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introducing ‘the toolkit’

The spring not only brings with it the desire for me to sit upright, but also the promise of a variety of new endeavors, projects and hopes. This one came to me by the multi-talented Morgan Joy. As therapeutic clowns and artists working with community, we are very aware that we also need to grow. Internal trainings are great but wouldn’t it be greater if we were able to open these up to others working in similar fields but without the structural or organizational support that we have?

So we decided to make the toolkit.

“the toolkit” is a workshop series facilitated by Andrew Gaboury & Morgan Joy with support from Red Nose Remedy designed to bring together a community of like-minded artists who use their practices to serve the greater good.

This series is geared towards professionals who use different arts-based techniques to serve and support people and communities facing barriers, accessing healthcare, community care, social services and other supports.

We recognize that sometimes our work can get very siloed so with this initiative we can rally together to learn from industry professionals and to learn from one another, regardless of artistic discipline.

This practice of continued professional development will create a community of support for those who, like us, are eager to learn and find ways to refresh our approaches and to enhance the work we are already doing.

SESSION ONE – IMRPOV w/ SHANDA BEZIC

Join us for our first meeting where Shanda Bezic will guide the group to work on our improvisational skills. Improv is key to effective communication, between you and a client, you and your partner and generally you and the present moment. Accessible to all levels of improvisers, from beginners to those with years of experience!

CLICK HERE to learn more about your teacher and to REGISTER

Our second session is currently scheduled for May 31st, so save that date!

Spring Clown Training x Red Nose Remedy

The bunnies are hopping, the redwing blackbirds are claiming local trees and starting to get really annoyed at any human presence, and it’s that wonderful time of year before the lake flies emerge and fill the skies – and my beard and hair – with their delicate little bodies.

SO I’ve taken the opportunity to lead a duo of clown training workshops at Sweet Action Theatre in Toronto. How is all that related? I don’t really know stop questioning me.

First off, on April 27th from 6-9pm, we have EMOTIONAL HYGIENE for the clown.

In this workshop we will focus on physicalizing our emotions while playing with levels of intensity. 3 hours, open to all.

No, this isn’t therapy. One of the clown’s main tools is their elastic control over emotion and ability to share it with others. In this workshop we will focus on physicalizing our emotions, finding our emotional shapes, i.e. the gestures of our emotions, while playing with levels of intensity. Let’s ring out the damp towel of our emotions together. Through gameplay. Again, not therapy. Also not “method” so please don’t traumatize yourself here. We’ll work from an outside-in approach.

This 3-hour workshop is open to all. A basis of clown is helpful but not necessary. This work will be firmly rooted in the world of theatrical red nose clown but has wide ranging application.

$35+HST | REGISTER HERE

And then again on May 18th, from 6-9pm, we have SOFT SKILLS for the Clown

In this workshop we will train the physical technique of the clown. 3 hours, open to all.

In this workshop we will train the technique of the clown. Clown technique often seems invisible, or hidden, but there are very specific storytelling and physical skills the clown employs, gently and naturally. This workshop will focus on drilling these skills, giving each participant ample time observing and being observed.

This 3-hour workshop is open to all. It will be firmly rooted in the world of theatrical red-nose clown.

$35+HST | REGISTER HERE

I really had a blast running these workshops last summer and I hope they attract new students and returning performers who are interested in unleashing their inner fool. The techniques in these workshops are widely applicable to other performance styles and even to public speaking and presentation, or to those with a relational practice.

Hopefully I’ll see you there!

Pastel’s Imaginarium returns!

After a year away…

…and this time it’s making it’s way up to Brampton as part of PAMA (Peel Art Gallery, Museum & Archives) and their Family Day 2025 celebrations! That’s this coming MONDAY FEB. 17th people!

Catch the clowns wandering the halls, jamming in the courthouse, animating the collections and critiquing the art.

AND ALSO

You can find the clowns in studio 2, where the Imaginarium will be installed for the day. Three times throughout the day, the clowns will perform their acclaimed show for you and your family. Catch their performances @ 10:45am, 12:45pm & 2:45pm

PLUS

There will be wonderful storytelling with Yolanda T. Marshall, crafts and other such happenings all day long!

AND IT’S ALL FREE

Weekend Clown Intensive – Feb 7-9, 2025!

There are still spots left for this weekend clown intensive happening in Mississauga. While the cold makes the Art Shelter a little difficult to inhabit for long periods of time, I’ve decided to partner with another local Mississauga location, AN1 Studios, just over on Cawthra road near Dundas. We’ll be warm and have a consistent space that will be all ours for the weekend to discover our foolish selves.

This is a perfect opportunity for performers of all kinds but also for those who find themselves in front of others more often than they would like, or those who are required to be team leaders or those who make interpersonal connections in their day to day. Clown is perfect for those who want to become more present in their daily life and more honest with themselves.

Clown has changed the way I see the world and myself. I’m honoured to lead others through their own journey just as my teacher did before me.

So if you have the time, head over to my CLASSES page for the full details and register for this unique opportunity. I’d love to meet you and see what fool lives inside of you.