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!
a field of crowns 