Philippe Gaulier

Recently, my first clown teacher, Philippe Gaulier, passed away. He is probably the best-known clown teacher in the world and has taught many, many great clowns. His legacy is enormous. I thought I would write a blog about his style. His approach is in stark contrast to the stereotypical image of the red-nosed, slapstick circus clown. Gaulier’s clown style is rooted in authenticity, vulnerability, and a deep sense of playfulness, embracing the beautifully imperfect aspects of being human, and especially, for the performer, of being grounded in their unique human-ness.

At the heart of Gaulier’s clown philosophy is the idea that each individual harbours their own unique clown—an inner fool who emerges when we stop trying to impress and simply let ourselves be seen. Gaulier’s method encourages actors to find laughter in their honest reactions and genuine failures. The clown, in Gaulier’s world, is not about clever tricks or forced jokes, but about the spontaneous joy and charm that arise when a performer is truly present and open with their audience. This challenges the actor to be immensely courageous with their vulnerability. In this sense, “vulnerability” is powerful. It requires the actor to be present, honest, and connected to their audience.

In Gaulier’s classes, students are encouraged (and sometimes forced) to abandon self-consciousness and rediscover the childlike pleasure of play. In fact, the first 3 weeks of his course was called ‘Le Jeu’ (The Game), wherein this sense of play became the philosophical and practical approach to all the coming classes. He insists on a lightness of touch, a sense of mischief, and the courage to be ridiculous. Ultimately, Gaulier’s clown is a celebration of humanity in all its glorious imperfection—a reminder that joy and laughter come from our most honest and unguarded selves.

From this place, art is made.