Principles of Eccentric Performance

with Avner Eisenberg

July 26 – August 1

For over four decades, this workshop has introduced artists of all kinds to the world of Eccentric Performance.

Eccentric Performance is one of the most personal and paradoxical of theater forms: It can be ingenious or dim-witted, skillful, or blundering. It can have sharp verbal wit or be completely silent. It can be extremely silly while also pointing out the failures of society. Above all, Eccentric Performing is funny!

In this workshop you will learn how to:

  • Create and maintain rapport with the audience
  • Use your breath to increase your comfort and heighten the emotional impact of your performance
  • Use problem-solving to create comedy out of ordinary activities
  • Turn any audience member into an exceptional volunteer
  • Apply the Eccentric Principles to clowning and all forms of performance
  • Be interested instead of interesting

There will also be opportunities for participants to share work and receive feedback and coaching from Avner.

This workshop is open to all kinds of performers with all levels of experience. This workshop consistently attracts a terrific mix of clowns, actors, comedians, magicians, circus artists, puppeteers, and many others from around the United States and abroad.

Blanc sur blanc by Iman Lisarazu on Saturday August 1, 2026

All participants in Principles of Eccentric Performance are invited to attend the performance of Blanc sur blanc by Iman Lisarazu on Saturday August 1, 2026 at Celebration Barn. Those who wish to attend can stay at the Barn through Sunday, August 2 at 10:00 AM at no additional cost. (We will arrange a shuttle on Sunday morning for those who need to travel to Portland.) Lisarazu trained extensively with Avner Eisenberg and the late Julie Goell, including at Celebration Barn, and this show was inspired by them. Attending the performance is not required but highly encouraged.

Cost

Workshop with standard double-occupancy room: $1,250

Workshop with single-occupancy room: $1,800

Note: A $400 deposit is required when you register for a double occupancy room. A $900 deposit is required for a single occupancy room. The remainder of your balance will be due prior to your arrival at Celebration Barn.

Registration

We use Humanitix for you to register and submit your deposit.

  • Head to Humanitix and select your reservation type.
  • Fill out the check-out questions.
  • Complete your purchase.
Register here

After completing your purchase, a member of our team will be in touch to confirm the status of your application within five to seven business days.

See our General Info Page and Student Life for more information about the workshops and learn more about

  • Housing
  • Travel
  • Refund/Cancellation Policy
  • What to bring

Avner Eisenberg

Hailed as one of the greatest clowns of all time, Avner Eisenberg is often a featured performer in comedy, magic, clown, and theater festivals. He studied with Jacques Lecoq from 1971 to 1974. Since then, he has developed a unique physical approach to comedy and acting that he teaches in workshops around the world.

He has been described by New York Magazine as “a clown for the thinking man.” His show Avner the Eccentric was a hit of the 1984–85 Broadway season. He appeared again on Broadway in Ghetto and The Comedy of Errors. Avner is widely known for his scene-stealing portrayal of the holy man in the Michael Douglas film The Jewel of the Nile.

Avner continues to tour his one-man show internationally and has won awards at the Edinburgh Festival, the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, and the Festival Internacional de Pallassos in Barcelona. He won the “Snow Star” for comedy in Switzerland and the “Lachmesse” award in Germany.

During the pandemic Avner has taught over three hundred students from thirty-four countries in a series of online Principles of Eccentric Performance.