Dec 13 & 14, 2025
10 – 1 Instruction
1-2 Applied Lab
$130
Center for Performing Arts
This workshop will establish and practice many of the foundational tools used to discover the state of clown for the individual performer. We will use exercises, side coaching, and brief creations/ performances to learn and refine together in a welcoming and participatory environment.
About the Instructor
Mark Benzel has been working and based in Minneapolis for more than a decade, creating over dozens of original shows with companies such as Sandbox Theatre, Live Action Set, Red Eye Theater, and Transatlantic Love Affair. In addition to script-based work he also is co-founder of The Improv Movement project. He has studied clown with Pierre Byland, Phillipe Gaulier, and many others. He has also studied physical theatre and devising with Jon Ferguson, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Pig Iron Theatre and others.
Participant Testimonials:
“Mark is a very kind teacher who explains things very thoroughly while still letting you fly on your own some”–Fall 2025 Participant
“A game changer for improvisers who want to grow their capacity to receive the gifts that are already there.”–Fall 2025 Participant
“The teacher was excellent at both examples and side-coaching, and it felt like a safe place to start or advance.”–Fall 2025 Participant
Simple Machines 