World-renowned clown Misha Usov, known for his expressive physical comedy and whimsical performances, will bring his expertise to Yuba County with a one-day intensive workshop on May 10 in Oregon House. Photo courtesy of Misha Usov

YUBA COUNTY, CA (MPG) - After four decades on the global stage, Misha Usov has traded touring life for something far more personal, home.

The world-renowned European clown, best known for his decade-long role as the “Fisherman” in Cirque du Soleil’s TOTEM, now lives in the quiet foothills of Oregon House, where he hopes to plant deeper roots, both with his family and the community.

“It’s time to be home,” said Usov. “Now I can see my children every day.” 

While he might be scaling back on touring, Usov is far from retired. This month, he’ll host a day-long workshop, “The Great Escape,” at the Frenchtown Inn in Oregon House, his first major teaching event in the area. The immersive session is designed to help participants shed routine and rediscover childlike creativity through movement, play, and clowning.

“The clown is not someone who wears makeup and does tricks,” explained Usov. “The clown is who we are when we stop pretending to be someone else.”

Misha Usov, a Cirque du Soleil veteran and European clowning master, combines elegance and absurdity in his stage work. He will offer an intensive clowning workshop May 10 in Oregon House. Photo courtesy of Misha Usov

A Life of Color in a Grey World

Born in the Soviet Union, Usov’s world was once filled with greys. both literally and emotionally. But at the age of 14, a chance encounter at a bus stop changed everything.

“A man came to me and said, ‘Do you want to come to the circus? I see your body; you could be an acrobat,’” he recalled.

Usov said no at first but eventually gave the man his mother’s phone number. After weeks of calls, his mother urged him to go.

“I go to the circus, open this door and immediately, in one second, I understand that now I am at home. More at home than I even was at my real home,” said Usov. 

Stunned by both the color and energy, Usov began training not as an acrobat but as a clown. Usov worked with the circus for several years until he was forced into mandatory military service. Upon his return, Usov said, he felt stripped of his humor so he enrolled in the Moscow Clown School, graduating around 1990 at age 23. From there, Usov went on to co-found the award-winning troupe MIKOS, which toured Europe for more than a decade.

“We were like rock stars, clown rock stars,” joked Usov. 

Later, Usov pursued a solo career and joined Cirque du Soleil where he “formed a deep creative bond” with director Robert Lepage.

“He gave me many possibilities and freedoms from my clown acts we created together for Cirque du Soleil,” Usov said.

Usov’s career has taken him across oceans and continents, with appearances on shows such as “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “America’s Got Talent”. But some of his most memorable moments are the simplest.

“When I first saw him, he was juggling plastic bags,” said Oregon House resident Ann Nielsen. “I was laughing so hard, I was crying. Everybody was.”

Misha Usov’s book, “The Invisible Clown: How to Not Be Afraid of Being Yourself,” explores the deeper art of clowning and personal expression, themes he’ll share in his May 10 workshop in Oregon House. Photo courtesy of Misha Usov

Coming Home

Both of Usov’s daughters were born while touring, one in Berlin, the other in Manhattan. With a family made of four different passports, the Usovs decided it was time to settle. Thanks to friends in California, they found their way to Oregon House, where they’ve lived for more than a decade.

Now, Usov is ready to give back. He’s actively seeking teaching opportunities, artistic collaborations and community partnerships.

“I’ve spent a lifetime on stage. Now, I want to help others discover theirs,” Usov said.

Usov’s workshop, “The Great Escape,” will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at the Frenchtown Inn in Oregon House. Designed for performing artists of all genres, the immersive experience invites participants to break free from routine and reconnect with their creative instincts.

“It’s called ‘The Great Escape’ because I want to help people escape from their patterns, from your ordinary life and to get you to come back to your child state when everything feels fresh, beautiful and full of life,” Usov said.

Those interested in attending can reach out to Usov directly by emailing [email protected].