Clowning around might be a key to easing pressure.

"It's a great stress reliever," said Ann Neilson, who for years has taught Introduction to Clowning, a physical education course, at The College of Saint Rose in Albany.

Neilson has a background in gymnastics and acrobatics, which she says is what drew her to clowning. "People don't take it as the serious art that it is," she said. After taking a class at Hudson Valley Community College, she was inspired to offer one at Saint Rose.

The mission of the physical education department at Saint Rose is to encourage lifetime wellness and fitness, and Neilson believes that clowning helps achieve that goal.

Neilson's class covers topics such as clown history, etiquette, stunts, makeup, balloon making, miming and juggling. The one-credit course usually has an enrollment of 10 to 20 students.

Her students often incorporate clowning into interests such as art, music, photography and teaching and many have been clowns at birthday parties and hospitals, she said.

— Michelle Munera