with VIVIAN GLADWELL

The Rudolf Steiner Institute will host the second Nose to Nose Clown Facilitator Training in the U.S. beginning in the summer of 2011. Courses are planned to run three times a year (summer, autumn and spring) for two years. The training essentially reflects the Nose to Nose approach and philosophy of teaching clowning. It provides a practical and experiential grounding in the facilitation process. A further supervision period of two years is also planned for those who wish to deepen their practice of the work.

THE CLOWN WITHIN

The clown’s nose, the smallest mask in the world, is the mask that unmasks. Through the clown we can rediscover inner qualities of openness, spontaneity and play. The clown allows our imagination to soar, while keeping our feet firmly on the ground. Working with warm-ups, games and on the empty stage, we will find our inner clowns through improvisation, play and welcoming everything that emerges.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A WORKSHOP

A group of twelve trainees work together beginning with warm up games and vocal and physical exercises. Improvisations alone or with others are begun and each improvisation is discussed to identify and bring out the positive and important aspects of our clown and how it lives in us. Care is taken that respect for each individual. A framework of rules ensures that a secure and protective environment is created.

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE LEVELS:

LEVEL 1 grounds clowning in presence and authenticity. It nurtures one's own unique way of being a clown, through listening and reception. The simplicity and spirit of the work at this level has many coming back to clowning year after year. By connecting to our playful spirit, we develop and sustain, in ourselves and in each other, the heart to be who we truly are and to trust life and ourselves. This level nurtures the inward process, and is an invitation for overcoming the fears that block us from being fully present in the here and now.
Key words: authenticity, emptiness, listening, taking your time, trust and amplification.

LEVEL 2 shifts the focus to structure and relationship. More demanding aspects of this level come from a need to practice responsiveness and awareness to your partner on stage, to your audience, and to the images, stories and characters that emerge during improvisation.
At this level new approaches are introduced in the way the work is taught in order to bring greater insights into the techniques of improvisation and performance. New structures and improvisation themes bring greater challenges and rigor within the improvisations.
Key words: narrative drive, images, awareness, balance, breaking the thread, character and play within play.

LEVEL 3 borrows its techniques from the traditions of the Court Jester and the Fool. Our goal is to free and renew the creative processes within ourselves and institutions through the use of play, theatre, laughter and the imagination. The clown holds a mirror up to us and we laugh at its humorous and distorted understandings. But its fearless juggling with social, symbolic and archetypal references exposes lies and truths others dare not or cannot speak out. By parodying the games of knowledge and power the clown reveals not only the light and the shadows of our world but also affirms and celebrates our humanity. The clown reclaims life's paradoxes and puts the human heart back at the very center of our institutions.
Key words: Fool, Court Jester, irreverence, authenticity and presence, play, transposition, courage, social activism and transgression.

Please send applications to Vivian Gladwell at vivian@nosetonose.info.  Include an outline of your previous experience and how you intend to use the training.  Questions concerning the course and an assessment of its suitability for you will be done via interview (either by phone or in person). You will be sent a detailed description after completion of your application and interview.
Course size is limited; please apply early.