The Boulder International Fringe Festival presents the Learning Fringe, a series of workshops on building a creative community and artistic network around all disciplines of creativity. An eclectic variety of workshops will be a significant part of the festival each year looking at various themes of artistic excellence, openness and community. The Boulder Fringe offers creative techniques to broaden our culture's perspective on art and creativity. The Learning Fringe includes workshops, lectures and panels that delve into themes of multi generational performance, diversity in creativity, artistic excellence, cultural heritage, sacred practice and business / finance for creative endeavors. Some of the workshops end in final presentations for the public during the festival.
Clown Through Mask
January 16th, 17th and 18th, 2009
"Clown through Mask" Workshop Description:
To clown means to face all directions of yourself at the same time and laugh at the beauty of your own ridiculousness. More than learning the gag or the cheap joke, this requires an unrelenting openness, vulnerability and willingness to let go. This workshop course leads you toward the discovery and emergence of your own unique clown. It also helps you learn what it means to stand in the moment of not knowing and connect with your audience. We play, we work, we explore. We use the concept of "mask" (the red nose being the smallest of all masks) to build a personal clown mythology, and then learn how to express that through the traditional clown "turn".
The clown embodies all that is absurd, chaotic and rich in human existence. This unique clown approach is inspired by the Native American concept of the clown as trickster and shaman, who through their own willingness to be laughed at, can break tension and bring healing. Clown work offers a powerful and transformational experience to all participants, not just performers, helping us to better understand who we are and how to express that with strength, vulnerability and playfulness.
AGES: 16 plus
Date: Friday January 16th, Saturday Jan. 17th, and Sunday Jan. 18th, 2009
Time/Length: 15 hours - Friday 6-9PM, Saturday 10-4PM, and Sunday 10-4PM
VENUE: TBD
student materials: Bring a Hat
COST: $150
INSTRUCTOR: Barnaby King
"Barnaby encouraged me to be more of who I am. I was truly touched by this experience." (student)
"The clown workshop was engaging and fun, but what I appreciated most is that it challenged me, as an actor and a human being, in profound ways. You are a brilliant teacher! "(student)
Barnaby has studied under master clown teacher Sue Morrison (Toronto) since 2000 and is now a recognized teacher and performer in countries around the world. In 2004 he created a solo clown show, Flawed Genius, which he has subsequently toured internationally with great critical acclaim. He is currently researching clowns across North and South America for his PhD project at Northwestern University in Chicago and he is also writing a book about clowning with Sue Morrison.
www.barnabyking.com
For more information contact: Nita Mickley at nita@boulderfringe.com or 720-323-4665
Special Notes:
** This workshop is open to any ability, 1st language, or income level. We are seeking community sponsorship to help keep the workshop accessible and open to all students. An Initiative of the Boulder County Arts Alliance, the Boulder International Fringe Festival is funded in part by private foundations, corporate sponsorship, fundraising events and individual gifts. City departments and civic organizations provide additional support and endorsement.