The École Philippe Gaulier: Embracing Ridicule and Failure for Comedy
The École Philippe Gaulier, a clown school situated near Paris, France, implements a distinctive teaching approach where comedy development is linked to embracing ridicule and failure. Instructor Carlo Jacucci leads students through exercises integral to this philosophy.
The Gaulier Method: Finding "Your Idiot"
The school was established over 40 years ago by Philippe Gaulier. Its core principle emphasizes:
Finding "your idiot" as fundamental to clowning and comedic performance.
Students, including professionals from various fields and countries, attend the school in Étampes, an hour south of Paris.
Philippe Gaulier, now in his early 80s, retired from full-time teaching in 2023 due to a stroke. The institution continues to operate under the system he developed, with instruction provided by teachers he trained. Classroom sessions involve students performing on stage and receiving direct feedback. A key component is experiencing "le flop," moments of significant failure, which are presented as crucial for learning.
Carlo Jacucci described his own experience as a student under Gaulier as rigorous but beneficial, as it enabled him to confront personal limitations. Brazilian actress Gabriela Flarys's stage performance, initially challenged by Jacucci for emotional depth, demonstrated a notable shift after direct engagement with the instructor's feedback.
Influencing Generations of Performers
The Gaulier method has influenced numerous notable alumni, including Oscar-winning actors Rachel Weisz and Emma Thompson, as well as Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.
A new generation of performers has also emerged from the school. Zach Zucker, after attending a Gaulier workshop, studied at the school for two years. He now directs Stamptown, a touring vaudeville show that incorporates Gaulier's philosophy, notably through his alter ego, Jack Tucker, who integrates intentional failure into his act. Stamptown is scheduled to release a Netflix special.
Julia Masli, who enrolled in the school due to its open admission policy, developed a one-woman show titled "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" This show gained recognition at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and involves real-time audience interaction to address problems, a skill cultivated through her intensive training.
The Founder's Journey and Enduring Philosophy
Philippe Gaulier, born in Nazi-occupied Paris in 1943, initially trained as a dramatic actor but observed that audiences frequently reacted with laughter to his stage appearances. He subsequently studied and collaborated with mime teacher Jacques Lecoq.
Gaulier founded his own school in 1980, which has been located in Étampes for the past 15 years, following previous operations in Paris and London. Michiko Miyazaki Gaulier, Philippe's wife and a former student, oversees the school's daily operations. She indicates that students attend the school seeking personal development.
Student Reflections on the Method
Students reflect on their experiences with the school's method. Frank Benson, from Australia, acknowledges the difficulty of the training, particularly the experience of failure, but notes that the sense of disappointment has become more manageable over time.
Gabriela Flarys, currently in her third period of study at the school, states that a key lesson learned is that:
"Nothing is a mistake if you play with it."