I spent 8 days with Avner Eisenberg in LA in Jan; learned so many gems and I am very happy to share them with you.
I highly recommend learning directly under him, his courses are here: https://www.avnertheeccentric.com/
His core teachings enshrines his principles and they are priceless: https://www.avnertheeccentric.com/eccentric_principles.php
Back to Basics
We have to ask ourselves these basic questions:
1. What is clowning?
2. What is the most important thing that a clown should have?
3. What is the most important thing that a clown should do?
4, And therefore, what skills should a clown have?
5. Which leads to this question , what should a clown be wearing?
Avner the Eccentric: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVr7Q-9IP_0
Let's watch some videos and ask ourselves:
1. if they are clowns. If they are not, what would you call them?
2. see if your answers to the above questions qualifies them as clowns.
3. We may have to ask ourselves what clowning is again with the 5 questions.
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- Complicity : “the condition of being involved with others in an activity that is unlawful or morally wrong.
Can we employ the same spirit and use it in a positive manner among the working group AND among the spectators?
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Special silks: https://www.wonderimagery.com/
From Book:
Clown - The Physical Comedian by Joe Dieffenbacher
- Prop used for what it is: A broom is used to sweep the floor.
- Prop used wrong: The small end of a broom handle-or the side of it-is used to push wads of paper into a dustpan.
- Prop malfunction: The head falls off the broom, the handle keeps bending while sweeping, the bristles keep falling out until there's only one left.
- Prop acts unexpectedly: Sweeping in one direction sends wads of paper flying off in the other. A glass filled with water is upended and a lemon falls out. A silk handkerchief is stuffed in a pocket and when pulled out, it's a sock.
- Prop wrongly made: The bristles of the broom are made of crepe paper. A wine glass is made of paper so when wine is poured in, it falls apart. A chair is made of cardboard so thin it won't hold any weight.
- Prop to show off a skill: Balancing, juggling, prop manipulation, an aid to an acrobatic trick, body contortion, a show of strength, etc.
- Prop transformed: A broom becomes a golf club, a plunger becomes a stethoscope, a chair becomes a moose's antlers, a cardboard box becomes a car, etc.
- Prop as friend or foe: The prop is treated as an animate, lively being, a friend, foe, conspirator, or collaborator. It's brought to life so it appears to have eyes, ears, it can talk back, sing, throw a tantrum, be danced with, etc
- (this one requires training in puppetry techniques).