I have always wanted to be a clown. Even as a child I had red nose dreams. I don't know why. I don't have any clown memories before age 10(when I saw my first Marx Brothers Film and Saw a production of Macbeth and was fascinated by the porter character and his "knock, knock, knock" monologue). I just like making people laugh. Why clown over comedian, I don't know. Maybe it's true what they say, one does not choose to be a clown, it chooses you.

The summer between my junior and senior year of high school, after years of being a class clown and acting in school plays, I went to a clown school I heard about from my local magic shop. It set the course of my life. I woke up.

After high school I attended one of the most prestigious physical theatre schools in the world- The Dell Arte School of Physical Theatre. At the time I was the youngest student they had ever accepted. There I studied Mime, Commedia, Acting, and Clown.

I graduated Dell Arte and moved to NYC. At this time I hit several internal and external conflicts. The first was between the two styles of clowning I had studied. In high school I learned Birthday Party Clowning which had tons of opportunity but seemingly limited creativity. At Dell Arte I studied theatrical clowning with unlimited artistic freedom, but a limited market- almost nonexistent. When in school I felt these two styles were more similar than different, but in the real world I struggled with what they were and who I was within them. What kind of clown was I? I also struggled with my ego. "I am an artist! I don't deserve to be an artist!" External advise and concerns also clouded my vision. "You should go to school" "A good looking guy like you should not HIDE behind that nose and makeup" "A smart guy like you should make a difference in the world" "A talented guy like you could do anything".

All of those factors really sent me off in a million directions. Using clowning to support me I chased all the advice I was given. I got an agent and started working as commercial actor (one of my commercials). I received a Masters Degree in Education. By acting I was using my "talent and good looks" to sell pizza and other products I could care less about. As a teacher in after school programs and nonprofit arts organizations I was "making a difference". I enjoyed these things. I met many wonderful people. I learned a lot, but something was missing for me.

I started to wake up. I did a lot of soul searching and I was able to choose clowning. I quit acting. I created some artsy clown material and started an all clown variety show where clowns could develop new work and push the envelope of the art form. I started clowning at events and parties full time and was eventually able to quit teaching. I married the woman of my dreams(Read about our wedding in the NY Times!) who has been supportive and loving through it all! How does it get better than that!?

Now I am working to take my company to the next level. I am performing as a clown and learning about business and myself each day. I am constantly discovering the power of laughter and the joy that comes with making others happy.

I look forward to sharing my passion for clowning and laughter with you at an event or performance soon. Thanks for reading!

Laughter IS the best medicine

Christopher Lueck