Clown Workshops, Clown Theory, Jango Edwards MasterClass
The art of the clown actor is not just a profession, but a lifestyle that demands
an understanding of emotion, sensitivity, passion, pathos and the heart.
"Clown Theory Master Class" is an intensive training course for professional actors. It consists of five classes of 4 hours each. The content includes the elements of the comic formula, 3 gag routines, repetitive comic activity, physical and visual humor, the black and white frame for sketch creation, comic timing and rhythm and extended clown birthing experience. In addition each attended will receive a 1 hour one on one private session with an instructor for personal coaching. Clown is the greatest actor in the world and is able to perform anywhere, anytime in every situation. Jango has tutored numerous actors in the past which assisted in their personal and artistic success. El Tricicle, Loco Brusca, Nina Hagen, Grace Jones, Slava Polunin, Venessa Redgrave, Le Nuls, Peter Shub, Sanitago Segura and Mario Gas are but a few of his prior students. As a Clown Performer you will work with other professionals in an ensemble; relate to the audience in unpredictable and spontaneous situations and learn how to improvise and adapt in order to give the gift of laughter to an unsuspecting public. You will explore the role of the comic actor as a social warrior, laughter terrorist and mercenary of humor. “The world is a stage and each must play his part” might seem a cliché to some people but for the clown it is the truth. The annual "Clown Theory Master Class" has a unique history. From 1971 through 1990 Jango Edwards developed a specific method for students to explore comic formulas, rediscover the art of clowning and embrace its social value. Through extensive research, clinical educational experiments and an open exchange of selected improvisational exercises, comedy styles, games and acting methods, Jango created the three levels "Clown Theory" workshop. Its success led to the need for a more personalized and intensive workshop for the professional clown performer and the "Clown Theory Master Class" was established. Since the "Clown Theory Master Class" was inaugurated in 1995 at the "First International Clown Festival" in Leukerbad, Switzerland, it has been conducted annually at numerous international events in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Holland, India, Brazil and the United States. Over the years we have presented an assortment of theme work. In 1999 it was the presentation of a full stage musical "Hollywood Express" produced and performed during the 7 day session. During Master Class 2000, teams of actors created and performed selected street theater events including the surprise attack on the Cannes Croisette bathers by "The Fucawees", a 10,000 cream pie fight and a 3 hour safari expedition to uncover and capture the world’s only "Singing Palm Tree". At the "Montreux Festival du Rire", the focus was on an animation ensemble production. In 2005 we recruited, trained and deployed "The Fools Militia,” a revolutionary clown task force acting as comic mercenaries staging absurd animations of anarchy. Last year we presented on stage “The Air Orchestra” which consisted of a choir ensemble vocal concert, a return engagement of “The Cannes Magical Mr. E Detour” and comic karaoke video clips. As part of the training each student is required to write, cast, film and direct a 1 minute comedy short based on the cosmic law of comedy, the 3 gag routine. This year the assigned theme is a 1 minute clown correspondent news report factual or fictional. Also, as part of our permanent curriculum, we continue to offer each student one on one private master class sessions with an individual instructor from the Clown Theory faculty. Conducting a Master Class requires Jango Edwards and an additional Master Instructor plus 1 translator. Cost: 3,000 € plus travel and accommodations if needed.
Jango Edwards
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