Clowning masterclass with Peta Lily
Part of our Permission to Play programme, experience the creative possibilities of clown work and add variety and freedom to your physical expression on this playful course led by performer, director, creative mentor and workshop leader Peta Lily, who was at the forefront of the Physical Theatre Movement in the 80s and early 90s.
Clown work can encourage confidence, develop trust in your impulses, and bring the joy of laughter to your audiences. You'll learn warm-up exercises and explore play tasks, comedy craft, solo and group work.
‘I discovered so much about myself and the world of clown! The best laugh I had for a long time!’ - Course Participant
About the workshop / master class
You will experience the creative possibilities of clown work and add variety and freedom to your physical expression on this playful course. Clown work can encourage confidence, develop trust in your impulses, and bring the joy of laughter to your audiences. You'll learn warm-up exercises and explore play tasks, comedy craft, solo and group work.
Lily teaches beginners and those with more clowning experience. Each student receives training at the appropriate level. Beginners are given confidence and shown the way and more established performers/practitioners receive more challenge, are stretched and deepen skills. You will gain experience in solo work and work with others. Come ready to move and with an open mind.
What will I learn on this course?
How to be open and present and to trust impulses and spontaneity
How to use rhythm, simplicity and connection to create magic and laughter for audiences
How to enter the ‘play state’ of clown work
How to add variety and freedom to your physical expression
An understanding of the basics of Comedy Craft
WHAT TO WEAR:
Dress for movement. Jogging trousers, not skirts. Socks or very soft soled shoes. Bring a bottle of water. Bring layers to allow for changes in temperature and a variety of activities or to stay warm when seated watching work.
WORKSHOP HOURS – this is a full day workshop: 11am – 6pm
Morning session 11 - 2 (please note late lunch hour). Afternoon session 3 - 6.
10 minute tea/coffee break inside each session.
All participants should be present for the whole workshop. The workshop is experiential - no observers.
About the workshop leader
Peta Lily is a performer, director, creative mentor and workshop leader. She was at the forefront of the Physical Theatre Movement in the 80’s and early 90’s. She works at RCSSD, RADA and at LCF on the Costume Design for Performance MA. She is cited in: Mime into Physical Theatre: A UK Cultural History 1970–2000 by Mark Evans and Simon Murray; Jon Davison’s Clown (Readings in Theatre Practice) and Carlo Boso Routledge 2026 by Peter Jordan and Olly Crick.
If cost is a barrier to your attendance, please email [javascript protected email address] for more information on bursary places available.