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Using the techniques and insights of clowning, this book draws on original workshops and research to provide practical clowning exercises to develop wider acting practice in innovative ways.
The book offers guidance and explanation to key concepts in clowning, including the dynamics of the clown-audience relationship; the relationship between script, text and improvisation; and movement and voice, offering fresh and inspiring angles from which to view actor training.
The Clowning Workbook for Actors and Performers is part of the acclaimed Theatre Arts Workbooks series and features its characteristic blend of student-focused exercises with pedagogical tips for teachers.
List of contents
Preface
Introduction
Part One: 'That Was Funny'
1: Introductions and warm-ups
2: Name tag
3: Ball play
4: Doing things when it's funny
5: On/Off
6: Step-Laugh
7: That was/n't funny
8: Make others into clowns
9 Laughter as a pardon
10 Conclusions to Part One: Right and Wrong Thinking
Part Two: 'I Feel Funny'
11: I (don't) feel funny
12: Self-laughter
13: Reading others' feelings
14: Guess the show
15: Feeling shit
16: Personal clown skills
Part Three: 'That Was Supposed to Be Funny'
17: Funny Plans
18: Intruders
19: Clowns in plays
Bibliography of works cited
Index
About the author
Jon Davison is a clown performer, teacher, director, researcher, writer and musician with 40 years’ experience. An international performer and trainer who trained at the École Philippe Gaulier and Fool Time Circus School (Bristol), he runs workshops in Britain, North and South America, South Africa, and throughout western and eastern Europe. He was co-founder of the Escola de Clown de Barcelona in 2006 and previously taught clown, improvisation and acting at the Institut del Teatre de Barcelona from 1996-2006. He was a research fellow investigating clown training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (University of London) from 2007 and is currently a lecturer at London Metropolitan University. His books include Clown Readings in Theatre Practice and Clown Training: A Practical Guide.
Summary
Using the techniques and insights of clowning, this book draws on original workshops and research to provide practical clowning exercises to develop wider acting practice in innovative ways.
The book offers guidance and explanation to key concepts in clowning, including the dynamics of the clown-audience relationship; the relationship between script, text and improvisation; and movement and voice, offering fresh and inspiring angles from which to view actor training.
The Clowning Workbook for Actors and Performers is part of the acclaimed Theatre Arts Workbooks series and features its characteristic blend of student-focused exercises with pedagogical tips for teachers.
Foreword
A complete and practical guide to clowning for actors.
