The Team
Together, Grada, Claudia, and Jeroen create a supportive and inspiring atmosphere, encouraging artists of all levels to explore the depths of clowning.
Through workshops, performances, and collaborative projects, our group celebrates the art of laughter, fostering connections and personal growth.
Join us in this enchanting journey, where the spirit of clowning brings joy and inspiration to all!

Nola Rae
Guest teacher 2025
Claudia
Cantone
Grada
Peskens
Jeroen
van der LeeNola Rae
Guest teacherNola’s workshop will concentrate on comic and dramatic clarity by sifting out the extraneous and getting to the visual point.
Born in Sydney, Nola Rae immigrated to London in 1963. Trained at the Royal Ballet School in London, she danced at Malmö Stadsteater and at Tivoli Pantomime Theatre in Copenhagen before turning to mime, studying with Marcel Marceau in Paris.
In 1974 she founded the London Mime Theatre with her partner Matthew Ridout and premiered her first solo show in France at the Nancy Festival in 1975. To date Nola has toured her work to 69 countries.
As a teacher, she has lead mime and clowning workshops worldwide.
With Joseph Seelig, Nola instigated the London International Mime Festival which has presented ground breaking visual performance from 1977 to 2023. In 2008 she was appointed an M.B.E. for her services to Drama and to Mime by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Claudia
CantoneFrom her beginnings in the national police force to her transformation into a renowned clown artist, Claudia Cantone embodies the essence of artistic reinvention.
With a background in philosophy and literature, she approaches clowning as a profound exploration of the human experience.
After directing the Nouveau Clown Institute for ten years alongside Jango Edwards, Claudia created her original method, "The Alchemical Clown," which combines art therapy, meditations, and experiential exercises, making her creative classes unique.
She has studied with esteemed mentors and founded several clown ensembles, including “Clowntime” in Rome and “Las Enclownadas” in Barcelona.
Her innovative workshops merge clowning with art therapy, helping participants discover their “Clown Soul”. Claudia's commitment to using creativity as a form of personal expression is reflected in her numerous solo performances and collaborations, making her a vital force in our collective.

Grada
PeskensWith over a decade as a member of the Nouveau Clown Institute faculty, Grada Peskens is a versatile performer and educator whose career spans dance, clowning, and music.
Her training at the Rotterdam Dance Academy and her time with the Scapino Ballet laid a solid foundation for her artistic expression.
Grada has toured extensively across Europe with notable ensembles, captivating audiences with her dynamic performances. As a musician, actress, and clown master instructor, she infuses rhythm and creativity into every aspect of her work.
Her sessions are based on binding heart and head, using skills available for every individual participant.

Jeroen
van der LeeJeroen Van der Lee’s journey into the world of clowning and performing began with juggling at a young age, leading him to perform in a variety of contexts, from local fairs to national television.
His experience includes participation in international festivals and collaborations with acclaimed companies and festivals.
Jeroen brings a playful and energetic approach to his work, focusing on the joy of performance and the art of storytelling through movement.
As a member of our group, he contributes his expertise in juggling and physical comedy, fostering an environment where humor and creativity thrive.
