john gilkey – The Comedy Bureau

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 292: John Gilkey & The Power of The Fools

June 11, 2026

clown, clown history, clown scene, idiot workshop, john gilkey, los angeles, los angeles comedy

While there is a spotlight on clown, especially in LA, these days, one ought to know that this daring comedic work isn’t a new phenomenon. With that in mind, we wax all things clown and beyond, from the past to the future, in front or behind it, with legend John Gilkey, founder of The Idiot Workshop, a cornerstone in LA’s effervescent clown scene on this week’s TCB Field Report.

Follow The Idiot Workshop @idiotworkshop, Cruel Babes @wetthehippo, and John @gilkeypleas on IG. Get tix for the next Cruel Babes show here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

September 2, 2017

Uncategorized

clowning, comedy show, dtla, experimental comedy, idiot, john gilkey, live comedy, los angeles, think tank gallery, wet the hippo

If you’re wondering what people are doing at the edges of comedy in terms of experimenting with the form, challenging methods, etc., you might want to check out The Idiot Hub.

The Idiot Hub is an absurdist comedy collective, started by one John Gilkey, that likes to peel back every convention and trope of comedy that they can in favor of something silly and visceral. Starting off in 2013 as the ensemble known as Wet The Hippo, they have since expanded into other shows that you might have heard or seen around LA such such as The Murge and The Vivian Beckley Performing Arts Players and classes.

Typical performances will have a very sizable cast and aim to be more interactive, very physical, defy expectation, and be absent of a “fourth wall”. For instance, The Murge will have Gilkey pick and guide/heckle players into some sort of crazy bit as if a stand-up was directing a very otherworldly improv scene.

The Murge and The Vivian Beckley Performing Arts Players will be doing their next show at The Think Tank Gallery in Downtown LA as part of Drinkin’ Smokin’ & West Coastin’ on Saturday September 9th starting at 9PM.

Tickets are $17-$23 and you can (and should) get them here.

The rest of our listings for comedy shows, events, open mics, maps, and more can be found at www.thecomedybureau.com.