Introduction to Clowning: The Art of Silliness
In this one time clowning class, we will explore the clown rules, play fun (and silly) games and use some basic clown performance techniques.
Miss Adrianna
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(6)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
This is a one-time introductory course for learners who are interested in the art of theatre/circus style clowning. It is a fast-paced class with lots of movement and opportunities for learners to offer ideas. ____________________ What this class is: - imagination-based play - exercising our listening skills with our eyes, ears and bodies - permission to be playful and silly There are no pre-requisites for this course. All are welcome. _____________________ Class structure: Introduction Names / Group question (ex. what do you love to do for fun?) Clown Rules: 1. Have fun 2. Believe 3. Do what you want, don’t hurt anybody Next, we will learn about a few essential performance techniques of the clown… MIMICRY One of my favourite things about clowns is that they’re very good at acting like other things, animals and people. This is called MIMICRY! ACTIVITY: “Silly Walks.” (ex. T-REX, snake, beetle, robot, your mom or dad/brother or sister/grandma or grandpa/teacher). *Opportunity for learners to offer an idea MAKING CONTACT Another great thing clowns do is that they look at their audience while they’re on stage. This is called “MAKING CONTACT” ACTIVITY: “Making Contact.” 1. Do something (tie your shoe, put on a hat, dance, scratch your armpit) *Opportunity for learners to offer an idea 2. look at us (the audience) 3. keep doing that something CLOWN LOGIC Clowns do things in ways that most people usually wouldn’t. Using a banana as a phone, for example, or a pool noodle for a sword. This is called CLOWN LOGIC. ACTIVITY: let’s use our clown logic to find a "hat"! (ex. a basket, a pillow, pants etc.) *Opportunity for learners to share their ideas CREATE A CLOWN SCENE We will use mimicry, making contact and clown logic to make a group clown scene! Below is the framework: “Hello, I am (noun). I have a/an (object).” 1. Fill in the blanks 2. Find the object 3. Act like the noun End of class activity: 5-10 minutes to design your own clown!
Learning Goals
We will learn about some clown-specific performance techniques: mimicry, making contact (looking at the audience) and using 'clown logic'. Using these key concepts, and a simple framework, they will learn how to construct their very own clown scenes.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Before booking this class, please read the following to decide if this class is a good fit.
This class includes lots of movement, therefore, I highly recommend that:
- learners have adequate stretching beforehand
- learners attend the class in a space where they have lots of room to move about safely
- that the space is clear of any obstructions or objects lingering on the ground that could potentially cause injury
- learners are wearing clothes they can easily and comfortably move in
- learners have a water bottle or source of hydration nearby
Supply List
Although it is not required, learners may bring an optional clown nose and hat if they wish!
2 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2020
5.0
6reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a certified clown (okay, not technically certified, but professionally trained and with plenty of performance experience).
I trained at the Manitoulin Conservatory for creation and performance (AKA, "clown school"), for 500+ hours over the course of two consecutive summers. I have my BAH in Honours Theatre from the U of W. I have performed as my clown, 'Vario' in multiple cabarets and as a street performer.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$14
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 18 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
2-10 learners per class
