Check Out Kii Clark’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kii Clark.

Hi Kii, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2022, I walked off the graduation stage and directly into a grey cubicle where I lay to rot for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week, for the next year of my life. I quickly found that I am not built for a 9-to-5 job, as I would complete all my work by noon and use five of those nine long, boring hours to research clowns and teach myself the art. At a friendsgiving party, I told my brother that I wanted to become a clown, and without hesitation, he pointed across the room and said, “Talk to Alice.” Unbeknownst to me, I was about to meet the kindest, coolest, and craziest community organizer and clown in the Denver Metro Area. From that moment on, my life has been filled with stupidity, whimsy, and the most caring community of artists and performers.

Alice was the first person to book me on a show where I opened for her troupe called “Idiot Theatre.” After that initial performance, I created 10 original performances in 6 different venues, collaborating with 4 local musicians, in less than a year.

After two years of clowning, I have performed on over 50 shows, studied clown with Emmanuelle Delpech at Pig Iron Theatre Company, created an original 45-minute silent clown act for the Denver Fringe Festival, and produced a monthly clown show, showcasing Denver’s wildest and wackiest, called Jesting Grounds at Chaos Bloom Theatre (every second Friday).

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey into clowning has been more like a slip and slide than an uphill battle. It is something that I did not expect but has quickly consumed my life in the best way.

The most challenging part for me as a performer is the imposter syndrome. The little evil voice in my head that says I am not talented and everyone is lying to me just to be nice. But it is imperative to overcome that voice and to continue to create. The world needs your art.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Clown is having a Renaissance, worldwide. We live in an ever-more absurd world, and people have begun to lean into the absurdity whilst allowing their inner child to explore this existence in ways they may have never been allowed to.

My clown character, Skeleton Kii, is a completely silent clown with the ability to bring audiences into a new plane of existence for a short time. Dressed in a striped shirt and bright red shorts that match her red nose, Skeleton Kii enjoys exploring the world through sound and plays games with the audience she knows she will win.

There is every kind of clown to be found in Denver, but Skeleton Kii stands out from the rest with her ability to tell stories and command a room without uttering a single word. Her eyes and exaggerated eyebrows tell the audience all they need to know about how she feels and how they should feel at any given moment.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
JUST ASK. Nardwar did a TedTalk about how he has been able to do all that he has, and his thesis was “Just ask.” You like someone’s performance/style and would like to collaborate? JUST ASK. You look up to someone and want their help? JUST ASK. The worst thing that will happen is they say no, and all “no” is is a redirection. They’re missing out on working with you. Find the people who see your worth and want to work with you on making something great.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @skeleton.kii
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SkeletonKii

Image Credits
the B&W head shots are done by Claudia Valenzuela