Who let you in here?

Clowning is empowering. Contrary to popular opinion, Clowning isn't about finding a character and it isn't about wit or cleverness either, being a clown is the direct opposite of being a stand up comedian. Clowning was originally a form of street  entertainment. 

Clowning is about playfulness. In fact clowning is the key to playfulness because clowning is about being laughed at. It’s the art of exploiting your own stupidity and your own ignorance. 

The essential question is: What's funny about me? And it's a skill that demands a strong complicity with yourself. The idea is to feel comfortable and at ease with yourself to the point where stupidity turns into daring, ignorance becomes fun and we all marvel at your ability to do what you do. 

Clowns play with anything, anywhere and on any occasion. This is a participatory workshop designed to give you space to learn all these things. 

John Wright is an award winning international teacher and director and his workshops are in great demand.   He co-founded Trestle Theatre in the eighties and Told By An Idiot in the nineties and he's worked at the National and the RSC, The Royal Court and, most recently, at the Almedia Theatre for Rupert Goold. John’s latest show Lost in Blue is now touring.

John has taught in many of our leading drama schools, including RADA, East fifteen, and LIPPA. He also taught at Ecole Phillippe Gaulier, when it was based in London. Today he teaches Mask-work and Clown at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

His book: Why is that so funny? “Nick Hern Books) is immensely popular. It has also been published in the states and translated into two languages. His Ted Talk: Discovering playfulness in acting (TED X LONDON, ENGLAND) had over five thousand hits.  His latest book, Acting without bullshit, is also to be published by Nick Hern.

There are very limited places available on this Arts Council Wales funded course.  

November 21st - 25th in Cardiff

Cost £120

If you want to be part of this inclusive and accessible course - please send you CV and a covering email detailing why you are interested in attending to elise@takingflghttheatre.co.uk by 7th Nov.