Physical Comedy for the Performing Artist: Clown, Actor, Improvisor

Discover your true sense of pleasure and joy in play as we delve into the world of the clown. Together, we will explore the vulnerability and the “stupidity” of our playful spirits, ranging from the ridiculous to the grotesque to the innocent.

This class explores physical comedy from a clown's point of view, expanding your physical vocabulary and developing your comic sensibilities. Topics may include the technique and use of slapstick, improvisation, partnership, comic timing, and accidents in solo, duo, and group exercises. The exercises are also designed to discover a true sense of pleasure and joy in play. What makes it funny and what makes it repeatable are two questions we will tackle.

Date: April 6

Time: 12 pm - 3 pm

Location: 650 S Orcas St Rm 217 Seattle WA 98108

Maximum Students: 16

Cost: $85 (89.92 with fees)

Prerequisite: None

Ages: 18+

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Hilary Chaplain tours and teaches internationally with her solo show A Life In Her Day, with the ensemble show The Last Rat in Theresienstadt and in variety shows worldwide. She was an original cast member in Bill Irwin's Largely/New York. Theatre: Broadway and the Delacorte in the Public Theatre production of The Tempest. Film: Forrest Gump, featured role, TV: Law and Order CI. Hilary entertained children in NYC hospitals as "Nurse Nice" of the renowned Big Apple Circus Hospital Clown Program® for 24 years and is a founding member of the New York Goofs, a clown ensemble, since 1996. She currently serves as a Performance Mentor and Teacher for Laughter League

Partner organization: Laughter League

The mission of Laughter League is to spark joy and healing, one playful interaction at a time. Utilizing our talents as a highly-trained and diverse company of performing artists, we create moments of levity and healing, empowering patients and emboldening hope. We bring empathy, authenticity, and therapeutic humor to pediatric hospitals, care facilities, schools, and more, using laughter as an agent of hope and healing for children, families, and seniors through the art of clowning, a variety of arts, and the transformational power of laughter. We have programs at six major pediatric hospitals in the US, including Seattle Children’s Hospital. www.laughterleague.org

Host or Publisher The Improv School Unexpected Productions