Leadership & Biography

Kate Owens: Master of Physical Comedy and Clowning Artistry

Exploring the Bold Career of a Rising Star in New York's Comedy and Theatre Scene

Introduction

Kate Owens has carved out a distinct name in the world of physical comedy and clown theatre. Her expressive performances, fearless characters, and emotional depth are redefining what it means to be a modern clown and solo performer. With critical acclaim from New York to Edinburgh, Owens is a performer who blends art and absurdity with surprising vulnerability.

Owens has caught the eye of both audiences and industry professionals with her bold theatrical work, especially her solo show Cooking with Kathryn. Her trajectory as a performer reveals both technical discipline and creative risk-taking, backed by years of professional clown training.

Quick Bio

Full Name Kate Owens
Profession Comedian, Clown, Actor, Writer
Known For Cooking with Kathryn
Training Philippe Gaulier, Cirque du Soleil
Nationality American
Base New York City
Specialty Physical Comedy, Clown Theatre

Early Career and Training

Developing Her Comedic Voice

Kate Owens began her professional journey through rigorous clown training, working under the legendary Philippe Gaulier. She later earned an invitation to join Cirque du Soleil’s roster, a testament to her physical performance skill and stage presence. These foundations shaped her comedic timing and emotional delivery.

In the New York comedy circuit, she soon stood out for her expressive body language and her ability to craft multidimensional characters. Owens leaned into a performance style that mixes classic clown traditions with contemporary storytelling.

A Bold Leap into Solo Performance

With a background in both theatre and physical comedy, Owens shifted her focus to solo performance. She embraced the creative freedom it offered and began developing original content that allowed her to explore deeper emotional landscapes. Her early work quickly gained traction in NYC’s alternative performance scene, known for bold experimentation.

Signature Work: Cooking with Kathryn

A Satirical Masterpiece

One of Kate Owens’ most notable achievements is Cooking with Kathryn, a one-woman clown show that merges satire, physical theatre, and dark comedy. The show spoofs a Southern-style cooking segment gone awry—complete with raw vulnerability, chaos, and laughs. Her performance is wildly expressive, messy, and masterfully timed.

Critics praised the show as both “unhinged and heartfelt,” with audiences connecting to the unexpected emotional punch beneath the absurdity. It became a breakout hit at festivals such as Frigid Fest and PortFringe, earning several awards for physical comedy and critical acclaim.

Award-Winning Recognition

Owens’ commitment to her craft was recognized when Cooking with Kathryn received:

  • Best Physical Comedy – Frigid Fest

  • Critics’ Choice Award – PortFringe

  • Participant’s Choice Award – Frigid Fest

Her work resonated with viewers and fellow performers alike, proving that physical comedy can be more than just entertainment—it can be deeply human.

Recognition and Stage Presence

Just for Laughs and Beyond

Kate Owens was named a “New Face of Comedy” at the prestigious Just for Laughs Festival, a launchpad for emerging comedic talent. This milestone put her on the radar of industry leaders and opened the door for future collaborations and appearances.

Her performances extended beyond independent shows and into Broadway, with a role in Melissa Etheridge: My Window, which received a GLAAD Award. Her unique blend of humor and empathy translated well across different performance mediums.

Television and Industry Praise

In addition to theatre, Owens appeared in Hulu’s The Other Black Girl, showcasing her adaptability in screen acting. She even screen-tested for Saturday Night Live, proving her comedic appeal on a national level. Respected industry figures like Jay Duplass and executives from FX and Village Roadshow praised her as a true talent with emotional range.

Performance Philosophy and Style

The Power of Physicality

Kate Owens doesn’t just perform characters—she becomes them. Her clowning is grounded in full-body expression, and her characters are defined as much by their movement as by their words. This approach allows her to connect with audiences in an immediate and visceral way.

She challenges traditional beauty standards and gender norms through her performance, advocating for women in comedy to take up physical space unapologetically. Her work has been featured in discussions on body politics in performance art.

Teaching and Mentorship

Outside of the spotlight, Owens shares her skills with aspiring performers through workshops. She teaches clowning techniques and physical storytelling, emphasizing vulnerability, presence, and creative risk-taking. Her influence is helping to shape the next generation of physical theatre artists.

Recent Highlights and Future Work

Edinburgh Fringe 2025

In July 2025, Owens made her debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, performing Cooking with Kathryn at the Underbelly Cowgate venue. The show received rave previews and was spotlighted as a must-see performance. This marked a major international expansion of her career.

Her presence at the Fringe confirmed her status as a leading figure in contemporary solo comedy and clown performance. With sold-out shows and glowing reviews, Owens continues to push artistic boundaries.

Ongoing Projects

Owens is expected to continue touring with Cooking with Kathryn, alongside developing new projects for stage and screen. She remains active in both the independent theatre community and commercial entertainment industry, bridging gaps between alternative comedy and mainstream media.

Legacy and Influence

A Modern Clown for a New Generation

Kate Owens is redefining the role of the clown in the 21st century. Her work blends humor, heartache, and physical mastery into a storytelling style that is uniquely her own. She’s not just an actor or comedian—she’s a transformative performer who brings the audience along for a wildly emotional ride.

With a growing body of critically acclaimed work and a fearless commitment to originality, Owens is on a path to becoming one of the most respected names in physical comedy and solo theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Kate Owens?

Kate Owens is a New York–based comedian, clown, and writer known for her physical comedy and solo performance work, particularly the award-winning show Cooking with Kathryn.

What is Cooking with Kathryn about?

It is a one-woman clown show that parodies a Southern cooking segment, blending absurd comedy with emotional storytelling and physical performance.

Has Kate Owens performed internationally?

Yes, she made her international debut at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What is her background in clown training?

She trained with Philippe Gaulier and was invited to join Cirque du Soleil’s performer roster.

What makes her performance style unique?

Owens uses her full body, exaggerated movement, and character transformation to deliver powerful, funny, and emotionally resonant performances

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