The Fool’s First Step: Clowning, Play and Presence
Learn contemporary clowning and improvisation through movement, play and creative exploration with our performing arts short courses in Sydney!
“The fool is the part of us that steps forward without certainty yet is open, responsive and willing to be seen.” — Alicia Gonzalez
Contemporary clowning isn't about circus tricks, costumes, or telling jokes. It's a playful and engaging practice that uses movement, improvisation, curiosity, and genuine human connection to help you become more present, responsive, and confident.
In this highly interactive Clowning & Improvisation Workshop: Play & Presence, you'll explore how to communicate more authentically through movement, develop confidence in the unexpected, and discover the creative freedom that comes from responding honestly in the moment. Through a series of playful improvisation exercises, you'll learn to think on your feet, trust your instincts, and act on impulse rather than relying on planning or performance.
Drawing on techniques from contemporary clowning, physical theatre, and improvisation, you'll develop practical skills in presence, timing, listening, creative thinking, collaboration, and embodied communication. Along the way, you'll strengthen your awareness of others, embrace mistakes as opportunities for creativity, and discover how play can unlock greater confidence both on and off the stage.
Whether you're interested in theatre, improvisation, public speaking, facilitation, creative practice, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone, this workshop offers a welcoming and supportive environment in which to explore, experiment, and have fun.
By the end of this Clowning & Improvisation Workshop: Play & Presence, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:
- Developing presence through movement and physical awareness
- Building confidence through play and improvisation
- Thinking and responding spontaneously in the moment
- Strengthening listening, observation, and communication skills
- Exploring the foundations of contemporary clowning and improvisation
- Developing trust in your instincts through collaborative exercises
- Working with rhythm, timing, and audience connection
- Embracing curiosity, vulnerability, and creative expression
What will be covered in this Clowning & Improvisation Workshop: Play & Presence?
During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:
- Physical awareness and grounding exercises
- Play-based activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and spontaneity
- Foundations of contemporary clowning
- Improvisation exercises that develop listening, responsiveness, and authentic interaction
- Thinking and acting on impulse through structured games and activities
- Working with rhythm, timing, focus, and audience awareness
- Collaborative improvisation and partner exercises
- Embodied communication through movement and interaction
- Short individual and paired improvisations
- Reflecting on how clowning and improvisation can support creativity, communication, confidence, and everyday interactions
Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.
Who is this Clowning Workshop: Play & Presence for?
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and requires no previous acting or performance experience.
It is ideal for anyone interested in theatre, improvisation, creativity, communication, facilitation, public speaking, or personal development. It is also well suited to performers, educators, presenters, and professionals who would like to become more confident, responsive, and engaging in their interactions with others.
ReadyMade Works, Ultimo
What to bring to class
- Comfortable clothing suitable for movement
- Closed-in shoes
- Water bottle
- Notebook and pen (optional)
Learning materials
All activities, exercises, and learning materials are provided during the workshop.
Please note the following:
- This is a highly interactive, movement-based workshop involving physical participation, improvisation, and group activities.
- No previous acting, dance, or clowning experience is required—just a willingness to participate, experiment, and embrace play in a supportive and inclusive environment.
