Clown/Mime Actor Training Course

The "Schule fuer Clowns" in Mainz offers a state-approved two year fulltime training for the profession of the clown/mime actor.

 

The teaching of the "hand and heart work" of clowning and clown theatre is the centre of our educational concept. A number of secondary subjects are offered to round up the course. All students choose their individual technique: pantomime, acrobatics, dance, unicycling, juggling, music, or singing. This course provides a professional basis for stage clowns, circus clowns, or presentations at galas or other events.

 

In order to provide practical stage experience, we present a monthly studio show, our so-called "Mittwochsbühne". Her our students regularly present their newly created programmes to a public audience. In addition, twice a year - in the months of June and December - we present our graduation shows. A stage tour completes the education, providing sufficient practical experience to the participants.

 

 

Two Year Course

 

The two year training course for state-approved clown/mime actor is subdivided as follows:

 

First year: teaching of basic clowning techniques

 

Clowning and clown theatre

- physical clowning / slapstick

- clownish pantomime

- improvisation with objects and props

- principles of presentation

 

Drama

- development and consolidation of creative imagination

- perception and expression of the actor

- spontaneous scenic improvisation (solo, duo, ensemble)

 

Clown artistry (acrobatics, juggling, unicycle)

- basics of juggling, unicycling, and acrobatics

- equilibristics and balance

- coordination of movement

- muscle training and mobility of the spine

 

Dance

- ballett and dance theatre

 

Voice and music

- basic voice formation and breath training

- techniques of relaxation and concentration

- body voice

- voice and music improvisation

- rhythmics and movement

- stimulation of the sense of suspense and timing

 

Pantomime

The subjects of this course are the schools of Decroux, Marceau, and Rouba.

Decroux: a clear analysis of movements makes physical expression perceptible in all details. The basis for this is a strict control of the body as a tool of expression.

Marceau: the epic or anecdotic or even lyric character of presentation is typical for the Marceau school. Its basis is the "mime corporel"-technique developed by Decroux.

Rouba: influenced by east European pantomime, he puts the stress on group/ensemble work.

 

Masque

- classical and modern Commedia dell'Arte

 

Clown theory

- history of the clown figure

- clown biographies

 

At the end of the first year there will be an intermediate examination.

 

Second year: clown meets drama, creation of characters, stage production

 

Clowning and clown theatre

- experimental and emotional work with the "inner child", "inner animal", and "inner village idiot"

- development and elaboration of individual clown characters

- costumes and masks

- scenic and thematic improvisations

- ensemble/group play

- techniques of production and presentation for clown theatre

 

Pantomime

- consolidation of pantomime language

- complex pantomime movement cycles and exercises

- development and elaboration of individual pantomime sequences

- specialisation in one of the techniques from modern, classical, or historical pantomime

- preparation and guidance for the graduation show

 

Clown artistry

- advanced techniques

- preparation and guidance for the graduation show

 

Dance

- ballett and dance theatre

 

Voice and music

- Gramolo, the phantasy laguage of clowns

- clown singing and clown music

- preparation and guidance for the graduation show

 

Clown theory

- social function of the clown

- the clown as a method

 

 

Organisation

 

The year is divided in 2 semesters of 6 months each: summer semester from February to July, winter semester from August to January.

 

Lessons: Monday to Friday, between 4 and 6 hours of subject teaching plus 2 hours of training

 

Summer vacation: July 1 to July 31

Autumn vacation: one week

Winter vacation: December 22 to January 31

Easter vacation: one week

 

Time table (example)

 

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
voice	pantomime	clowning	clown theatre	artistry
music	artistry	clowning	clown theatre	pantomime
dance	theory	clowning	clown theatre
training	training	training		training
rehearsals	rehearsals	rehearsals		rehearsals

 

 

Examination (at the end of second year)

 

Presentation and written documentation of one or several individually created clown stage acts (approx. 15 min. together), including the use of an optional technique, solo, duo, or ensemble.

Participation in an individual reflection process.

All participants receive a state-approved certificate from the "Schule fuer Clowns".

 

Start of course: August 1

Course fees: EUR 400.00 per month

The course is subject to support under the German Bafög law.

 

Assessment centre

Offered twice a year (May and June) for applicants to the fulltime course for clown/mime actor

 

Please prepare the following:

- a short sequence created by yourself (3 min.)

- write a brief essay on why you want to become a clown

 

please submit also:

- curriculum vitae

- photo

 

You will the receive an invitation letter with the exact dates for the assessment centre.

 

Application / further information:

In order to apply for course, please fill in and sign the application form and send it to:

 

Schule fuer Clowns

Am Finther Wald

55126 Mainz

Tel. 0049 (0)6131 472102

Fax: 0049 (0)6131 472103

E-mail: infoätclownschule.de