Improv Embassy Theatre Company

Clown Skills Intensive: Weekend Workshop With Janice Jo Lee

*Note: Full days on the 25th and 26th will be held in room 110, Friday evening's session from 6pm-9pm will be held in room 109 at the Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 5H6.

Friday, July 24th - 6pm-9pm (3 hours) - Room 109 - Philosophy of Play

Saturday, July 25th - 9:45am-4:45pm (6 hours + 1 hour lunch) - Room 110 - Physical Comedy, Slapstick, and Ensemble Work

Sunday, July 26th - 9:45am-4:45pm (6 hours + 1 hour lunch) - Room 110 - Raise the Stakes, Audience Work

Workshop Description

Clown is a style of theatrical comedy where the performer is fully embodied, follows their joy, is vulnerable, fully commits to the bit, is not afraid to flop, raises the stakes, and believes in themselves with their whole heart that they are brilliant. Everything is for the audience, to see them, and be seen. Clown training empowers performers to shed self-judgement, take risks, build confidence and be a conduit of joy. Clowns give love and receive love from the audience.

This is a 3 day workshop for experienced performers who are ready to be pushed.

Day 1 will be a class investigating your personal philosophy of comedy in relation to society. Why do you write and perform? What status does society automatically give you, with the skin you are in? How does this inform your comedy? We will close with a mini talent show where each performer shares their favourite most physical 1-3 minute bit.

Day 2 will focus on connecting with your joy and vulnerability on stage and sharing that with the audience. Are you showing off or hiding on stage? How can you take a solo with vigour? Give love to the audience. Build trust and listen to the audience. Flop spectacularly and always give your greatest effort.

Day 3 will expand our physical theatre and slapstick vocabulary. We will build an ensemble through physical listening. Make your storytelling clear and easy to follow. Build tension and raise the stakes because this is the most important thing you've ever done.

You will be steered away from reality into theatricality, away from text into the body. Away from ego and into love.

WHAT TO BRING

Please bring water, pen, paper. For most of the workshop, wear clothes in which you can dance, sweat, and roll on the floor. Preferably not all black so we don’t lose your shape on the black floor. Bring a sweater/scarf/pillow to stay comfy when you are watching.

On Day 3, I will ask you to bring clothes that can work as costume. Bring clothes in which you feel powerful / fabulous / fun / silly AND that you can move in. The outfits can be realistic for everyday, or totally outlandish/uncalled for/animal/alien. On Day 3, you can also bring makeup and props if that inspires you. For example, I would bring my favourite ball cap, a swishy skirt, and wear lots of blush. If you have a drag character, bring their look. We will discuss more in class.

Venue Accessibility and Access Needs

This event will be held at the Bronson Centre. The event room is wheelchair accessible, and the building has two accessible washrooms one in the main lobby and the other via elevator on the second floor. The classroom will be close to 2 single occupancy gender neutral washrooms. There are also gendered washrooms in the building.

The windows in this space can open and masks are optional for this event.

For any access needs please fill out the Access Needs section of the registration form.

Your Hosts: The Improv Embassy

These workshops take place in a welcoming, easygoing space—we’re here to have fun, support each other, and foster a sense of encouragement and community. All participants in these events are expected to refrain from conduct that is sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or otherwise discriminatory.

Our School’s Code of Conduct requires all participants to respect each other’s boundaries. Refrain from physical contact if you do not have permission from a fellow performer.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns:

info@improvembassy.com

(343) 227-8544‬