What is Idiot Theatre?

Idiot Theatre is an independent clown troupe in Denver, CO, focused on bringing never-before-seen alt-comedy and experimental theater to life. 

As a community of creatives, we make live, devised comedy without a fourth wall, creating truly idiotic and magical experiences. We create and produce self-funded shows and have been featured on Colorado Public Radio, Denver Westword, The Denver Gazette and Stand Up and Clown. The Idiots have played in backyards, comedy clubs and parking lots all over Colorado.

SHOWS

If you’re new to the concept of “clown”, you might already be familiar with clowning and not even realize it. Some clowns you may have seen before include Andy Kaufman, Eric André, Natalie Palamides, Johnny Knoxville and Lucille Ball.

Note: we believe everyone should have access to their arts community, regardless of income. We have select sliding scale tickets available for each show - contact us to reserve a sliding scale ticket or to set up a trade with us (we can always use a photographer, videographer or stagehand).

HISTORY

In 2021, a gaggle of us met each other while in a Chad Damiani clown class at Rise Comedy in Denver (we think this might make Chad our dad?) We decided to play together more soon after, and Chad kindly worked with us a few times online and in-person (whenever they were in town) while we figured out how to run a show with 10 people.

From 2022-2024, Idiot Theatre was produced primarily by Alice Gillette. Juls Beckert made our logo and helped with producing, devising and directing. During this time, Idiot Theatre performed twice a month at Rise Comedy and at Chaos Bloom Theater in Denver. Soon after, Juls and Lis started teaching clown classes. Alice started a free clown jam. Then, the idiots started booking the folks they met at the classes and the clown jams to perform during Idiot Theatre (we guess this is how clown babies are made?)

And slowly, an indie clown scene began to emerge in the city. A few of us started teaching more, directing more and getting more and more busy being idiots.

In 2024, Kii Clark and Patrick Reed took over Idiot Theatre and started running their own clown show Jesting Grounds. It currently runs every 2nd Friday at Chaos Bloom Theater in Denver.

🤡

The past and present clowns of Idiot Theatre are still good friends and sometimes perform in and around Denver. “Idiots” teaching clown and comedy in the Denver area include:

You can also visit Blake Gearin’s Colorado Clown calendar for more clown shows in Colorado: http://clowncal.com/

To ask us if the band can get back together for a one off show, contact Kii or Alice.