CRAFTING YOUR CLOWN [WORKSHOP]

Guest artist Michael Galligan will be offering a three-day workshop based in clown and devised theater, culminating in a public (but joyfully low stakes) sharing of individual and group clown acts. This workshop builds off of the techniques and tools learned in past workshops by Michael, Class of Games and Trust Your Clown, prior participation in either of these workshops is encouraged but not required. 

Clown is a form of theater in which the performer uses physicality to express the absurdity of everyday life. The technique is meant to value honest expression over cleverness, physical over verbal language, and emphasizes the importance of the audience-performer relationship. 

THE SCHEDULE

April 14th (6-9pm)- Day one will consist of devising and clown games to generate ideas, spark creativity, and identify the themes of your prepared act. 

April 15th (6-9pm)- Day two we will begin to develop ways to express that theme, character, or idea theatrically and comedically. 

April 16th (6-9pm)- Day three we will refine the act to a performable place, with a dress rehearsal including basic costumes, lights, and sound. 

April 17th (5:30-6:30 tech, 7pm Showing)

*Participation for the full series is strongly encouraged

ABOUT MICHAEL GALLIGAN

Michael Galligan is an actor, producer, and teaching artist. Michael's work has been developed and performed at Brooklyn Art Haus, Cannonball Festival, PortFringe, 59E59 Theater, the Upper Jay Art Center, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His solo clown show, BANANA, was called a "comedic tour de force" in a five-star review from The Interrobang's Top Comedy Picks of the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe. Michael co-produces Clown Flex (via Clown Gym) and PUNCHCLOCK (self-produced), two variety shows for physical comedy performers in New York. www.michaelgalligan.com

We are asking a $25 suggested donation for participation in the full series, but a donation of any amount will be accepted and appreciated. We want you to join us!

Email info@upperjayartcenter.org to RSVP and with any questions.