Workshop: Clown Weekend Intensive

Clown Weekend Intensive with Alice Nelson

More than just red noses!

SYNOPSIS: There is no fourth wall for a clown. Playing in the present is the ultimate challenge. The exercises and creation process prepares students to take risks. They must live the play that is happening, while trusting their own sense of humor.

Students will explore, and appreciate, the clown realm through the use of games (understanding play), improvisation and ensemble creation. In the role of provocateur, I act as side-coach, encouraging students in discovering their own unique clown entity. Students learn the history of clown and the categories within the clown style (red nose, character, Joey & Auguste). Students receive training in physical comedy, building comic routines, and audience interaction. New solo, duo and group work will be created.

Clown is a style that serves actors/creators, as it teaches humility, vulnerability, risk taking, trust and generosity. These traits are not only practiced within the ensemble, but with the audience. In clown, the relationship with the audience is key, as is the ability to abandon to the play.

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Alice Nelson is a Calgary-based Actor, Playwright, Director, Theatre Educator, Producer, Puppeteer, Improvisor, Mask Maker and Clown. She holds an MFA in Ensemble Based Physical Theatre from Dell’Arte Physical Theatre School in California. Alice has taught at Mount Royal University, Red Deer College, Rosebud School of the Arts, Artstrek Theatre Program and The Arts Commons. She has worked with various Alberta theatres, including: Green Fools Theatre, Clunk Puppet Lab, Morpheus Theatre, Lunchbox Theatre, Quest Theatre, Trickster Theatre, and WP Puppet Theatre. Alice has written and toured solo shows (Elephant, Ms.Sugarcoat, Animal Farm Treatment) and co-created productions regarding social and political issues. She is a clown with the international humanitarian organization, Clowns Without Borders, and has attended four expeditions to South Africa, touring clown shows to schools, communities and orphanages. Alice is currently working on a new clown act that features her dachshund Frank, and (hopefully) will include a ridiculous amount of pyrotechnics. And confetti cannons. And roller skates. It's in the works.

DATE: Sat & Sun May 6 & 7 1:00pm - 5:00pm

COST: $60 (registration online or by phone)

Register a group of 5 or more, and attend for less! Or, register for 3 workshops and get the 3rd one for 50% off (Call Morpheus Theatre to redeem).

WHERE: Morpheus Rehearsal Centre (3512 5 Avenue NW, Lower Level)

Refreshments served from 12:30 to 1:00pm.

This valuable workshop is presented at this low price in the spirit of community theatre.