Clowning Around: Clowning Techniques for Children*

Presentation Author(s) Information

Elaine Friend, Georgia College and State University

Abstract

In this hands-on workshop, the techniques of clowning derived from Commedia Dell'Arte will be explored through the lens of children's theatre. In this imaginative environment, children will utilize the skills of physical comedy, dramatization of emotional characteristics, and instill levels of self confidence that will stay with them for a lifetime. Similar to the common conceptions of clowns we have in the modern area, Commedia Clowns were stock characters in Italian comedies who improvised scenarios for comedic relief in a slapstick style. However, the image of the clown is far different than those of today, and will bypass the phobia that some, especially children, have of clowns. This workshop will also be performed at the Children's Theatre Camp at Georgia College in the Summer of 2015.

Session Name:

Arts and Icons: Creation and Expression in Comedia, Media, Art and Literature

Start Date

10-4-2015 1:15 PM

End Date

10-4-2015 2:15 PM

Location

HSB 209

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Apr 10th, 1:15 PM Apr 10th, 2:15 PM

Clowning Around: Clowning Techniques for Children*

HSB 209

In this hands-on workshop, the techniques of clowning derived from Commedia Dell'Arte will be explored through the lens of children's theatre. In this imaginative environment, children will utilize the skills of physical comedy, dramatization of emotional characteristics, and instill levels of self confidence that will stay with them for a lifetime. Similar to the common conceptions of clowns we have in the modern area, Commedia Clowns were stock characters in Italian comedies who improvised scenarios for comedic relief in a slapstick style. However, the image of the clown is far different than those of today, and will bypass the phobia that some, especially children, have of clowns. This workshop will also be performed at the Children's Theatre Camp at Georgia College in the Summer of 2015.