Red Nose Workshop: Clowning and the Art of Devising Original Work

Catalog description

Deeply rooted in movement-based theatre traditions, this course will seek to uncover our unique and highly individual clowns. The clown is not a character but, rather, an essential part of one’s self; and being such, everyone has access to the question: What is so funny about me? We will make all attempts to bring our most open, messy, and generous selves to the task of play. The clown has arrived when the audience laughs. An embrace of failure and flop in pursuit of said laughter is a must. This course will be a combination of: technique; improvisation focusing on finding and sustaining “the game” in a variety of situations; and the creation of devised, original, and collaborative performances. We will deepen our investigation through devising exercises, writing prompts, and group discussion and reflection. At the core of this course will be a commitment to curiosity, rigorous play, and joy in the body, so that students can develop and stretch their notion of theatricality. Students will have ample opportunity to generate new material—both individually and collaboratively—as well as the chance to share works in progress with the Sarah Lawrence community. THE CURRICULUM 166 Character Study: An Actor’s Approach to Creating a Role