About Us

The ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
THE BOARD
THE RESIDENT ARTISTS

  • RocHaha is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing clown and physical theatre through education, performance, and community-building in Rochester, NY and beyond.

    Founded in 2024, RocHaha began as a grassroots festival the first of its kind in Western NY to celebrate theatrical clowning.

    It quickly grew into something bigger: a movement to cultivate a thriving, inclusive, and brave space for physical theatre artists and audiences in the region.

    Now a year-round organization, we’re building a sustainable home for clown, theatre, dance and inter-disciplinary performance practices, with Rochester as our creative hub.

  • RocHaha is dedicated to advancing clown and physical theatre through education, performance, and community-building in Rochester, NY and beyond.

    We achieve this by:

    Producing the annual RocHaha Clown Festival

    Presenting touring shows that bring innovative performance to local audiences

    Commissioning and supporting the development of new theatrical works that tour beyond Rochester

    Running The Auguste Roost, a dedicated creative studio for training, rehearsal, and community engagement

  • We believe in the power of play to challenge, connect, and transform. Through joyful experimentation, rigorous artistry, and deep collaboration, RocHaha supports artists and welcomes audiences into the beautiful, messy world of contemporary clown.

  • Clowning is for everyone and it has something to say.

    Education empowers artists. We offer training, workshops, and residencies to deepen the practice.

    Community is at the heart. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, equitable, and rooted in shared experience.

    Art should travel. We support the creation of new touring work that brings Rochester’s creative voice to broader stages.

RocHaha Clown Festival is Western New York’s premier celebration of contemporary theatrical clowning, physical comedy, and joyful absurdity. 

The festival brings together a vibrant mix of local, national, and international artists to share bold and funny performances with audiences of all ages. 

In our inaugural year, RocHaha 2024 featured; 5 days of programming, 30+ artists from across the U.S. and abroad, 500+ workshop participants and audience members, Coverage in regional media and a groundswell of community enthusiasm. 

We are proud to provide a platform for both emerging voices and seasoned clowns to share their work in an inclusive, supportive, and inspiring environment.

At the heart of RocHaha’s year-round programming is The Auguste Roost. Our creative studio space designed for classes, workshops, residencies, and rehearsals.

 Located in Rochester, The Roost is a playful, welcoming space for artists to train, develop work, and connect.

 We use The Roost to:

Host physical theatre and clown training

Support the creation of new work

 Offer community classes for artists of all levels

 Provide space for collaboration and experimentation

 

It’s a nest for big ideas, bold risks, and shared laughter.

Meet the team

Elyssia Primus

Katherine Marino

Ashley Jones

So, What’s next?

From expanding our education programs, to commissioning original work, to deepening our partnerships across the region.

RocHaha is growing. And we’re inviting artists, audiences, and supporters to grow with us.

Join In!

Whether you're a performer, a student, a funder, or a lover of the weird and wonderful. There is a place for you here

Take a class

3% Cover the Fee

We do not yet hold non-profit status, in order to make tax deductible donations you can go through our fiscal sponsor. Contact us for more details!