Theatrical Clown Intensive: One Week

Theatrical clown teaches us many things about ourselves as performers: how to begin from a place of simple yet energized presence, how to sustain the pleasure of playing in the moment, how to mine the power of doing one thing at a time, and above all, clown helps us accept our own unique ridiculousness, which in turn may transform our habits of restriction into skills of open expression.

The study of theatrical clown teaches us many things about ourselves as performers:

• how to begin from a simple yet energized presence
• how to develop greater trust in our creative impulses
• how to sustain the great pleasure of playing in the moment
• and above all, clown helps us accept our own unique ridiculousness, which brings our full humanity to the forefront and transforms our habits of restriction into skills of open expression.

What to expect:

• Each class begins with a physical warm-up and/or a series of movement games.
• This is followed by a progression of solo and group activities and improvisations designed to help you experience your own clown(ness). The smallest mask, the red nose, is utilized as a tool for transformation.

In addition to clown, the class includes a warm-up based in the Alexander Technique. The Alexander Technique concepts of: recognition of habit, positive inhibition, and means whereby (in contrast to end-gaining) will support the exploration of the theatrical clown.

Note:
Please wear comfortable clothing – the class includes both physical activity as well as observation of each other’s work – consequently students may want to wear more than one layer of clothing.