Darien DeVries

Hopefully this will give the fine folks at the Clown Conservatory – and all of you – a bit more insight about me.

Many thanks to Quin for a wordsmith’s critical eye.

Why do I want to attend the Clown Conservatory, you ask?

I am a performer. I don’t just love acting, singing, and telling jokes. It’s written into who I am to entertain a crowd. I love bringing joy to an audience, creating new stories and new universes for them. Creating those same things for myself. Each time I make a wish, the wish is always the same: “To be a great and successful performer in my own right.” People can come into a theater strangers and I can help make them friends through the collective experience of laughter, fantasy, and fun. That kind of connection is my true love. Even in the face of great tragedy and heartbreak, I am the best ME I can be when I am on stage entertaining.

But why clowning? As I sit here, three things come to mind.

1. The first time I saw Cirque de Soleil I was undoubtedly amazed by the agility of the gymnasts. But it was the clowns who struck me the most. The stories told without a word through their performances. The simple humanity they represented that evoked tears as well as laughter. A clown can touch on the bittersweet aspects of life like no other, and help us work through uncertainty and sorrow with laughter.

2. Last Halloween, I took a stilt-walking gig for for the city of Norwalk and they requested that the stilt-walker be a clown – I was happy to oblige. Oh my, how the people of Norwalk love clowns! I have performed “clownish” characters before but it was a revelation to actually take on the iconic appearance and become an actual symbol of happiness as I brought joy to families. I was inspired beyond belief and left that evening with a giddiness in my soul that screamed “I must do this!”

3. This quote from your website put to me that clowning is the art form I have been seeking –

“Clowns always make the most vulnerable choice, naturally”  — Dominique Jando

A good friend of mine told me, “Darien, you have a glass face and an open soul.” My ability to express what I am feeling so vividly is my greatest strength as a performer. My face belies the truth – never a problem on stage as what I convey there is always the truth – and my body is an extension of my face.

I have been blessed with charisma, agility, and good muscle memory. A childhood of tap and jazz dance solidified this and further training in martial arts and belly dance as an adult has kept it fresh. I sing, play fiddle, walk on stilts, eat fire, and do a little juggling. I am an improvisational actor passionate about both comedy and drama.

I wondered how on earth to become a clown. Are there schools for this? How do I know which to choose? I researched several clown schools, but their programs did not appear to be as comprehensive or professionally-oriented as yours. Your school has a very solid reputation among my colleagues, primarily for its immersive approach to the art of clown technique, pushing students to be their creative best. I seek such an immersion. I seek to build upon the skills I have, to grow where I lack. To develop effective relationships and shows. To do this professionally and make it my life’s work. To become a solid solo performer so that I could be an even greater contributor to an ensemble.

I will put these talents to good use and make a little magic out there in the world. And I’d like your school to help me take flight.

I am ready now. My potential is great and my resolve is strong. Clown Conservatory, I am for you.