Here’s a worthwhile way to clown around

If you’re worried that your kids are going to spend their February break from school just wasting time, sign them up for clown class.

The Seattle Shakespeare Company will team up with the ZinZanni Institute for Circus Arts to offer clowning camp.

At camp, young apprentices will learn the fine art of the pratfall and explore the basics of clowning. Skills include movement, timing, slapstick, acrobatics, circus techniques and combat.

They will then apply their new skills to scenes and monologues involving Shakespeare’s great clowns.

The weeklong winter camp, Shakespeare’s Fools, is for students age 8 through 16.

Local artists from Seattle Shakespeare Company and members of the international cast of Teatro ZinZanni will serve as camp instructors.

The week culminates in a showcase-style performance by campers for family and friends.

The Shakespeare’s Fools camp will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 15 to 19 at Teatro ZinZanni’s antique Belgian tent, 222 Mercer St., Seattle.

Tuition is $350. Applications and more information can be found at online at zica.zinzanni.org or seattleshakespeare.org or by calling 206-733-8228, ext. 212, or 206-816-6491.