GET INVOLVED
Making new work can be scary (and expensive)!
Down to Clown aims to make it easier to develop new work by offering a friendly, supportive audience of clowns (and the people who love them) in a low-risk space. There’s no cost to artists, no drink minimum (but we encourage you to support the fine folks at Pine Box!), and we split the door amongst all the artists on the night. You won’t get rich, but you’ll probably cover your subway fare or a tasty snack.
Pitches are open year-round and slots are filled on a rolling basis, so get in quick, especially if you have your heart set on a particular date!
How much time can I have?
Down to Clown with an Open Mic of short acts, followed by two rotating guest hours. But with the rise of more open mics around town, we found ourselves with a surplus of folks looking for longer chunks of stage time for that nebulous space between 'act' and 'show.'
And so, in 2026 we welcome work from 5-50 minutes, to be programmed into a two act show with an intermission, followed by open time for feedback and socializing (or the occasional third hour show). Shows are on the the second Thursday of each month at 7pm (except for January).
Looking for inspiration?
Here are some of our alumni you may have seen around town and at festivals:
Rachel Resnik & Shanice Stanislaus’s $$$ (NY Comedy Fest)
Hannah Marias’s Strip Teas
Edu Díaz’s A Drag Is Born (NYC, Orlando, and Edinburgh Fringe)
Krista Komondor’s Sunny Chatum: An American Dream
Karen Anne Light’s Prowling the Abyss (Orlando and Montreal Fringe)
Marilyn Mineo’s Beefy Smalls: Chapter Next
Aarushi Agni’s EMOJI: The Hieroglyphs of Our Time (NYC and Newburgh Fringe)
But wait, there’s more!
New work isn’t just about performers - we’re here for hosts and producers too! If you’ve always wanted to curate, produce, or host a show but weren’t quite ready to take on the risk of booking and paying for a space, now’s your chance to give it a go.
In addition to the two-act show, we also have the option of our Third Hour. Got an idea for a new game show? Want to celebrate your favorite holiday or season? Have your friends put on a variety show for your birthday? Teaching a workshop and want to give your students a chance to show off their new skills? The stage is yours.
Past shows include:
Animal and nature themed acts produced by Michael Galligan
Shhh! (nonverbal work curated and hosted - in mime! - by Kristin McCarthy Parker)
Sideshow Shenanigans hosted by Mike Weiss
My Favorite Thoroughfare variety show by Catherine Davis