Coney Island USA is opening its doors to a new class of clowns. The next session of Coney Island Clown Skool, a week-long intensive in clowning and physical comedy, runs November 8 through 15 at the arts organization's building at 1208 Surf Avenue, and the public is invited to both ends of it for free.

Two free shows

The week opens on Sunday, November 8, at 7 p.m. with a welcome show performed by Clown Skool instructors and alumni, a showcase of clowning and physical comedy that introduces the incoming students. Admission is free, with donations encouraged.

It closes on Saturday, November 14, at 7 p.m. with the Student Showcase, where the new class performs original pieces it built over the week. That show is also free, with donations encouraged.

What the students learn

Clown Skool's instructors are clowns, theater professionals, puppeteers and movement artists with backgrounds in Broadway, circus, vaudeville and street theater. The program says each day mixes hands-on workshops, guest lectures, performances and field trips, which can include Broadway shows and circus productions. The curriculum covers:

  • Clowning fundamentals: classic technique, comic timing and physical expression.
  • Movement and body awareness, including mime and dance.
  • Puppetry and object manipulation.
  • Slapstick and physical comedy.
  • Building a personal clown character.

Sign-up for the intensive is on the Clown Skool site, and questions go to ciclownskool@gmail.com or (917) 553-3774.

Carve a carousel horse

Upstairs at the Coney Island Museum, master carver Bob Yorburg teaches a four-session class in which each student carves a miniature replica of a Stein & Goldstein carousel horse. Sessions run from noon to 5 p.m. on November 7, 8, 14 and 15. Space is limited and sign-up is through Coney Island USA.

Before then: Rocky Horror at the sideshow

On October 30 and 31 at 8 p.m., Coney Island USA stages Creatures of the Night, a shadow cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show performed by drag artists, sideshow performers and burlesque dancers, with an all queer people of color cast that includes Miss Coney Island 2026. Tickets are $30 and are will call only. Costumes and callouts are encouraged, prop bags are sold at the show, and ASL interpreters will be there.

How to go

Coney Island USA and the Coney Island Museum are at 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224. The D, F, N and Q all end at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue, about two blocks away.

Sources