The Courage to Be
An Introduction to Clowning
ONE-WEEK INTENSIVE in the Berkshires
at The Spencertown Academy
Spencertown NY
with Vivian Gladwell and Laura Geilen
4 SESSIONS PER DAY
9:30-11:00 11:30–1:00 2:30–3:45 4:15–6:00
(Beginning Friday at 9:30am and ending Tuesday at 2:30pm)
Encumbered by the expectations of ourselves and others, how do we find the strength to shake off the limitations and fears that isolate us and prevent us from feeling free? How do we responsibly summon the Courage to BE?
Clowning is a state of playfulness that allows us to experience a child-like, naïve and vulnerable state of being ... and paradoxically we learn, grow, and are strengthened through reconnecting playfully with what makes us most vulnerable. This approach to clowning is not a technique (tricks, gags and routines), but a personal journey towards finding one’s unique way of being - by listening and being receptive, essential skills for any creative and imaginative endeavor. It is only in letting go of control that we begin to be surprised by the depth of that which is around us and within us.
The word “courage” comes from a root that means “heart.” Through clowning and connecting to our naturally playful and creative spirit, we can develop and sustain, in ourselves and in each other, the heart to be who we truly are, to trust life and ourselves. “Taking heart” is a profoundly inward process, and is an invitation for overcoming the fears that block us and keep us from being fully present in the here and now.
This course establishes the foundation for all our work and is an essential first step before going on to more advanced courses such as Social Clowning and the Facilitators Training. Class size is limited to 12.
Please register early.
Course fee - $490***
***The first three bookings get a reduction of $90, the next three, a reduction of $60 and the next three, a reduction $30.
Please note
You receive a $50 reduction on the tuition, if you do this course as part of the two-year clown training.
Let us know if you need accommodation - we can put you in touch with participants offering accommodation.
Vivian Gladwell
Since 1988, Vivian has worked internationally as a modern day Court Jester and facilitator. He performs at business events and conferences. He is the founding member of Nose to Nose (see www.nosetonose.info) and Fool View, the Social Clowning group. His teaching has introduced many to discover the transformative power of play and humour.
His particular interest has been into how to apply the insights of clowning to different professional field such as medicine, teaching and business practice. Vivian creates an atmosphere in his workshops that enable all participants – from whatever walk of life – to enter into unfamiliar and challenging exercises. Having completed Vivian's workshops, previous participants have felt an enhanced openness and attentiveness, a heightened sense of empathy, a higher degree of presence, increased improvisational skills and a confidence to apply these across all areas of their life. Vivian's students say that the course gave them 'permission to be playful again,' and 'an understanding that every little incident has significance.
Laura Geilen
Laura Geilen teaches dance, Spacial Dynamics, circus arts, therapeutic movement, acro-yoga and clowning to children, adults, and special needs groups in schools, workplaces, institutions and privately. Laura is a member of Walking the dog Theater's OFF LEASH! Improv Theater Ensemble, and is a facilitator with Nose to Nose. She believes in clowning as a personal practice and journey towards greater truth, freedom and aliveness and also as a social art that can re-connect us to the world and bring healing to our relationships.
