Introduction to Clowning

1. Discover your clown (the basics)

A clown is simply a beautiful idiot that is plugged into the audience, playing for them.

Unlock the source of your comic nature, connect to your playful spirit and uncover your most creative self via the red nose, in this 8-week intro to clowning course.

Through group games, improvisation exercises, pair work and solo work we’ll focus on the most fundamental elements of clowning - presence, truth and playfulness. We will peel open the beautifool banana that you truly are and celebrate all that is wonderful and ridiculous about you.

The classes are led in a playful and light spirit, so expect many laughs along the way.

During this course, the intention is that the following topics will be covered, but not necessarily in the order given.

The state of the clown – being open with your audience and listening moment to moment
Playfulness of spirit – activating your curiosity and imagination and allowing the freedom to get things wrong
Duo work - connecting to your partner and being generous with your ‘Yes!’
Crack the body open - stretching your awareness of your physical presence and all its possibilities
The flop – taking risks and staying light when difficulties arise
Creative play – creating your own clownesque costume & persona

Weekly Course
3 hours, 8 weeks

No upcoming workshops. Submit your interest to get the latest clown workshop news & offers in your inbox.

Perfect for: Open to all levels and the clown curious. Perfect for beginners and professional improvisers, stand ups, comedians, actors or returning clowns. You do not need to be funny to join this class, just bring your spirit of fun.

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2. Clowning for Performance: Make a clown show

Let's bring back the joy of performance !

The clown is at the core of the actor’s craft and they help us build an appetite to perform as you’re free to make courageous choices, fail and play and have an all-round wonderfool time.

Over an 8-week journey this class will focus on the creative tools for constructing and performing clown numbers for solo, duo and group cabaret and theatrical shows. We will embark on discovering your clown persona, developing a playful relationship with other clowns and increasing your sensitivity to the audience - a three-way conversation that is mega essential for the stage.

The goal of this creative clown laboratory is to create an atmosphere where it is possible to try out ideas, partnerships, comic structures all while being provided guidance for the creation and staging of acts.

You must be prepared for creative work outside of the class hours, between sessions. There will be an optional closed presentation in front of friends and colleagues at the end of the course.

Weekly Course
3 hours, 8 weeks

No upcoming workshops. Submit your interest to get the latest clown workshop news & offers in your inbox.

Perfect for: Actors, clowns, improvisers, stand ups, drama teachers, theatre-makers, people with some level of performing experience is ideal. You do not need to be 'funny' to join this class, just bring your spirit of fun.

submit your interest

Important Info

What to bring
• Full water bottle as well as an open mind and heart
What to wear

Please come prepared with movement friendly clothing
Participants may be asked to provide some costume elements for their/or others clown.
Comfortable shoes to move in

Accessibility
• Please let us know of any special needs or accessibility requirements
Cancellation & Variations

Full payment is required prior to the workshop

There are no cancellations.
In the event that The Clown Institute cancels the workshop, it will provide (where possible) alternative dates for workshop delivery or a full refund of the workshop fee (at The Clown Institute’s election).

Filming & Photography
• The Clown Institute reserves the right to make photographic and/or visual recordings of workshops for marketing (including website) and archival purposes only
Minimum age requirements
•These workshop sessions have an age requirement of 18+. Places are limited.