About
“This course made me feel open to the possibilities of the world and my possibilities in it in a way no other training has done.” (HTBAS participant)
“Learning clowning with de Castro busted open my creative practice and my heart.” (HTBAS...
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“This course made me feel open to the possibilities of the world and my possibilities in it in a way no other training has done.” (HTBAS participant)
“Learning clowning with de Castro busted open my creative practice and my heart.” (HTBAS participant)
Places: 12
Days off: Sat 10th & Sun 11th January 2026
Who’s it for: Clowns (new and those in need of a refresher), actors, performers of all kinds, anyone who stands in front of the public as part of their work, those wanting a personal journey of transformation. 18+
What to expect: Clowning is an art of courage and discipline; not a technique but a state that needs to be explored fully. This course offers 10 days of serious and enjoyable exploration aimed at developing your clown’s intelligence, and the confidence to use and apply this unlimited power of imagination in any creative or performance context. Through guided exercises and explorations, de Castro expertly and safely steers participants through an individual and collective process. Each participant’s journey of development is supported and celebrated.
This is a transformatory course; by embracing the methodology you will deepen your ability to enter and stay in the state of clown in whatever context you work. Transformation only comes with some effort and the course is a process that will stretch you, but one based in support, kindness, and a great deal of fun, laughter and play along the way. It invites you to try things and make mistakes, within a supportive environment. Come prepared for challenges and change.
By the end of this workshop, you will have:
• explored key clown techniques, including the pleasure of being present, charisma, confidence and risk taking, the freedom to fail and how to use the audience as your partner
• a strong understanding of the relationship with your own clown persona, that is completely unique and individual to you
• a toolbox of well-defined exercises to refine your performance skills on your own and in groups
• knowledge of how to use clowning in acting, or in any creative within other disciplines.
Things to note: This is a full-time, full-on course, which offers space for each participant’s learning journey. The course asks for your commitment over 10 days; the process is cumulative, and so absences are not permitted. This course invites you to enter the depth and intensity of the process, including time spent discussing, observing, reflecting and giving/receiving feedback within the group. If you want to discuss whether the course is suitable for your individual learning needs, please email us and we will be happy to have a chat with you.
“…no other professional in the clowning arena is able to convey the techniques of this special art form in a way that makes them relevant to contemporary performing arts. In addition to these techniques, she has demonstrated the ability to convey a set of values that go beyond the realm of clowning and have helped the students tremendously in their human and creative development.” (Head of Drama School)
