"As one of Toronto’s favoured clown instructors, Helen’s pedagogy is vital to the development of many artists who have had the opportunity to study with her. Her courses are not only fun, but require the commitment and discipline necessary to sustain the essence of this craft by its definition. As a result of this, Helen’s influence has created a culture of artists who understand and appreciate the art of clown and strive to follow the example in which she has provided. As a clown performer, I am extremely grateful for Helen’s generosity, leadership and influence which have not only served myself, but continually work to serve Toronto’s clown community."
-Alicia Di Stefano, clown artist
"Helen has this unique ability of knowing exactly what you need to do, whether subtle or large, physical or mental, spoken or not, to bring out the most creative, truthful and hilarious aspects of yourself which makes for great clowns!"
-Andrea Lyons, theatrical performer, clown student
"I just wanted to thank you for holding such a wonderful workshop. It was so great to get out and play with such delicious people and you are such a marvellous coach and teacher. We all felt safe, challenged and nurtured and I thank you for this. Lovely to really stetch in a conscious way and Bunky enjoyed the time immensely - you articulate clown so beautifully and eloquently."
Joan Barrington, Founder of the Therapeutic Clown Program @ SickKids Hospital, Toronto
"On my path to becoming a psychotherapist, I spent hundreds of hours in group therapy. So, I thought I knew myself pretty well before " Clown: The Discovery of Your Persona" What a revelation, laughing until I cried with joy! A brilliant learning facilitator, I highly recommend Helen Donnelly."
Frank Pasquill, Trauma Therapist, Yoga instructor, Organization Development Consultant
"Beyond being an astounding performer with a leading presence on the international clown circuit, Helen Donnelly is a brilliant clown teacher. She manages to break down the magical art form of clown into a quasi empirical pedagogical process to teach her lucky students the fundamentals of being a clown. She is a generous, attentive, funny, sensitive, brilliant and kind teacher and I am very grateful to her."
Maria Legault , Performance artist
"Whether you want to try on clowning as a career direction or truly explore your own glorious inner clown, Helen will skillfully guide you there with her heart, humour and glowing encouragement."
Sue Stephenson, staff developer, author and former TDSB principal
"Helen managed to create a safe, powerful learning space for a diverse group of adults with immense humour and respect. The class was structured and timed with care and responded to the needs of everyone as we all became willing to take the risks that clown inspires. Helen clearly is passionate about her work, and about teaching, and is able to make everyone in the class feel - and be - successful."
Claire Sylvan, retired teacher, Infant Development Consultant Family Services of Haliburton County
"Helen took me on an intense and fun-filled journey toward finding my inner clown. Her inclusive and positive teaching style guaranteed I felt successful. The course not only gave me motivating practical strategies for teaching, it also made me look at the world differently. This course will stay with me for a long time. "
Julie Booker, Elementary school teacher
"Helen's workshop "Rocked My World" in many wonderful ways. With skill and care she guided us on an amazing journey and I left feeling better able to communicate with honesty and innocence in these complex times. A refreshing must for all who work with people."
Marilyn Mighton, R.N. Palliative Care Consultant/ Teacher, Hospice Volunteer
"The week was great! I learned so much that will be useful to me in so many ways and I can't wait to try it again in Part 2. Technique was demonstrated and side-coached so I knew the why of what we were doing. I totally enjoyed the physicality and the variety of the exercises, and particularly the "turns" we each built up to given specific expectations. This course has served me well both professionally and personally. I enjoyed the incredible weaving of activities and discussion as we explored clown from the inside out --what a great message to help me truly understand the dynamics involved. I think Helen is a gifted clown teacher. It was like riding the tide as she moved us along with the ebb and flow of the moments. Each time we fell between the swells of the waves there was something new to discover. Each time we rode the crest of the waves we felt freer and more confident, more aware in our learning. Can't wait to try it again!!"
Kerry Lynn Parsons, Grade Six Teacher and Drama Specialist, R. F. Downey School, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
"Helen is not only a gifted and caring instructor but one who truly supports her students in a positive and caring way. Her sense of humour, honesty and encouragement will benefit anyone considering taking her course. "
Mary Lou Green, Social Service Worker
-Alicia Di Stefano, clown artist
"Helen has this unique ability of knowing exactly what you need to do, whether subtle or large, physical or mental, spoken or not, to bring out the most creative, truthful and hilarious aspects of yourself which makes for great clowns!"
-Andrea Lyons, theatrical performer, clown student
"I just wanted to thank you for holding such a wonderful workshop. It was so great to get out and play with such delicious people and you are such a marvellous coach and teacher. We all felt safe, challenged and nurtured and I thank you for this. Lovely to really stetch in a conscious way and Bunky enjoyed the time immensely - you articulate clown so beautifully and eloquently."
Joan Barrington, Founder of the Therapeutic Clown Program @ SickKids Hospital, Toronto
"On my path to becoming a psychotherapist, I spent hundreds of hours in group therapy. So, I thought I knew myself pretty well before " Clown: The Discovery of Your Persona" What a revelation, laughing until I cried with joy! A brilliant learning facilitator, I highly recommend Helen Donnelly."
Frank Pasquill, Trauma Therapist, Yoga instructor, Organization Development Consultant
"Beyond being an astounding performer with a leading presence on the international clown circuit, Helen Donnelly is a brilliant clown teacher. She manages to break down the magical art form of clown into a quasi empirical pedagogical process to teach her lucky students the fundamentals of being a clown. She is a generous, attentive, funny, sensitive, brilliant and kind teacher and I am very grateful to her."
Maria Legault , Performance artist
"Whether you want to try on clowning as a career direction or truly explore your own glorious inner clown, Helen will skillfully guide you there with her heart, humour and glowing encouragement."
Sue Stephenson, staff developer, author and former TDSB principal
"Helen managed to create a safe, powerful learning space for a diverse group of adults with immense humour and respect. The class was structured and timed with care and responded to the needs of everyone as we all became willing to take the risks that clown inspires. Helen clearly is passionate about her work, and about teaching, and is able to make everyone in the class feel - and be - successful."
Claire Sylvan, retired teacher, Infant Development Consultant Family Services of Haliburton County
"Helen took me on an intense and fun-filled journey toward finding my inner clown. Her inclusive and positive teaching style guaranteed I felt successful. The course not only gave me motivating practical strategies for teaching, it also made me look at the world differently. This course will stay with me for a long time. "
Julie Booker, Elementary school teacher
"Helen's workshop "Rocked My World" in many wonderful ways. With skill and care she guided us on an amazing journey and I left feeling better able to communicate with honesty and innocence in these complex times. A refreshing must for all who work with people."
Marilyn Mighton, R.N. Palliative Care Consultant/ Teacher, Hospice Volunteer
"The week was great! I learned so much that will be useful to me in so many ways and I can't wait to try it again in Part 2. Technique was demonstrated and side-coached so I knew the why of what we were doing. I totally enjoyed the physicality and the variety of the exercises, and particularly the "turns" we each built up to given specific expectations. This course has served me well both professionally and personally. I enjoyed the incredible weaving of activities and discussion as we explored clown from the inside out --what a great message to help me truly understand the dynamics involved. I think Helen is a gifted clown teacher. It was like riding the tide as she moved us along with the ebb and flow of the moments. Each time we fell between the swells of the waves there was something new to discover. Each time we rode the crest of the waves we felt freer and more confident, more aware in our learning. Can't wait to try it again!!"
Kerry Lynn Parsons, Grade Six Teacher and Drama Specialist, R. F. Downey School, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
"Helen is not only a gifted and caring instructor but one who truly supports her students in a positive and caring way. Her sense of humour, honesty and encouragement will benefit anyone considering taking her course. "
Mary Lou Green, Social Service Worker
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