"Clown Sex Ed" is a one-of-a-kind performance that blends comedy, acrobatics, and heartfelt discussions about the challenges of sex education. In a recent interview, the creative minds behind the show shared the inspiration, structure, and what audiences can expect from this unconventional performance.
What’s the Show About?
Zachary Chiero, one of the show’s creators, explains, "What shouldn’t the audience expect from this? It’s really half clown show and half performance sketches. Tara and I play two clowns on the verge of discovering their bodies and sexuality. The other half of the show features us as various sex-ed teachers—parents, gym teachers, nuns obsessed with Lady Gaga, college tour guides, and more."
The performance addresses "sex ed that we’ve experienced and ones that we’ve talked about with other people," says Chiero. "It’s about those awkward and sometimes cringey moments, but with humor and empathy."
Acrobatics and Clowning as Storytelling Tools
"Zach and I were part of a theater company in Philly that specialized in movement, acrobatics, circus, parkour, and more," says Tara Demmy. "We’re incorporating these skills into 'Clown Sex Ed' with a lot of partner acrobatics. There’s a lot of physically telling the story through acrobatics."
The use of clowning, she explains, connects to the innocence and naivety often associated with childhood, which parallels the awkwardness and discovery of adolescence. "Clowns are a great way to explore sexuality," Demmy adds. "They’re very innocent, and in this show, they’re discovering themselves in an innocent, playful way."
A Dynamic Experience
As for the structure of the performance, Demmy notes, "You’ll never get bored. We constantly switch between comedic styles. One moment it might feel like a live concert, another like Cirque du Soleil, and sometimes like a sketch comedy show. It’s a blend of everything."
Chiero adds, "It’s all about the variety—there’s a lot of comedic styles and a lot of voices and perspectives. The show will make people reflect on their own experiences with sex ed or lack thereof."
Why This Show Now?
When asked why "Clown Sex Ed" is important to create and perform now, Chiero says, "We did the show in 2019, but now it feels even more timely. We’re seeing so much being stripped away, and I think the arts is a way to sneak past some of these restrictions."
"It feels even more important now," he adds. "The show serves as a resource for people, but its primary objective is to entertain, make people laugh, and provide space for healing."
Demmy elaborates on the impact of the show: "It’s about laughing at uncomfortable moments and reflecting on what we were taught about sex. The show is fun, but it’s also a chance to heal and connect with others."
A Show for All Ages
While the show is aimed at an adult audience, Chiero emphasizes that anyone who is old enough to engage with the themes of the performance is welcome. "We recommend 18+, but if a younger audience member comes with a parent or guardian, that’s okay too. It’s about making sure it’s an appropriate environment for their comfort level."
Demmy agrees, "There’s no profanity, but we do explore sexuality in a direct and explicit way. It’s about creating a space for curiosity and learning."
Bringing the Show to Cortez
Dallas Padoven, who recently helped revamp the show’s production, shares his excitement about bringing "Clown Sex Ed" to Cortez. "I was lucky enough to see the original production in Philly," he says. "Now, we’ve remounted it here in Durango with a new energy, live music from Conor Sheehan, and more."
Padoven, who contributed to the stage management, lighting design, and set design, played a key role in refreshing the performance, ensuring the show "moved and felt cohesive."
Final Thoughts: A Healing and Humorous Experience
At its core, "Clown Sex Ed" is about using humor to process uncomfortable, often misinformed, takes on sexuality and relationships. "We want to invite people to dream of a better version of sex education," says Demmy. "One that is pleasure-based, inclusive, and rooted in joy and science."
"People will leave laughing, but also thinking," Chiero says. "It’s a show for anyone who’s ever had a weird, uncomfortable, or even funny experience with sex education.
Clown Sex Ed, will play at the Sunflower Theatre on Saturday, February 22nd at 7 pm and Sunday, February 23rd at 2 pm. Tickets and more information at sunflowertheatre.org.
Follow them at Clown Sex Ed’s Facebook page.
