Student Quotes

“She has an uncanny knack for helping you find the truth in your performance.”
—Christopher Sherrill-Moss Actor, Improviser

“I get such a kick out of Carol's class! I walk away from her classes with a few more very practical tools in my comedy tool belt. Carol's class is a brave space where I can be vulnerable and open.
—Matt Higgins Actor, Improviser, Stand-up Actor, Improviser, Stand-up

“Carol’s workshop has plunged me into depths of myself I wasn’t aware I had. For the experienced clown or the curious performer, you will find your vulnerability and comic genius live in the same place inside you, and expressing it, the greatest reward.”
—Kevin Mejia Actor/Comic

“Through Carol, my confidence as a comedian has grown. She challenged me to be simple and honest, which has resulted in more truthful and compelling performances.”
—Kate Owens Theatrical Clown, Actor

“Carol is one of the few teachers in the city who is ready, willing and able to play the clown along with the rest of the class, and that makes a huge difference!” 
—Joe Lemonik Clown/Bouffon

"Carol's workshop taught me things that I immediately incorporated into my work. Fun, challenging and super-useful for anyone who wants to connect with their audiences."
—Peter Michael Marino Co-founder of SOLCOM, Actor, Writer, Producer

“Had an absolute blast in Carol’s clown class! She makes you feel instantly relaxed and brings out your inner goofball. Super fun, carefree vibes the whole time. I’d 100% take it, again!”
—Yangsook Choi  Author/Illustrator

“Beyond being an incredible teacher, Carol is someone you genuinely want to be around. She creates a space that feels safe, warm, and playful--like being in a room full of close friends. Her classes get me out of my comfort zone and are always fun and so freeing.”
—Michelle Yang Actor/video producer

“Vulnerability is something I usually struggle with, but Carol created such a safe and welcoming space that my guard naturally came down, I felt like I could simply relax, connect, and appreciate the beauty behind clown.”
—Diana Perez  Improviser/Clown

“BEST CLOWN TEACHER EVER! Seriously. When I worked as a casting director, I always recommended her to actors I worked with. I can say without hesitation that this is not just an extraordinary clown workshop but also a self development tool for any one who is willing to risk learning something profound about themselves. Carol creates a space where you can be vulnerable, strong and funny ALL at the same time! That is her genius!”
—Nadette Staša Writer, Photographer, 311 Operator

“Carol creates trust and community in the room. You feel you can be brave in ways you didn’t know you could be. Definitely recommend her classes!”
—Megan Medley Actor

“This is one of the best classes I've taken in over 20 years…”
—Stephanie Rose Improviser

“Carol's classes include, inspire and motivate. I can hardly wait to use what we have learned and return for more magic.”
—Elaine Vario Stand-Up Comedian, Improviser

“Carol‘s care for her students and love of clown is infectious.”
—Claire Kraus Actor, Improviser

“Carol provides a safe place to be creatively absurd.”
— Bill Bruno Improviser

“There is nothing better than learning from a teacher who has an abundance of knowledge and boundless passion for what they are teaching; one of those teachers is Carol Lee Sirugo. Study with her you’ll be better for it!”
—Stephen Thornton Actor, Improviser

"This is an amazing class. It has helped me as a performer in both comedy and dance. Carol is a fantastic teacher!”
—Ladell Thomas Dancer, Actor

“Exploring my inner clown has helped me to be honest in all my work.”
—David Reyes Actor, Stand-Up Comedian

“Carol loves the clown in you before you even discover it!”
—Simha Tamar Toledano Actor, Writer, Director

“Carol has encouraged me to let go of all inhibition to be more transparent as an actor.”
—Tau Bennett Puppeteer, Actor

"Carol helped me face my fears to find the funny!"
—Honey Goodenough Puppeteer

"The Comic Gold Workshops are a marvelous, invigorating way to get shaken out of the performance comfort zone, using endearing, relatable foolishness to connect with one’s audience in a compelling way. You will be challenged and you will have fun." 
—Jayson Alan Grigsby Actor

“I really love these classes! Carol has a wonderful ability to bring out our most vulnerable and most joyful clown attributes! So much fun!!”
—Joe Dettmore Actor

"The clown technique that Carol teaches will leave you open, vulnerable, and HONESTLY funny. It allows you to embrace and flavor your physicality while sharpening your comedic timing and trusting your instincts."
—Justin C. Schilling Actor, Improviser

“She has a deep, caring, ruthless focus as she guides students to more personal expression and investment in themselves and their material.”
—Lois Dilivio Performer, Writer, Composer

"Taking Carol's class taught me how important it is to connect with the audience, stressing that you must be comfortable with failing in front of them. That's what clown is all about. "
—Sebastiano Ricci Puppeteer

"Carol teaches a great workshop! She provides a wide ranging series of exercises and games, some that stir pretty deep. She is an expert facilitator with a great eye and a very big heart, which really helps participants coalesce as a group."
—Beth Leonard Dancer

"Carol knows exactly what you need in the moment. She pushes you out of your comfort zone with clear instructions, gentleness and compassion. Since I took the workshop I have been thinking about how to bring spontaneity, adventure, non-judgment and letting go into my life more often and more naturally."
—Ana Jimenez Actor

“This class helped me realize that I’ve been a clown all my life. Carol taught me a lot about the craft and had fun exercises that pushed me into a higher level of expression.” —Zach Ward  Actor/Improviser

“Carol is a very open teacher allowing students to find their own style in an open environment while maintaining enough discipline to get stuff done.” —Brian Marks Magician, Improviser, Stand-Up