Foundations of Funny with Aitor Basauri
Tuesday November 4th - Saturday November 8th
10am - 4pm each day
Led by : Aitor Basauri, Spymonkey Co-Artistic Director
Suitable for all levels of experience, from novice to seasoned professional.
About the course
What is it that makes you as a performer uniquely funny? How do you share that brilliant, special ridiculousness with an audience so that they are helpless with laughter?
In this 5-day introduction to Spymonkey Clown we will focus on how to identify and develop that particular quality of Funny that is special to you, and only you.
You will be supported to develop these comedic skills in a safe, fun and laughter-filled environment. This positive group dynamic will allow you focus on identifying and trusting your best impulses, taking risks, being adventurous, generous and honest as a performer. In this highly enjoyable workshop we will play games and exercises, developing trust and complicity with the group. You will find the pleasure in your own ridiculousness, stay optimistic, discover your comedy gold, and get ready to laugh until your face hurts.
We will share many of the methods that Spymonkey have found essential over the years in creating Theatre of the Funny: physical games, improvisational games, status exercises, physical comedy routines, chorus exercises and parody. Toby particularly enjoys using music as a source of comedic inspiration, so we will also look at how song, dance and musicality can lead us to new and unexpected comedic territory.
About Spymonkey
“The greatest clowns in British theatre today” Time Out
“The remarkable Spymonkey - headlong absurdism and physical brilliance” The Times
Since their founding in 1998 Spymonkey have created some of the most outstandingly original comedy theatre, including STIFF, COOPED, MOBY DICK, OEDIPUSSY, THE COMPLETE DEATHS, CHRISTMAS CAROL, HAIRY and THE FROGS. TV and stage appearances have seen them work alongside Sacha Baron Cohen, Naomi Campbell, Miranda Hart, Sandi Toksvig, Ronnie Corbett, Fiona Shaw and Nick Frost.
Widely acknowledged as world leaders in the fields of Clown and Physical Comedy, they are keenly sought as teachers, consultants and directors for their insight and experience in creating brilliant, original and singular work, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre and the Vienna Volksoper.
Their programme of professional training sees them teaching around the world, with regular visits to New York, Los Angeles, Bilbao and London. More information on our workshop pages here.