Timo Ruuskanen is a Finnish actor and theatre clown, a graduate of the Theatre Academy Helsinki, who works across theatre, television and film. He is a founding member and board chair of Red Nose Company - Finland's first professional clown theatre, established in 2005 - where he performs as one half of the celebrated duo Mike & Zin alongside Tuukka Vasama. The pair are known for their witty adaptations of literary classics, and their Aleksis Kivi show earned both the State Prize for Public Information and the City of Helsinki Cultural Award.
Ruuskanen performed as clown Zin in Don Quixote at Edinburgh Fringe for the third consecutive year, running 19-25 August 2025 at Assembly Studio Two.
Red Nose Company's 20th anniversary production Soivan Suomen historia, written and performed by Ruuskanen and Vasama with the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, premiered on 1 October 2025 in Turku.
Red Nose Company announced its 20th anniversary year with multiple new premieres, celebrating two decades since Ruuskanen co-founded the group.
Ruuskanen's solo show Ihmeellinen maalari, combining clownery, puppetry and live music, is set to premiere at Lahti City Theatre on 16 September 2026.
Red Nose Company, co-founded by Ruuskanen, was named Theatre of the Year 2023 by Suomen Teatterit ry.
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Red Nose Company's production of Ilmari Kianto's classic about Finnish voting rights and equality. Two award-winning actors perform a humorous musical play set in a Kainuu cottage.
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Red Nose Company's English-language Don Quixote brings Cervantes' classic to life with swinging live music and windmills. Timo Ruuskanen and Tuukka Vasama perform on stage.
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Red Nose Company's Frankenstein is a playful clown show where disco music and interactive comedy meet Mary Shelley's classic. Suitable for the whole family.
