Online Clown Workshop
Facilitator Caroline Dream
Language: English
Dates: sundays from 12th February to 5th march
Class schedule: 5 pm – 7.30 pm (Germany Time)
Hours: 10hs in four sessions
Number of participants: maximum 12
Open for those with some Clown experience.
Essential requeriments:
- a red nose
- a laptop with a camera or, failing that, a tablet with a camera (if you have an external webcam that sends a higher quality image than the computer’s camera, all the better)
- internet connection
- a free account on Zoom.us
- a private space to work in
Ideally, we recommend a clear working area of approximately 2 x 2 meters that is within the viewing angle of the camera. Outside that area, you should have some space at least on one side so that you can make exits and entrances into the area (that is, you can “leave camera” at least on one side) . Don’t worry about curtains, sofas, shelves with things on them, etc in the background … these can often be used advantageously during the workshop ;o) - adequate lighting (frontal) so that we can see you well, both infront of the computer and when you are in your work area (please avoid bright lights behind you, such as windows through which the sun enters, etc)
From a clown’s perspective, anything and everything is a further invitation to play. There’s always a game. It could start with an odd gesture, a silly word, an interesting sensation… but there’s no telling where it will end!
However, although there’s an endless number of games clowns can play, there are a series of basic rules that are very helpful to those wishing to initiate, improvise or stage them.
The rules that govern clown games are in fact more like sign posts, they point clowns in the right direction without restricting their creativity in any way. They help clowns maintain clarity and simplicity whilst playing games that are fluid, agile and, of-course, fun to play and watch.
In this workshop you will learn to:
• Increase your capacity to play and enjoy yourself when clowning.
• Recognize a game proposal, especially those that are absurd, stupid or ridiculous.
• Develop the games that work, and discard the games that don’t.
• Trust in nonsensical ideas and give your support to the games others initiate.
• Stage successful games.
B.A Theatre graduate of Exeter University, she then trained at Fooltime Circus School (Bristol, UK) and refined her education with the best teachers on the performing arts scene. She has performed in festivals and theatres throughout Europe.
She has been teaching clown from 1998 throughout Spain, and internationally in Las Vegas (U.S.A., for Cirque du Soleil artists), New York, Portugal, Germany, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico and Colombia. She also teaches Corporate Clown Trainings.
Her first clown book was published in Spanish and Portuguese, and then in English under the title, The Clown In You (2014). It has sold over 6000 copies worldwide. Clown Yourself, her second clowning manual was released in November 2020 and is now available in Amazon.
+ info at https://about.carolinedream.com
During the workshop we will not be able to help you if you have technical problems, that’s why…
- If you have never used Zoom, do a test video conference with a friend or family member.
- Also check the audio. Zoom has allows you to check the audio. By clicking on the arrow next to the Zoom microphone button, a menu will open. Look for the “Test audio” section.
- Use this link to find all kinds of help on how to use Zoom.
Some tips to optimise your internet connection
- If you can connect by cable, it will be better than via wifi.
- Before the start of the workshop, check that your internet connection works well. Restarting the router by unplugging the power cord for 15 seconds usually increases the speed if you haven’t restarted it for a while.
- Disconnect the Wi-Fi from all your other devices (mobiles, tablets, tv’s, etc.)
- Ask the people who live with you not to use the internet during the workshop hours, especially Netflix, YouTube and the like.
