Page to Stage: Storytelling & Structure

Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt said, “Everyone has a story to tell. All you have to do is write it.”  Sounds easy enough, but with a lifetime full of stories, how do you know where to start? This class is that start!

Each week, you’ll use writing exercises to generate material inspired by your own lived experience and get feedback in real-time. You’ll practice listening to your unique artistic voice, giving it structure, and translating it into a dynamic performance piece. This class takes you from sitting in front of a blank page to standing in front of an audience, performing a fully realized performance piece inspired by your life.

All are welcome, no experience necessary.

What You’ll Learn

• How to generate ideas.

• How to structure a story.

• How to get to the heart of what your story is about.

• How to find the FUN!

What You’ll Get

• An intimate setting, classes are capped at 12

• Six, 3-hour classes

• A performance piece of your own creation

• A showcase performance featuring your work.

When?

• Mondays, 6 – 9PM | March 3rd – April 7th, 2025

• SHOW: Monday April 14th, 7PM

Where?

• The Sweet Action Theatre Company              180 Shaw Street, Unit 106

How Much?

• $280 Before Feb 21st, then $315

What Next?

• Pay by eTransfer to reserve your spot today: jamesmichaelgangl@gmail.com

Making Stupid with Professor Eff: A Clown Workshop 

Professor Eff (Jesse Buck) invites you to come play in this grand absurd world of idiots to find your own ridiculous self! Over the course of six nights, this workshop will introduce a process for creating stupid, playing stupid and celebrating the stupid. We will focus on the European style of traditional red nosed clown, but with more contemporary methods and ideology to influence the work. This course will not be rooted in the philosophies of dead scholars but the successes of what we see on stage!  

Participants will create a clown turn (or bit) to perform at a class show during the final class. Bringing your imagination is encouraged. All experience levels are welcome as well as duos & trios. 

Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm 
March 11th to April 15th, 2025 
Sweet Action Theatre 
180 Shaw Street, unit 106 

Participant fee: $300 
(Inquire about possible discounts if in need) 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com for more info or to register. 

Jesse Buck is a 25-year veteran of the stupid as an award-winning physical comedian. He mentored under master teacher Phillippe Gaulier in 2003 and has since developed his own unique style and approach to play. His solo show Bubkus has played international stages and he toured extensively performing in multiple productions with Cirque du Soleil. A regular in the Toronto Clown scene, Jesse was frequently featured in the Toronto Festival of Clowns, the Red Nosed Cabaret, What The Festival and The Foolish Cabaret, created by the late Helen Donnelly. 

Jesse will be offering a free drop-in class on Tuesday February 25th from 6:00-9:00pm at Sweet Action Theatre. 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com to reserve your spot. 

Please register online above before coming to the class to ensure you receive a spot. Walk-ins have needed to be turned away in the past.

This weekly 2-hour drop-in class is your ultimate playground for becoming a more articulate, inspired, and expressive comedian and performer. Through dynamic exercises and techniques, we’ll tap into the power of physicality—because your body has the potential to speak louder than words! Together, we’ll explore how movement can supercharge the delivery of your bits, stories, and speeches, leaving your audience captivated and craving more.

Each week brings a fresh focus to spark your creativity and strengthen your performance skills. Think of it as an artistic workout! From mastering presence to exploring neutral masks, half masks, genre work, clowning, collective creation, improv and much more —there’s something new to discover every time. And don’t worry, we’ll revisit topics to build consistency and adapt to the energy of the group!

No Experience Necessary!
This workshop is open to all artistic adventurers—whether you’re a seasoned performer or just curious to try something new. You don’t need to be a comedian or clown to reap the benefits. Come as you are and let your imagination lead the way.

Who Is This For?
This class is perfect for anyone who:

• Wants to command the stage with confidence and intention

• Is curious about the Lecoq Technique

• Is ready to dive into new styles of theatre and performance

• Wants to level up their physical comedy and clowning skills

• Dreams of creating their own original work

• Is eager to shake up their acting and live performance routine

• Wants to add depth, physicality, and object work to their improv or stand up comedy game.

Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30pm (no class on the Jan 23rd) 

Fee: $20 + HST = $22.60 for 2 hours

Register here
I will send a email to everyone the night before! If you send the day of, just show up! 

Please wear movement clothes and indoor shoes. Nothing too busy on the clothes! THANKS! 

SIGN UP FOR CHASE'S NEWSLETTER for info on new workshops and classes! 
Here

About Chase:

Chase Jeffels is a graduate of École Jacques Lecoq and the Laboratoire d'Étude du Mouvement (Laboratory of Movement Study) in Paris, France. He also trained under the guidance of renowned clown master Philippe Gaulier (teacher of Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Thompson). Gaulier had this to say about Chase’s work (imagine it in a thick French accent): “I do not like very much Canada, but I like what you do.”

Chase has also studied with a host of other notable teachers in clown, bouffon, and idiot work, including Aitor Basauri, John Gilkey, Chad Damiani, Kevin Krieger, Deanna Fleysher, Jaime Mears, Ken Hall, Isaac Kessler, and Gordon Neill. Additionally, he completed the three-year classical theatre conservatory program at George Brown Theatre School.

As an actor and comedian, Chase’s work spans film, television, and theatre. He has performed across Canada, France, and China. Chase is one half of the dynamic duo West 2 West, celebrated for their innovative blend of sketch, clown, and improv comedy. In his solo endeavors, Chase continues to push the boundaries of comedy, merging improv, sketch, and a unique fusion of stand-up and clown. His work bridges the gap between mainstream comedy and the art of clowning, showcasing his passion for creative performance.

A Pi Day Double Bill: 10,000 Digits of Pi with the Fronge Festival

Date: March 14th, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: Sweet Action Theatre

Come celebrate Pi Day with us at Sweet Action Theatre! This double bill event will feature improvised plays drawn from Toronto theatre's past performed by The Fronge Festival, followed by Vinay Sagar's critically-acclaimed 10,000 Digits of Pi.

Schedule:

8:00 PM - The Fronge Festival

9:00 PM - intermission

9:15 PM - 10,000 Digits of Pi

About 10,000 Digits of Pi:

Shortlisted for the Malcolm Hardee Comic Originality award in 2024 at the Edinburgh Fringe Vinay brings back this unique show! The premise is simple, Vinay recites digits of pi and every time he makes a mistake he does a punishment as determined by you, the audience! He maps every six digits to an image in his mind that you can see on a screen along with the digits. The images are weird but help him remember and get to his target for the show!

‘This is the kind of show true Fringe-goers will talk about for years to come.’ - The Scotsman ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘It’s silly. It’s smart. It’s not somewhere in between, it’s something else, and Sagar carries you with him till the nail-biting end, as he attempts the impossible …’ - Binge Fringe Magazine ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About The Fronge Festival:

Step back in time to Toronto Fringe's past as the renowned company of the Fronge Festival improvises an hour of Fringe plays based entirely on the titles selected by the audience. Complete with improvised lighting, this show offers a tasting platter of Fringe theatre madness.

'One of the funniest shows I’ve seen in Kingston this year' -Kingston Theatre Alliance

This workshop is the first in a three-part series of 12-hour intensives designed to develop articulate, inspired, and expressive performers. Emphasizing that our bodies communicate as much—if not more—than our words, we will explore how to harness physicality to enhance the delivery of bits, stories, and speeches.

In Part One, we begin in silence, examining our daily movements and relearning how to truly listen. This leads us to a crucial question: Does the performer on stage have a strong presence in the space? If not, how can we cultivate it?

Our primary focus is on becoming more articulate and intentional with movement, developing a state of neutrality that draws the audience into an imaginative space. To support this, we will work with Lecoq’s Neutral Mask. Once the mask is worn, the face disappears, words cannot be spoken, and all attention shifts to the body—where suddenly, every movement speaks. This foundational state is ever-present in performance and is essential to master before achieving true effectiveness and humor on stage.

Lecoq always recommended that if you are a dramatic actor, you should work in clown, and if you are a clown, you should work with the Neutral Mask. The two disciplines inform and challenge each other, strengthening a performer’s ability to be fully present and expressive.

Participants will engage in exercises to deepen their connection to space, explore presence through calm readiness, and work directly with Neutral Masks.

This workshop is open to artists of all backgrounds and experience levels—you don’t need to identify as a performer to benefit from the work.

Who is this for?

This workshop is for participants who…

• Are curious about Neutral Mask

• Are looking to develop a stronger stage presence

• Want to be more expressive in performance

• Want to become more articulate and intentional onstage

• Are interested in the world of mime and object work

• Want to build confidence and groundedness in their craft and life

March 15th & 16th 10am-5pm
1 hour for lunch break (12 hours total of work time)

$250 + HST ($282.50 total)

Register to hold a spot!

20% off if you have taken past intensives (not including drop- ins)  or are currently a student in a college or university.

More on the Neutral Mask:

Neutral Masks, initially developed by mask and clown teacher Jacques Lecoq, serve as a valuable learning tool for actors. They facilitate the development of emotional authenticity, economy of movement, and provide a balanced, centered foundation for expressing powerful and genuine emotions onstage.

About your instructor, Chase:

Chase Jeffels is a graduate of École Jacques Lecoq and the Laboratoire d'Étude du Mouvement (Laboratory of Movement Study) in Paris, France. He also trained under the guidance of renowned clown master Philippe Gaulier (teacher of Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Thompson). Gaulier had this to say about Chase’s work (imagine it in a thick French accent): “I do not like very much Canada, but I like what you do.”

Chase has also studied with a host of other notable teachers in clown, bouffon, and idiot work, including Aitor Basauri, John Gilkey, Chad Damiani, Kevin Krieger, Deanna Fleysher, Jaime Mears, Ken Hall, Isaac Kessler, and Gordon Neill. Additionally, he completed the three-year classical theatre conservatory program at George Brown Theatre School.

As an actor and comedian, Chase’s work spans film, television, and theatre. He has performed across Canada, France, and China. Chase is one half of the dynamic duo West 2 West, celebrated for their innovative blend of sketch, clown, and improv comedy. In his solo endeavors, Chase continues to push the boundaries of comedy, merging improv, sketch, and a unique fusion of stand-up and clown. His work bridges the gap between mainstream comedy and the art of clowning, showcasing his passion for creative performance.

Page to Stage: Storytelling & Structure

Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt said, “Everyone has a story to tell. All you have to do is write it.”  Sounds easy enough, but with a lifetime full of stories, how do you know where to start? This class is that start!

Each week, you’ll use writing exercises to generate material inspired by your own lived experience and get feedback in real-time. You’ll practice listening to your unique artistic voice, giving it structure, and translating it into a dynamic performance piece. This class takes you from sitting in front of a blank page to standing in front of an audience, performing a fully realized performance piece inspired by your life.

All are welcome, no experience necessary.

What You’ll Learn

• How to generate ideas.

• How to structure a story.

• How to get to the heart of what your story is about.

• How to find the FUN!

What You’ll Get

• An intimate setting, classes are capped at 12

• Six, 3-hour classes

• A performance piece of your own creation

• A showcase performance featuring your work.

When?

• Mondays, 6 – 9PM | March 3rd – April 7th, 2025

• SHOW: Monday April 14th, 7PM

Where?

• The Sweet Action Theatre Company              180 Shaw Street, Unit 106

How Much?

• $280 Before Feb 21st, then $315

What Next?

• Pay by eTransfer to reserve your spot today: jamesmichaelgangl@gmail.com

Making Stupid with Professor Eff: A Clown Workshop 

Professor Eff (Jesse Buck) invites you to come play in this grand absurd world of idiots to find your own ridiculous self! Over the course of six nights, this workshop will introduce a process for creating stupid, playing stupid and celebrating the stupid. We will focus on the European style of traditional red nosed clown, but with more contemporary methods and ideology to influence the work. This course will not be rooted in the philosophies of dead scholars but the successes of what we see on stage!  

Participants will create a clown turn (or bit) to perform at a class show during the final class. Bringing your imagination is encouraged. All experience levels are welcome as well as duos & trios. 

Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm 

March 11th to April 15th, 2025 

Sweet Action Theatre 

180 Shaw Street, unit 106 

Participant fee: $300 
(Inquire about possible discounts if in need) 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com for more info or to register. 

Jesse Buck is a 25-year veteran of the stupid as an award-winning physical comedian. He mentored under master teacher Phillippe Gaulier in 2003 and has since developed his own unique style and approach to play. His solo show Bubkus has played international stages and he toured extensively performing in multiple productions with Cirque du Soleil. A regular in the Toronto Clown scene, Jesse was frequently featured in the Toronto Festival of Clowns, the Red Nosed Cabaret, What The Festival and The Foolish Cabaret, created by the late Helen Donnelly. 

Jesse will be offering a free drop-in class on Tuesday February 25th from 6:00-9:00pm at Sweet Action Theatre. 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com to reserve your spot. 

Between the Grooves: An Improvised Exploration of an Album

Between the Grooves is an improvised exploration of an entire album- this one's for lovers of music and comedy! This stacked cast of comedy heroes will unpack each track on the album to inspire scenes that will move you, figuratively (and literally).

Come watch some of the funniest improvisers in Canada will bring the album to life, one song at a time!

Event Details:

Date: Friday March 21, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM ~50 min runtime, doors at 7:45pm

Location: Sweet Action Theatre (180 Shaw Street #106) Toronto, ON

$20

Get ready to laugh and dance in your seat at...

Between the Grooves: Comedy Inspired by the album ROOM ON FIRE by The Strokes!

Open Stage Night is Here!

Free, no tickets.

Join us for an evening of laughter, creativity, and surprise at the Open Stage Night! It’s like an open mic for comics, just instead of a microphone we’re opening up the entire stage for ridiculousness to occur. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a curious newcomer, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and share your silliest, most whimsical acts. From playful antics to heartwarming stories, clown, bouffon, improv, and all other performance artists, we want to see what you're working on!

Up to 10 minutes of stage time for each performer. List will be posted at 9:00 pm, show starts at 9:15pm.

Not just for performers! Come out to watch the show, see some fresh acts, and laugh at the hilarity that will ensue. Ridiculousness is almost guaranteed to occur!

Page to Stage: Storytelling & Structure

Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt said, “Everyone has a story to tell. All you have to do is write it.”  Sounds easy enough, but with a lifetime full of stories, how do you know where to start? This class is that start!

Each week, you’ll use writing exercises to generate material inspired by your own lived experience and get feedback in real-time. You’ll practice listening to your unique artistic voice, giving it structure, and translating it into a dynamic performance piece. This class takes you from sitting in front of a blank page to standing in front of an audience, performing a fully realized performance piece inspired by your life.

All are welcome, no experience necessary.

What You’ll Learn

• How to generate ideas.

• How to structure a story.

• How to get to the heart of what your story is about.

• How to find the FUN!

What You’ll Get

• An intimate setting, classes are capped at 12

• Six, 3-hour classes

• A performance piece of your own creation

• A showcase performance featuring your work.

When?

• Mondays, 6 – 9PM | March 3rd – April 7th, 2025

• SHOW: Monday April 14th, 7PM

Where?

• The Sweet Action Theatre Company              180 Shaw Street, Unit 106

How Much?

• $280 Before Feb 21st, then $315

What Next?

• Pay by eTransfer to reserve your spot today: jamesmichaelgangl@gmail.com

Making Stupid with Professor Eff: A Clown Workshop 

Professor Eff (Jesse Buck) invites you to come play in this grand absurd world of idiots to find your own ridiculous self! Over the course of six nights, this workshop will introduce a process for creating stupid, playing stupid and celebrating the stupid. We will focus on the European style of traditional red nosed clown, but with more contemporary methods and ideology to influence the work. This course will not be rooted in the philosophies of dead scholars but the successes of what we see on stage!  

Participants will create a clown turn (or bit) to perform at a class show during the final class. Bringing your imagination is encouraged. All experience levels are welcome as well as duos & trios. 

Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm 

March 11th to April 15th, 2025 

Sweet Action Theatre 

180 Shaw Street, unit 106 

Participant fee: $300 
(Inquire about possible discounts if in need) 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com for more info or to register. 

Jesse Buck is a 25-year veteran of the stupid as an award-winning physical comedian. He mentored under master teacher Phillippe Gaulier in 2003 and has since developed his own unique style and approach to play. His solo show Bubkus has played international stages and he toured extensively performing in multiple productions with Cirque du Soleil. A regular in the Toronto Clown scene, Jesse was frequently featured in the Toronto Festival of Clowns, the Red Nosed Cabaret, What The Festival and The Foolish Cabaret, created by the late Helen Donnelly. 

Jesse will be offering a free drop-in class on Tuesday February 25th from 6:00-9:00pm at Sweet Action Theatre. 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com to reserve your spot. 

Page to Stage: Storytelling & Structure

Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt said, “Everyone has a story to tell. All you have to do is write it.”  Sounds easy enough, but with a lifetime full of stories, how do you know where to start? This class is that start!

Each week, you’ll use writing exercises to generate material inspired by your own lived experience and get feedback in real-time. You’ll practice listening to your unique artistic voice, giving it structure, and translating it into a dynamic performance piece. This class takes you from sitting in front of a blank page to standing in front of an audience, performing a fully realized performance piece inspired by your life.

All are welcome, no experience necessary.

What You’ll Learn

• How to generate ideas.

• How to structure a story.

• How to get to the heart of what your story is about.

• How to find the FUN!

What You’ll Get

• An intimate setting, classes are capped at 12

• Six, 3-hour classes

• A performance piece of your own creation

• A showcase performance featuring your work.

When?

• Mondays, 6 – 9PM | March 3rd – April 7th, 2025

• SHOW: Monday April 14th, 7PM

Where?

• The Sweet Action Theatre Company              180 Shaw Street, Unit 106

How Much?

• $280 Before Feb 21st, then $315

What Next?

• Pay by eTransfer to reserve your spot today: jamesmichaelgangl@gmail.com

Making Stupid with Professor Eff: A Clown Workshop 

Professor Eff (Jesse Buck) invites you to come play in this grand absurd world of idiots to find your own ridiculous self! Over the course of six nights, this workshop will introduce a process for creating stupid, playing stupid and celebrating the stupid. We will focus on the European style of traditional red nosed clown, but with more contemporary methods and ideology to influence the work. This course will not be rooted in the philosophies of dead scholars but the successes of what we see on stage!  

Participants will create a clown turn (or bit) to perform at a class show during the final class. Bringing your imagination is encouraged. All experience levels are welcome as well as duos & trios. 

Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm 

March 11th to April 15th, 2025 

Sweet Action Theatre 

180 Shaw Street, unit 106 

Participant fee: $300 
(Inquire about possible discounts if in need) 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com for more info or to register. 

Jesse Buck is a 25-year veteran of the stupid as an award-winning physical comedian. He mentored under master teacher Phillippe Gaulier in 2003 and has since developed his own unique style and approach to play. His solo show Bubkus has played international stages and he toured extensively performing in multiple productions with Cirque du Soleil. A regular in the Toronto Clown scene, Jesse was frequently featured in the Toronto Festival of Clowns, the Red Nosed Cabaret, What The Festival and The Foolish Cabaret, created by the late Helen Donnelly. 

Jesse will be offering a free drop-in class on Tuesday February 25th from 6:00-9:00pm at Sweet Action Theatre. 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com to reserve your spot. 

Page to Stage: Storytelling & Structure

Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt said, “Everyone has a story to tell. All you have to do is write it.”  Sounds easy enough, but with a lifetime full of stories, how do you know where to start? This class is that start!

Each week, you’ll use writing exercises to generate material inspired by your own lived experience and get feedback in real-time. You’ll practice listening to your unique artistic voice, giving it structure, and translating it into a dynamic performance piece. This class takes you from sitting in front of a blank page to standing in front of an audience, performing a fully realized performance piece inspired by your life.

All are welcome, no experience necessary.

What You’ll Learn

• How to generate ideas.

• How to structure a story.

• How to get to the heart of what your story is about.

• How to find the FUN!

What You’ll Get

• An intimate setting, classes are capped at 12

• Six, 3-hour classes

• A performance piece of your own creation

• A showcase performance featuring your work.

When?

• Mondays, 6 – 9PM | March 3rd – April 7th, 2025

• SHOW: Monday April 14th, 7PM

Where?

• The Sweet Action Theatre Company              180 Shaw Street, Unit 106

How Much?

• $280 Before Feb 21st, then $315

What Next?

• Pay by eTransfer to reserve your spot today: jamesmichaelgangl@gmail.com

Making Stupid with Professor Eff: A Clown Workshop 

Professor Eff (Jesse Buck) invites you to come play in this grand absurd world of idiots to find your own ridiculous self! Over the course of six nights, this workshop will introduce a process for creating stupid, playing stupid and celebrating the stupid. We will focus on the European style of traditional red nosed clown, but with more contemporary methods and ideology to influence the work. This course will not be rooted in the philosophies of dead scholars but the successes of what we see on stage!  

Participants will create a clown turn (or bit) to perform at a class show during the final class. Bringing your imagination is encouraged. All experience levels are welcome as well as duos & trios. 

Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm 

March 11th to April 15th, 2025 

Sweet Action Theatre 

180 Shaw Street, unit 106 

Participant fee: $300 
(Inquire about possible discounts if in need) 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com for more info or to register. 

Jesse Buck is a 25-year veteran of the stupid as an award-winning physical comedian. He mentored under master teacher Phillippe Gaulier in 2003 and has since developed his own unique style and approach to play. His solo show Bubkus has played international stages and he toured extensively performing in multiple productions with Cirque du Soleil. A regular in the Toronto Clown scene, Jesse was frequently featured in the Toronto Festival of Clowns, the Red Nosed Cabaret, What The Festival and The Foolish Cabaret, created by the late Helen Donnelly. 

Jesse will be offering a free drop-in class on Tuesday February 25th from 6:00-9:00pm at Sweet Action Theatre. 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com to reserve your spot. 

Making Stupid with Professor Eff: A Clown Workshop 

Professor Eff (Jesse Buck) invites you to come play in this grand absurd world of idiots to find your own ridiculous self! Over the course of six nights, this workshop will introduce a process for creating stupid, playing stupid and celebrating the stupid. We will focus on the European style of traditional red nosed clown, but with more contemporary methods and ideology to influence the work. This course will not be rooted in the philosophies of dead scholars but the successes of what we see on stage!  

Participants will create a clown turn (or bit) to perform at a class show during the final class. Bringing your imagination is encouraged. All experience levels are welcome as well as duos & trios. 

Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm 

March 11th to April 15th, 2025 

Sweet Action Theatre 

180 Shaw Street, unit 106 

Participant fee: $300 
(Inquire about possible discounts if in need) 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com for more info or to register. 

Jesse Buck is a 25-year veteran of the stupid as an award-winning physical comedian. He mentored under master teacher Phillippe Gaulier in 2003 and has since developed his own unique style and approach to play. His solo show Bubkus has played international stages and he toured extensively performing in multiple productions with Cirque du Soleil. A regular in the Toronto Clown scene, Jesse was frequently featured in the Toronto Festival of Clowns, the Red Nosed Cabaret, What The Festival and The Foolish Cabaret, created by the late Helen Donnelly. 

Jesse will be offering a free drop-in class on Tuesday February 25th from 6:00-9:00pm at Sweet Action Theatre. 

Email jbuckamok@gmail.com to reserve your spot. 

This weekly 2-hour drop-in class is your ultimate playground for becoming a more articulate, inspired, and expressive comedian and performer. Through dynamic exercises and techniques, we’ll tap into the power of physicality—because your body has the potential to speak louder than words! Together, we’ll explore how movement can supercharge the delivery of your bits, stories, and speeches, leaving your audience captivated and craving more.

Each week brings a fresh focus to spark your creativity and strengthen your performance skills. Think of it as an artistic workout! From mastering presence to exploring neutral masks, half masks, genre work, clowning, collective creation, improv and much more —there’s something new to discover every time. And don’t worry, we’ll revisit topics to build consistency and adapt to the energy of the group!

No Experience Necessary!
This workshop is open to all artistic adventurers—whether you’re a seasoned performer or just curious to try something new. You don’t need to be a comedian or clown to reap the benefits. Come as you are and let your imagination lead the way.

Who Is This For?
This class is perfect for anyone who:

• Wants to command the stage with confidence and intention

• Is curious about the Lecoq Technique

• Is ready to dive into new styles of theatre and performance

• Wants to level up their physical comedy and clowning skills

• Dreams of creating their own original work

• Is eager to shake up their acting and live performance routine

• Wants to add depth, physicality, and object work to their improv or stand up comedy game.

Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30pm (no class on the Jan 23rd) 

Fee: $20 + HST = $22.60 for 2 hours

Register here
I will send a email to everyone the night before! If you send the day of, just show up! 

Please wear movement clothes and indoor shoes. Nothing too busy on the clothes! THANKS! 

SIGN UP FOR CHASE'S NEWSLETTER for info on new workshops and classes! 
Here

About Chase:

Chase Jeffels is a graduate of École Jacques Lecoq and the Laboratoire d'Étude du Mouvement (Laboratory of Movement Study) in Paris, France. He also trained under the guidance of renowned clown master Philippe Gaulier (teacher of Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Thompson). Gaulier had this to say about Chase’s work (imagine it in a thick French accent): “I do not like very much Canada, but I like what you do.”

Chase has also studied with a host of other notable teachers in clown, bouffon, and idiot work, including Aitor Basauri, John Gilkey, Chad Damiani, Kevin Krieger, Deanna Fleysher, Jaime Mears, Ken Hall, Isaac Kessler, and Gordon Neill. Additionally, he completed the three-year classical theatre conservatory program at George Brown Theatre School.

As an actor and comedian, Chase’s work spans film, television, and theatre. He has performed across Canada, France, and China. Chase is one half of the dynamic duo West 2 West, celebrated for their innovative blend of sketch, clown, and improv comedy. In his solo endeavors, Chase continues to push the boundaries of comedy, merging improv, sketch, and a unique fusion of stand-up and clown. His work bridges the gap between mainstream comedy and the art of clowning, showcasing his passion for creative performance.

This weekly 2-hour drop-in class is your ultimate playground for becoming a more articulate, inspired, and expressive comedian and performer. Through dynamic exercises and techniques, we’ll tap into the power of physicality—because your body has the potential to speak louder than words! Together, we’ll explore how movement can supercharge the delivery of your bits, stories, and speeches, leaving your audience captivated and craving more.

Each week brings a fresh focus to spark your creativity and strengthen your performance skills. Think of it as an artistic workout! From mastering presence to exploring neutral masks, half masks, genre work, clowning, collective creation, improv and much more —there’s something new to discover every time. And don’t worry, we’ll revisit topics to build consistency and adapt to the energy of the group!

No Experience Necessary!
This workshop is open to all artistic adventurers—whether you’re a seasoned performer or just curious to try something new. You don’t need to be a comedian or clown to reap the benefits. Come as you are and let your imagination lead the way.

Who Is This For?
This class is perfect for anyone who:

• Wants to command the stage with confidence and intention

• Is curious about the Lecoq Technique

• Is ready to dive into new styles of theatre and performance

• Wants to level up their physical comedy and clowning skills

• Dreams of creating their own original work

• Is eager to shake up their acting and live performance routine

• Wants to add depth, physicality, and object work to their improv or stand up comedy game.

Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30pm (no class on the Jan 23rd) 

Fee: $20 + HST = $22.60 for 2 hours

Register here
I will send a email to everyone the night before! If you send the day of, just show up! 

Please wear movement clothes and indoor shoes. Nothing too busy on the clothes! THANKS! 

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Here

About Chase:

Chase Jeffels is a graduate of École Jacques Lecoq and the Laboratoire d'Étude du Mouvement (Laboratory of Movement Study) in Paris, France. He also trained under the guidance of renowned clown master Philippe Gaulier (teacher of Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Thompson). Gaulier had this to say about Chase’s work (imagine it in a thick French accent): “I do not like very much Canada, but I like what you do.”

Chase has also studied with a host of other notable teachers in clown, bouffon, and idiot work, including Aitor Basauri, John Gilkey, Chad Damiani, Kevin Krieger, Deanna Fleysher, Jaime Mears, Ken Hall, Isaac Kessler, and Gordon Neill. Additionally, he completed the three-year classical theatre conservatory program at George Brown Theatre School.

As an actor and comedian, Chase’s work spans film, television, and theatre. He has performed across Canada, France, and China. Chase is one half of the dynamic duo West 2 West, celebrated for their innovative blend of sketch, clown, and improv comedy. In his solo endeavors, Chase continues to push the boundaries of comedy, merging improv, sketch, and a unique fusion of stand-up and clown. His work bridges the gap between mainstream comedy and the art of clowning, showcasing his passion for creative performance.

The SOFT CLOWN is a two-day clown performance workshop facilitated by Natasha Mercado at Sweet Action.

This workshop gives participants a chance to deeply connect with their most authentic comedic voice. The SOFT CLOWN is centered around vulnerability as a pathway to artistic excellence. By exploring our creativity in a gentle, patient way, we open ourselves up to experiencing more inspired choices on and off stage.

vulnerability is hard.

what's authenticity?

it's cool to care.

Day One: Experiment & redefine clown to create shared vocabulary and physicality.

Day Two: Explore exciting, authentic sense of play while devising performance pieces.

“I found that the concepts introduced in Natasha’s [class] add an extra dimension to any creative field and the experience of life in general. I feel liberated, empowered, and awakened from the exercises we did and am forever changed.” —Elora L., 2021 Student

instagram: @champagnetashi
for more info: www.natashamercado.com

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Natasha Mercado is a celebrated actress, director, and the visionary behind The Soft Clown, a performance philosophy rooted in vulnerability, connection, and heartfelt absurdity. Recognized as an "Emerging Content Creator" by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers in 2020, she continues to push boundaries in creative storytelling.

   Over the past decade, Natasha has built a dynamic career on both stage and screen. Her acting credits include roles in series for major platforms like Adult Swim, HBO, Broadway Video, and TBS. On stage, Natasha has written and performed solo shows that have received international acclaim. Her latest production, #1 Son, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024 to glowing reviews from major outlets and is now touring across the US and Europe. Her debut solo show, Tree, continues to be celebrated as a groundbreaking piece, earning accolades at multiple festivals and venues, including encore runs and critical praise for its heartfelt and inventive narrative.

   She is also a teaching artist for the Unusual Suspects whose mission is to champion those most needed to be heard by mentoring youth to write and perform their stories by using theater. She has virtually taught adults and children at Stomping Ground Comedy Theatre along with a workshop called “Playful Mindfulness” sponsored by the National Alzheimer’s Association to implement improv into the world of caregiving.

   This class is a part of her "#1 World" Tour that includes Los Angeles, London, NYC, Toronto & Montreal.

The SOFT CLOWN is a two-day clown performance workshop facilitated by Natasha Mercado at Sweet Action.

This workshop gives participants a chance to deeply connect with their most authentic comedic voice. The SOFT CLOWN is centered around vulnerability as a pathway to artistic excellence. By exploring our creativity in a gentle, patient way, we open ourselves up to experiencing more inspired choices on and off stage.

vulnerability is hard.

what's authenticity?

it's cool to care.

Day One: Experiment & redefine clown to create shared vocabulary and physicality.

Day Two: Explore exciting, authentic sense of play while devising performance pieces.

“I found that the concepts introduced in Natasha’s [class] add an extra dimension to any creative field and the experience of life in general. I feel liberated, empowered, and awakened from the exercises we did and am forever changed.” —Elora L., 2021 Student

instagram: @champagnetashi
for more info: www.natashamercado.com

---

Natasha Mercado is a celebrated actress, director, and the visionary behind The Soft Clown, a performance philosophy rooted in vulnerability, connection, and heartfelt absurdity. Recognized as an "Emerging Content Creator" by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers in 2020, she continues to push boundaries in creative storytelling.

   Over the past decade, Natasha has built a dynamic career on both stage and screen. Her acting credits include roles in series for major platforms like Adult Swim, HBO, Broadway Video, and TBS. On stage, Natasha has written and performed solo shows that have received international acclaim. Her latest production, #1 Son, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024 to glowing reviews from major outlets and is now touring across the US and Europe. Her debut solo show, Tree, continues to be celebrated as a groundbreaking piece, earning accolades at multiple festivals and venues, including encore runs and critical praise for its heartfelt and inventive narrative.

   She is also a teaching artist for the Unusual Suspects whose mission is to champion those most needed to be heard by mentoring youth to write and perform their stories by using theater. She has virtually taught adults and children at Stomping Ground Comedy Theatre along with a workshop called “Playful Mindfulness” sponsored by the National Alzheimer’s Association to implement improv into the world of caregiving.

   This class is a part of her "#1 World" Tour that includes Los Angeles, London, NYC, Toronto & Montreal.