Clown and seasoned solo improviser Gregory Parks invites participants to explore bringing clown techniques of character, timing, and attention to the improv table. Please wear closed toe shoes.


Gregory Parks (he/him) is a clown, actor, and improviser from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has performed on four continents with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, Disney Live!, Kinoshita Circus, and as part of clown festivals in China and India. He performs mostly silent solo improv titled "Where I Am Now". An advocate for representation and a proud geek, he has moderated, participated in, and created panels for CONvergence sci-fi-fantasy convention and is the host of CVG-TV's Con-Link. He’s a member of the casts of Blackout, Star Trek: The Next Improvisation, and Improv Movement Project.

Gregory has taught workshops on clowning, character, and physicality for Pleasure B Company, (Nagoya, Japan), the Daidogei Festival clown ambassador group (Shizuoka, Japan), Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, Prescott Circus, Circus Smirkus, Brave New Workshop Student Union, HUGE Theater, and MN State Thespian Conference. Up until the pandemic, he was the creator and producer of Twin Cities Clown Cabaret and is slowly planning its eventual return. 

If you are in need of financial assistance, please fill out this brief scholarship request form. Email [email protected] if you have any questions.


Queer & Funny operates as a non-profit organization (fiscally sponsored by Springboard for the Arts). Consider donating to Q&F here. All donations allow us to put on this festival with inclusivity and equity at the forefront. We use these funds to subsidize participation for those who cannot afford the true cost of classes and shows, to pay performers and teachers for their contributions, and to cover operating expenses. 

Thank you for your consideration and support!