Dive into the world of variety and alternative comedy, and explore different approaches to theatrical performance. This course gives students the skills to build rapport with any crowd, create new unique pieces, and confidently perform onstage no matter what their act might be. Unlock your individual sense of play to help elevate the material that you and only you can create.

Students will leave with original performance pieces that will be featured in an end of class showcase.

Danny Wightkin is an award-winning clown and actor who tours his solo shows throughout the country and beyond. He studied clown in France with clown master Philippe Gaulier, and more recently spent the past two years studying with Avner the Eccentric. With over a decade of performance experience, Danny has shared unique interactive performances with audiences of all sizes at festivals, theaters, parties, and other events. Last year he starred in the Chicago Reader recommended show Clown Brunch. Beyond the stage, he enjoys appearing as the creature in films and was the titular monster in the multi-award winning horror short The Spaghetti Man.

This class will meet once a week on the same day each week, for six (6) total classes

6/1 - 7/13 (no class 6/29)

Optional Showcase: 

7/19 4:30pm*

*times approximate, subject to change

NOTE: Please ignore the below schedule dates as they may not apply to this specific class/workshop

Term 3 2026 runs 5/11 - 7/19/2026
NO CLASS: 5/24 - 5/28 (Memorial Day)
NO CLASS 6/28 - 7/4 (Pride & July 4th)

Classes meet once a week on the same day each week:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday classes meet 6:30-9pm
Saturday and Sunday classes meet 1-3:30pm

Please be sure about your schedule before you register for class. Here’s why….Your enrollment HOLDS A SPACE in a class that we are no longer able to offer someone else.Class payments are NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE, and can be applied only to the current term’s class for which you have signed up. This applies if you get cast in a show, get a new job, or other situation, or have other changes to your schedule. So please be sure about your schedule before you register.

You will receive an email about 24 hours before your class is scheduled to begin.  This email message will include specific studio/location information, as well as instructor information and additional class related details. 
NOTE: Please add lauren@theannoyance.com and classes@theannoyance.com to your approved contacts or messages may be sent to spam.