Clown on The Edge

Overview – Clown On The Edge

The well rounded clown has an extensive toolkit. These classes aim to provide an overview of the skills required to create a healthy happy clown.  During these classes we will touch upon the individual disciplines of improvisation, voice, song, acting, dance, mime, acrobatics and circus and how they relate to the creation of a clown.

As we move further into the 21st century, the successful clowns will be the ones who manage to integrate each of these skills at the highest level of proficiency.

Dexterity, flexibility and adaptability are key elements to being a clown.  These must be developed in order to effortlessly improvise around the obstacles and unexpected challenges that are the clown’s ultimate domain. Being in command of these skills ensures the creative freedom that the Clown craves.

The full course of study includes elements of vocal exploration and text in multiple languages as well as music and song where each student is required to learn how to both play an instrument and sing.  Each clown must be able to operate both as a soloist and in harmony with other members of the group.

The full course of study provides for an equal balance between solo and ensemble movement, tumbling, acrobatic and a variety of dance components incorporating a wide range of improvisational techniques and methodology.

The acquisition of circus skills is included and encouraged to improve coordination and balance.  Through the exploration of circus skills, students begin to understand the relationship between performer, object and environment. This is where real creative innovation begins.

 

The Pochinko – Ojibway Clown Process

Pioneered by Canadian clown Master Richard Pochinko, The Ojibway Clown Process involves the making of six clay masks, each exploring one of the six directions that helps us to find the personality our true inner clown. During this introduction workshop it is not possible to engage in the complete process, but we will explore some of the exercises that baby clowns are exposed to.

In addition to learning all of the physical and vocal skills outlined previously, the student  will be given an overview of how, during an extended process, we will learn to “Pull” and build a mask from mother earth, read the mask’s  colour and interpret it’s rhythm and textures.  Through the exploration of the six masks, the baby clown will be born.