ÉTAMPES, France — Meet Carlo Jacucci. Tonight, he’s the judge and the audience for a group of students eager to learn the art of clowning at École Philippe Gaulier. His method is simple—make them uncomfortable to help them grow.
The atmosphere is lively as students don costumes that range from whimsical to outrageous. Clowns, with their red noses and vibrant attire, give life to a tradition here that has continued for over 40 years.
At the heart of this school is Philippe Gaulier’s philosophy: comedy starts not with punchlines, but with embracing your own absurdity. Gaulier, now in his 80s and recently retired due to health issues, built this approach into the school’s DNA. Many have come to Étampes to discover their inner clown, including doctors, actors, and artists.
One recent student is Brazilian actress Gabriela Flarys, dressed in a frilly flamenco costume. Her performance, however, faces tough criticism. Jacucci isn’t shy—he informs the class that they’ve reached “le flop,” the moment when a performance doesn’t land. Flarys struggles but eventually erupts in exaggerated anger, prompting laughs from her peers.
Failing is part of the journey here. It’s an act of vulnerability, and that’s where magic often happens. Jacucci encourages Flarys to channel that frustration into her performance. After a comical explosion of emotions, she throws a pie at her fellow performer. The room erupts in laughter—an unexpected triumph.
The lessons at École Philippe Gaulier are steeped in honesty. Alumni like Zach Zucker, who runs a vaudeville show called Stamptown, attest to the transformative power of learning to fail. Zucker once worked with Sacha Baron Cohen, where he learned that embracing failure can be just as valuable as success. “If you can be good at being bad, nothing feels bad anymore,” he explains.
Recent graduates like Julia Masli have found their own success after years of honing their craft. Her solo show, where she invites the audience to share personal problems, became a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She credits her time at the school for the resilience she needed to face the stage—even when it was difficult.
The history of the school reinforces its unique approach. Founded in 1980 by Gaulier, who began his career under the guidance of mime master Jacques Lecoq, it has produced notable talent, from Oscar winners to comedians making waves today.
Despite his teachings, Gaulier once pointed out that not everyone is cut out for this art. “The pleasure to be ridiculous… it’s a gift,” he stated. Yet, everyone who walks through these doors is seeking change, willing to shed their inhibitions and embrace their quirks.
In their quest, students like Frank Benson from Australia are learning to bounce back from failure more swiftly. “It was tough today,” he admits, reflecting on how the emotional terrain of clowning can be daunting but rewarding.
As Flarys mops her brow, she reflects on her multiple stints here. “Nothing is a mistake if you play with it,” she says with a newfound confidence.
The École Philippe Gaulier remains a sanctuary for those daring enough to explore the messiness of performance. It’s more than just learning to entertain; it’s about discovering joy in the absurd. For anyone looking to find their inner clown, this school offers the perfect stage.
For more insights into schools of comedy, visit NPR.
