The Canadian Clowning technique is a mask-based style of performance created by Richard Pochinko.
Pochinko taught clowning as a sort of "reverse therapy", in which instead of ridding oneself of anxieties, the clown performer leans into their own insecurities and foibles in order to package them as comedy.
focus on basic structure and formalism as the basis from which to start story creation.
The Pochinko Clown begins by focusing on one's personal naturally-occurring emotions and impulses, and then structuring that creative licence into a story and performance.
[2] Noted students of the Pochinko technique have included Karen Hines, Cheryl Cashman, Mump and Smoot, Nion, Tantoo Cardinal, Sue Morrison and Sara Tilley.