Learn to slip, trip, fall and bounce back!

Thumper‘s very good friend, Joan Howard, will lead this introductory Physical Comedy workshop.

You’ll learn the basics of physical comedy, knockabout clowning, and building comedic bits. You’ll build essential skills like tripping, tumbling, falling, and running into walls. We’ll also cover partner and group moves, like comic slaps, hair pulls, and head bonks. Finally, using the venue of Port Costa’s historic school house, we’ll investigate the hilarious potential of the building’s architecture as we explore comic structure; then you’ll string your skills together to create a short slapstick performance with other workshop participants that develops character and tells a story.

This workshop is for actors, improvisers, clowns, comedians, and anyone who is excited to develop their physical funny. Open to all skill levels and ages 15 and up. Sign Up Here!

basic INFO:

What: Physical Comedy with the Peripatetic Players
When: January 26, 2020, 12pm – 4pm
Where: Port Costa, California

More details:

Cost is just $50, which supports both Idiot String and the Port Costa Conservation Society. Residents of Port Costa, Crockett, or Tormey pay just $10 thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Crockett Community Foundation.

After the workshop, explore the wonderful and tiny town of Port Costa, where you can hike the hills, relax with a book, or discover whimsical artwork and fabulous antiques — making the whole day an invigorating experience.

We are excited to play with you!

What to bring:

• Water bottle
• Snacks if you need ’em
• Notebook or journal and pen(cil)
• Closed-toe shoes and clothes you can move in

How to sign up:

Use the link above to register online. If the form is not working for you, or if you have questions, please email us at idiotstring@gmail.com or call 510.542.9009. Please note that you’ll need to make your payment 7 days in advance of the workshop to reserve your spot. Payment information is on the registration form, or contact us. Thanks!

about the workshop leader:

Joan Howard is a physical theater creator, slapstick acrobat, teaching artist and clown. She plays Thumper of the Samuel Peaches Peripatetic Players, and is the co-creator Idiot String. Joan teaches the next generation of professional clowns at San Francisco Circus Center’s Clown Conservatory and is a teaching artist at Berkeley Rep and Stagebridge. Joan is also co-director of ClownCorps, a social clowning program serving local and international communities through laughter relief. She feels particularly fortunate to visit hospitals with the Medical Clown Project and to have the opportunity to teach clown to children and adults of all ages locally and internationally. Joan has performed with We Players and foolsFURY, has presented original clown performances at such local favorites as Literary Clown Foolery and The Clown Cabaret, and has taken to the streets as one half of the acrobatic clown duo Max & Antoinette. Joan is a graduate of Flying Actor Studio’s Physical Theatre Conservatory, holds a BFA in Sculpture/Performance Art from California College of Arts & Crafts, and is dedicated to inciting delight and activating meaningful human connection through play.