Open Clown Laboratories
From time to time The Clown Institute proposes periods of research called Intensive Open Clown Laboratories. This is an opportunity to build a shared language and pedagogy together and participate in the research and training activities du jour.
The Open Clown Laboratories are designed for both experienced and professional artists and clowns, however clown curious beginners are welcome to submit their interest. We welcome all genres of artists (painters, sculptors, architects, designers, musicians, actors, dancers, puppeteers, directors, dramaturges, writers etc.).
Each Lab has a particular theme or question. Check out our past weekend intensive open labs.
The Open Clown Laboratories are designed for both experienced and professional artists and clowns, however clown curious beginners are welcome to submit their interest. We welcome all genres of artists (painters, sculptors, architects, designers, musicians, actors, dancers, puppeteers, directors, dramaturges, writers etc.).
Each Lab has a particular theme or question. Check out our past weekend intensive open labs.
1. Therapeutic Clowns: Healing with Humour (2022)
What is a Therapeutic Clown?
The profession of Therapeutic Clowning is an arts‐based practice typically in healthcare settings with children, adults, or elders. It is designed to reduce stress, restore a sense of control and dignity, and celebrate the personhood of each individual regardless of their physical or cognitive limitations. In a healthcare context, this is the basis of person centred care, but for a clown, it is life! While Therapeutic Clowns have a different purpose from clowns who perform in circuses and theatres, they still have much in common, particularly the way in which curiosity, presence and playfulness are central to their work. How can this benefit me? In this workshop, you will learn an array of practical skills and exercises that will allow you to introduce laughter into your work, whatever that may be. Over the weekend, we will take a deep and practical dive into and the potential application of clowning techniques in health, wellbeing and person centred care. Together in two days, we will:
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Intensive Lab
10 hours, 2 days No upcoming workshops. Submit your interest to get the latest clown workshop news & offers in your inbox. Host a workshop at your arts organisation, rehearsal studio, conference centre, community hall or outdoors at a park! Get in touch to make a booking. Perfect for: Performers who want to learn more about therapeutic clowning; Non performers who are curious; Anyone who is seeking to introduce more laughter and connection into their work |
2. Humanitarian Clowning: Humour is a very powerfool weapon (2021)
Putting humour into humanity
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3.Virtual Clown Lab (2020)
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people – Victor Borge
Over four days observe and play with the poetic dynamics of a virtual landscape, and together create moments of clown logic to both reverse audience expectations and make them laugh.
How do we authentically connect, laugh and play with audiences through screens and be with them on their journey and they in ours? How do we become a bridge for those isolated, incarcerated, separated, or sick?
Clowning as an art form can be found in children’s hospitals, aged care facilities, as well as around the world in refugee camps and now remotely via software platforms like Zoom. The need for an online audience seems apt and presents exciting possibilities in continuing to produce meaningful performances and connections, and in reaching new audiences. This four-day online clown lab invites you to develop a playful and dynamic relationship with a virtual audience, in a virtual space becoming a more open, hilarious, and dynamic human-being. Main areas of discovery:
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Intensive Lab
20 hours, 4 days No upcoming workshops. Submit your interest to get the latest clown workshop news & offers in your inbox. Host a workshop. Uniquely designed for remote learning via Zoom, or your preferred video conference platform.Get in touch to make a booking. Perfect for: Open to everyone with some performance or clown experience, genuine interest in clowning and/or are seeking playful development and skills practice. Community arts practitioners, improvisers, poets, stand-ups, comedians, circus and theatre makers, directors, and actors. What to prep:
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4. The Poetry of Nonsense Clowning Lab (2019)
A 4-part weekend workshop series aimed at exploring the poetry of the clown, via dynamic phenomena, both visible and abstract.
The elements, objects and materials, colours, and music will serve as inspiration for clown discovery. Inspired by the Jacques Lecoq pedagogy.
Clowning is an adventure, so together we’ll embrace the uncertainty and enjoy the journey - searching for the beauty and poetry of your clown.
The elements, objects and materials, colours, and music will serve as inspiration for clown discovery. Inspired by the Jacques Lecoq pedagogy.
Clowning is an adventure, so together we’ll embrace the uncertainty and enjoy the journey - searching for the beauty and poetry of your clown.
Part 1. Clowning & PresenceWhat is the essence of the clown (of your clown), Uncover clowning through silence and stillness + find the pleasure of discovery.
Explore the notion of presence and how to cultivate your inner voice as a clown actor ready to receive, feel and share with the world. You will encounter the stage and practice the state of being fully alive and present to the moment in all aspects – emotionally, physically and mentally. Nourishing self-awareness whilst feeding your imagination and creativity. In two days we will explore:
Part 2. Clowning & the BodyPhysical approaches to finding and creating a clownesque body via everyday phenomena like materials, objects and nature.
Engaging your body in a state of play and action, this workshop is designed to stretch your awareness of your physical presence and its playful possibilities. We will crack your body open like a beautifool little rose bud searching for the clown state – from the poetic to the grotesque, bringing the clown’s body to a state of readiness: aware of rhythm, space and breath. In two days we will explore:
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Part 3. Clowning & MusicExploring live sound and different musical works to create moments of conflict and comedy for the clown actor.
Immerse yourself in play and wonder and explore the comic-poetic potential of music and sound. Together we’ll discover how live sound and different musical works can create moments of conflict and comedy for the clown. Working in duos, trios and as a group ensemble you will play and improvise with voice and instruments, supporting one another to take funnier and greater risks leading to an expansion of ridiculous possibilities. In two days we will explore:
Part 4. Clowning & MelodramaAn investigation into finding a theatrical language to transform personal human tragedies and narratives into works of poetic clown performance for the stage.
A search for what it is that we wish to awaken in others. Clowning is the language of the heart and the clown’s job can be to remind people of their humanity. We'll discover in clowning a real intimacy between you and people that is related to truth, the energy and emotions of the heart. Play in themes about separation, love, sickness, loneliness and more! How do clowns deal with tragic situations? In two days we will explore:
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Intensive Lab
10 hours, 2 days No upcoming workshops. Submit your interest to get the latest clown workshop news & offers in your inbox. Host a workshop at your workplace, rehearsal studio, conference centre, community hall or outdoors at a park! Workshops are available online or in-person. Perfect for: Open to improvisers, poets, stand-ups, comedians, circus and theatre makers, directors, and devisors from other disciplines, actors and artists practicing the art of clowning or seeking provocation and growth. |
5. Bouffon: Le Beautifool Grotesque (2018)
Here's your chance to vomit glitter on all that is disturbing in the world
Plunge into the madness of mockery with the highly visual parade of the fantastic and grotesque.
This rigorous physical lab will guide you through games and ambitious improvisations that promise to invigorate and encourage you to play, and find a firm platform to satirise the 'madness du jour'.
You will connect your imagination and heart with the deeply surreal and bizarre unravelling a profound humanity. Main areas of discovery:
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Intensive Lab
10 hours, 3 days No upcoming workshops. Submit your interest to get the latest clown workshop news & offers in your inbox. Host a workshop at your arts organisation, rehearsal studio, conference centre, community hall or outdoors at a park! Get in touch to make a booking. Perfect for: Open to improvisers, poets, stand-ups, comedians, circus and theatre makers, directors, and devisors from other disciplines, actors and artists practicing the art of clowning or seeking provocation and growth |