Clown-versation with JAMES DONLON & KAREN HOYER

In this, the 100th clown-versation, I will speak with fellow podcast hosts JAMES DONLON and KAREN HOYER.
James and Karen are the founders and hosts of the amazing Mime Radio Show, doing zoom interviews with world-class mime and clown artists since 2021. While we have a few guests in common (such as Hilary Chaplain, Geoff Hoyle, Avner), most of the folks they have spoken with have not been on clownversations (yet!). It is a treasure trove of creativity and inspiration built up by two lovers of the art form who are also very accomplished artists in their own right.
KAREN HOYER is a multifaceted artist with a deep passion for the visual arts, particularly in the realms of mime, clown, puppetry, masks, and movement theater.
Recognized for her talent, Karen headlined the World Clown Association’s Minneapolis convention in 2018 and returned as a featured artist in 2022.
Her extensive theatrical career includes performances with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, collaborations with Theatre Zarko, and participation in the Chicago Physical Festival. She co-founded Partners in Mime, Inc., which toured the Midwest and produced numerous educational and entertaining shows for children.
Her extensive experience as a performer, teacher, and creator is matched by her dedication to crafting and drawing. Karen founded Dot's-All-Folks! to showcase her diverse talents, including her performing, teaching, artwork, costume design, and her Etsy store, Dot's Recycling.
Karen's dedication to bringing joy to others is evident in her work as Dr. Dot, where she has performed in hospitals since 1999, currently serving as the Chicago Supervisor of Healthy Humor. She also leads The Chicago Senior Clown Troupe, bringing clowning to senior centers.
JAMES DONLON has been a celebrated international performer, master teacher, and director of mime and physical theatre since 1970. For the last 51 years Donlon has performed his original solo programs throughout North America, Europe, and Latin America to enthusiastic audiences. James is the only physical theatre artist invited to perform with legendary American mime Robert Shields. He is the first American mime-clown to perform in the famed Teatro Dimitri of Switzerland. The New York Times has called Donlon’s work "an extraordinary blend of skill and lunacy”.
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James has been on the faculties of acting schools such as The American Conservatory Theater, The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, The National Theatre Conservatory-Denver Center, The Yale School of Drama, UC Santa Barbara, UC-San Diego, and the Oregon Center for the Arts. Mr. Donlon has presented residencies with special institutions like El Teatro Campesino, Mexico City's Bellas Artes, Prague's national Academy of Performing Arts (AMU), and Dublin's Gaiety School of Acting. He was film movement coach for Oscar winners Javier Bardem, Kathy Bates and Frances McDormand. James created TV fight choreography for Linda Ronstadt. Among his former students are legendary Broadway musical star Terrence Mann, Tony award winner Bill Irwin, and Hollywood writer Noah Harpster (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood).