITLIST ONLY) - DISRUPTOR
6/30-7/01: VEGAS! DISRUPTOR
Follow Chad on INSTAGRAM for more details on how to sign up.
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
That’s So Mental: The Clown Paradox with Chad Damiani (Part 1)
2026/04/27
Follow The Clown Boss on INSTAGRAM
Check out his LINKTREE for classes and shows!
This is the first half of Chad’s interview with Ilana Cohn Sullivan and Cristina Fernandez, hosts of the That’s So Mental podcast (also former students). The second half of this interview will appear on their feed on May 6th. Subscribe through the links below:
THAT'S SO MENTAL (APPLE PODS)
THAT'S SO MENTAL (SPOTIFY)
CLASSES
There are still a few spots in Chad’s May classes!
ACCELERATOR (5/12-514) is for intermediate clowns, looking to create work that can play at not only clown shows, but more traditional stand-up and variety.
DESTABILIZER (5/18-5/19) is for all levels!
LINKTREE
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
How to Thrive in Chaos, Entrances and the Dangers of Being Precious
2026/04/06
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!
NETFLIX IS A JOKE PRESENTS: STAND UP AND CLOWN (5/04) is just around the corner. The show is opening up the festival for the Elysian – right after Natalie Palamides does her brand-new WIP show. We’ve got a lot of fun surprises planned for this one – and the cast includes Melissa Villaseñor (SNL) and Steven Castillo.
The Clown Boss covers a lot of ground in this solo pod! He talks about getting stuck creatively when you spend too much time ruminating over an idea; the hidden value of a good entrance (and how to manipulate it); and finally, he takes a long look at moments of catastrophe, what they can add to a show and how to train to thrive in chaos.
CLASSES
April classes in LA are sold out. As of this publication, one spot remained in Chad’s Austin intensive DISRUPTOR (4/16-17). There are spots in his May classes, but they do tend to sell out very fast: ACCELERATOR (5/12-514) and DESTABILIZER (5/18-5/19)
LINKTREE
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
The Clown in Crisis (Connor Storrie on SNL)
2026/03/23
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!
STAND UP AND CLOWN (3/30) is one-week from the day this podcast drops! It’s another wild trios show – with a lot of comics doing clown for the very first time. The cast includes Learnmore Jonasi (AGT), viral music sensation Carter Veil, Zach Holmes (Jackass), Rachel Bonnetta (Sports Bitches) and many more! Get your tickets!
The Clown Boss takes a look at Connor Storrie’s hosting experience on SNL – and focuses on the final sketch of the night, which was based on one of his clown pieces.
This opens up a greater conversation about an approach Chad uses and teaches – which he calls The Clown in Crisis. A lot of clown pieces focus on joy and light fun. But you can also explore themes like tragedy and suffering. What is the value of subverting an audience's expectations? And how does it help you tell a richer, more surprising story on stage?
TAKE A CLASS IN AUSTIN OR LA!
Chad’s UCB class is sold out, but there are still a few spots in FACEOFF (THREE DAY WORKSHOP), which takes place April 7-9 at The Elysian.
Chad is also teaching in Austin, Texas! DISRUPTOR (TWO-DAY) takes place on 4/16-17at Coldtowne Theater.
LINKTREE
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Daily Journal: Connor Storrie, Savoring the Moment and Devoted Deception
2026/03/09
FOLLOW CHAD ON INSTAGRAM -- and check out his classes/shows on LINKTREE!
The Clown Boss is back with another daily journal episode!
Chad covers a lot of ground in this one. Chapter one includes insights on his former student Connor Storrie and what his success means for modern clown; chapter two details the mistakes new clowns make when first building pieces; and chapter three discusses another recent collaboration… and what it teaches us about trust.
TAKE A CLASS IN LA!
March is sold out and spots are going fast for April! Sign up for his modern mask class FACEOFF (designed to help artists lead with their bodies) or his newest intensive DESTABILIZER (it’s really fun!).
LINKTREE
STAND UP AND CLOWN IS BACK ON MARCH 30TH!
This is another epic trios show! We’ve got AGT standout Learnmore Jonasi, Zach Holmes (Zackass from Jackass) – see the whole cast at the link below!
3/30 STAND UP AND CLOWN
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
The Joy is Worth the Suffering
2026/02/23
Like this podcast? Share it with a friend and help spread the word of clown. FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows!
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast deals with issues of grief, death and loss.
It’s Chad’s yearly grief-inspired clown podcast! Chad unpacks a phrase he often uses when teaching - “the joy is worth the suffering” – and how it's a mindset that sets clowns up for success (both on and off-the-stage).
STAND UP AND CLOWN FOUR-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW!
This show is happening the day this podcast drops! We’ve got some great clowns (Courtney Pauroso, Dee Marcucci, Business Casual), and some of the best and worst comics to ever do the show – including Anna Akana, Danielle Perez, Fumi Abe and Dave Merheje! Come be part of clown history.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
NEW LA CLASSES IN 2026!
Chad has only two spots left in his first-ever weekday DISRUPTOR (for people who work weekends), another installment of his newest intensive DESTABILIZER – and his most-popular workshop LANGUAGE OF NONSENSE – which includes a class show.
FIND OTHER SHOWS ON CHAD’S LINKTREE
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Devising and Pre-Show Games: Notes from Niagara Falls.
2026/02/09
Like this podcast? Share it with a friend and help spread the word of modern clown. FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows!
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!
The longest solo pod ever? Chad does daily journal entries from the Fallsview Casino and Resort in Niagara Falls. He details how he continues to work on his act, while performing with Piff The Magic Dragon’s All-Star Vegas – which often has audiences of 1-2000 people. Plus, a look at interacting with the audience during the pre-show – and how it can help the performer gain an advantage.
STAND UP AND CLOWN FOUR-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW!
The lineup is set for this epic show! We’ve got some great clowns (Courtney Pauroso, Dee Marcucci, Business Casual), and some of the best and worst comics to ever do the show – including Anna Akana, Danielle Perez, Fumi Abe and Dave Merheje!
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
NEW LA CLASSES IN 2026!
Chad is sold out in February, but he’s got a bunch of LA classes in March and April! He’s got a weekday version of his popular class DISRUPTOR (for people who work weekends), another installment of his newest intensive DESTABILIZER – and his most-popular workshop LANGUAGE OF NONSENSE – which includes a class show.
FIND OTHER SHOWS ON CHAD’S LINKTREE
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
CLOWN BOSS Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
2026 Refresher: What is Modern Clown?
2026/01/26
FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows!
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!
In this solo pod, Chad takes a step back and gives a basic refresher on modern clown. This one is jam-packed with discussion of clown principles and the motivations that make this work unique and dynamic.
SHOWS - IN LA AND SAN FRAN
On February 1st, Chad is bringing STAND UP AND CLOWN to SF Sketchfest. The cast includes Joey Dardano (Wild 'n Out), Zach Zucker (Stamptown) and Dropout TV favs Demi Adejuyigbe, Anna Garcia and Jordan Myrick. TICKETS HERE
And check out Chad’s next WIP solo show at the Elysian Theater! Comedy for Smart People on Saturday February 7th at 830pm. TICKETS HERE
NEW LA CLASSES IN 2026!
Chad is sold out in February, but he’s got a bunch of LA classes in March and April! He’s got a weekday version of his popular class DISRUPTOR (for people who work weekends), another installment of his newest intensive DESTABILIZER – and his most-popular workshop LANGUAGE OF NONSENSE – which includes a class show.
FIND OTHER SHOWS ON CHAD’S LINKTREE
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Clown Games, Subversion and Playing Stand-Up Shows
2026/01/12
FOLLOW Chad on IG to clown videos and to keep up-to-date on classes and shows! Find links in the episode notes.
INSTAGRAM and LINKTREE here!
The first episode of 2026! Chad is still exploring doing daily journals on a variety of topics (as he figures out his next series of interviews). In this solo pod, he talks about how clowns tell stories that share a lot of DNA with professional sports, talks about the challenges that face clowns when they want to perform at traditional stand-up shows and explores the difference between subversion and mockery.
SHOWS - IN LA AND SAN FRAN
On February 1st, Chad is bringing STAND UP AND CLOWN to SF Sketchfest. The cast includes Joey Dardano (Wild 'n Out), Zach Zucker (Stamptown) and Dropout TV favs Demi Adejuyigbe, Anna Garcia and Jordan Myrick. TICKETS HERE
And check out Chad’s next WIP solo show at the Elysian! Comedy for Smart People on Saturday February 7th at 830pm. TICKETS HERE
NEW LA CLASSES IN 2026!
DESTABILIZER is already sold out for February, but a few spots remain for ACCELERATOR – Chad’s first three-day intensive in LA since before the pandemic (a workshop focused on solo work). Classes for March will be announced soon.
Accelerator is a more advanced class. READ MORE HERE
FIND OTHER SHOWS ON CHAD’S LINKTREE
MORE ABOUT THE CLOWN BOSS!
“The Father of Modern Clown in LA” - NPR
Chad Damiani is one of the architects of the contemporary clown scene in LA – a fearless exploration of joy, mischief, absurdity and audience interaction that embraces the spirit of clown work, without being limited to traditional conventions.
Podcast reviews
Read STAND UP AND CLOWN podcast reviews
Seema Yasmin 2026/08/18
Chad is the sage we need
So many bars dropped on the Clown Wars episode
llifeofblue19 2026/07/20
The Man, The Myth
This pod is a beautiful, expansive, often rambling journey through the mind of the Clown Boss himself. I’ve worked my way through the back catalogue t...
nukie12344 2025/10/15
What an amazing resource!
This podcast feels like a college course in Clowning with your favorite instructor. Thank you Chad for sharing your talents and your friends’ talents ...
Wendibird916 2025/04/14
Stand and deliver!
This is long overdue as I have been listening to this podcast for ages and gleaning extremely helpful and important gems for my clown work.
I know the...
justtanner101 2024/12/30
All Hail the Clown Boss!
Stand Up and Clown is a delightful blend of humor and heart, offering lessons in performance as well as life. Each episode feels like a balancing act ...
cathrina 2024/09/23
Great podcast with weird beeping issue
Love the content! The only reason I am taking a star off is because I hate the beeping! Sometimes I have to stop listening to an episode because the b...
BillTerrier 2024/09/15
Just one Flaw (BEEP)
It’s a podcast loaded with fascinating looks at what it means to clown—and perform more generally. It contains a lot of information that’s useful fo...
Carlos951753 2024/09/06
Fun podcast and live show
Stand Up and Clown (the podcast) is a great companion to Stand Up and Clown (the live show). Both are fun, insightful explorations of the joy and trag...
Julia Fae 2024/08/21
Chad is Daddy Clown
With a voice that in its very nature supports and caresses each listener, coming from a heart of such joy and clown essence, this pod will undoubtedly...
peanutbutterkiller 2024/07/09
One of the clown podcasts
There’s a lot of brilliant advice for free. There’s also a lot of regular advice that’s also free. I don’t always agree with Chad, but I really apprec...
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