CLOWN PERFORMANCE
Areas covered
For more information or to book, please contact us
Tel 01748 821621 or mob 07984 495089
“ Great ! Thank you -
Head of Drama, Stokesley School
This workshop explores the performance art of clowning. It is very practical and is similar to a drama class except that the emphasis is on investigating comedy techniques and humour. Although clowns are acting their style of performance is different, it being more akin to commedia del arte than to Shakespeare. In commedia the actor has a specific character to play , behaves in a certain way and has particular set pieces but no script, a Shakespearean actor on the other hand must learn the lines and perform as directed. Clowns are extremely imaginative and creative. They do plan and rehearse their acts but there is likely to be more flexibility as clowns respond directly to the audience and often improvise.
Stagecraft is an important part of clowning. The clown performer must know how to communicate with the audience and how to hold the attention of the audience. The clowns vulnerability, the way the clown moves , how the clown reacts, timing, displaying emotions etc are all skills to be practiced and learnt.
Every clown must have a recognisable character. Character development is vital. There are different types of clowns. Some clowns are silent, some are very stupid, some are pathetic whilst others are bold or clever. Consideration must be given to costumes and make up as each clown has a unique appearance. Ask anyone to describe a clown and they will usually mention big feet, red nose, funny hair, baggy clothes, make up and possibly a flower that squirts water. This is the image most often displayed on bill boards, in advertising, in children’s books etc. It is represents the typical circus clown. It also conjures up expectations of a certain kind of behaviour. Not all clowns are like this and modern contemporary clowning is quite different to the traditional slapstick routines of the circus ring.
Clowns need to have a good imagination and they must be creative. They must be able to improvise. These qualities can be developed through play. It is through play that we are able to release our creative spirit and to unfurl our imagination. By releasing our minds from the constraints of normality we can unleash our comic inventiveness. In the world of the clown anything is possible.
Standing before an audience and playing the fool requires confidence and making them laugh requires knowledge and skill.
This workshop offers many potential benefits such as developing creativity and creative thinking, building confidence, encouraging self expression, learning to deal with unexpected circumstances, thinking on your feet, coping with difficult situations, working with other people, use of body language etc
The workshop may be useful to teachers organising school productions with a circus theme, as an interest day, for PHSE, as part of an activity day ,as an option for an activity week or as a rewards day.
For English Departments we can explore the use of words and word play in comedy. The use of puns, parody, irony, alliteration, malapropos, contrast, exaggeration, understatement, satire, incongruity, retorts, word distortion, juxtaposition, spoonerisms etc
The clown performance workshop is suitable for KS2 at primary schools and Year 7 at secondary school. It will also work for GCSE and A level drama groups or any pupils who are genuinely interested in participating constructively.
Comedy Techniques, Comic Timing, Movement, Emotions, Improvisation, Mime, Communication, Spontaneity, Creativity, Word Play, Character, Slapstick, Impersonation, Humour, Rule Of Three, Reaction, Eye Contact, Focus, Routines, Skits, Power Of Silence, Vulnerability, Surprise, Escalation, Reciprocal Destruction, Double Takes and much more...
There’s more to it than you think !