Joel Baker is a seasoned theater clown whose work has spanned the globe. Known for his unique brand of physical comedy, acrobatics, and improvisation, he is a graduate of San Francisco’s Clown Conservatory and the San Francisco Circus Center, where he first began incorporating hand-balancing into physical comedy. For seven years, Baker was a key performer—and also served as an artistic coach—in the Cirque du Soleil show The Beatles’ LOVE in Las Vegas. Baker has also performed the main clown roles in LOFT by The 7 Fingers and SOAP. Other recent engagements include five years with the Palazzo dinner theater show GLÜCKSJÄGER in Germany and Austria as well as the lead character role in CIRKOPOLIS by Cirque Eloize. Although his performing days are in no way behind him, in recent years he has ventured into directing circus as well, directing multiple shows for Circus Bella and the Nevada Ballet Choreographer’s Showcase and in three seasons with the show ALIS in Italy’s Le Cirque World’s Top Performers. He also teaches act creation at the San Francisco Circus Center.