Clown: The Physical Comedian - Paperback

by Joe Dieffenbacher (Author)

Clown: The Physical Comedian is a detailed and comprehensive workbook for those interested in the art of clowning and physical theatre, including actors, directors, improvisers, stand-up comedians, circus artists, mask performers and devisers of new work.

Offering an extensive and hugely diverse compilation of tried-and-tested exercises and games, the book is for students, teachers and practitioners to aid ensemble-building, character development, devising theatre, physicalising text and vocalising movement, plus creating cabaret acts, clown routines and adding physical play to scripted scenes. It offers advice on subjects such as developing presence onstage; increasing strength, flexibility and physical expression; developing partner and trio relationships; understanding the power of the mask; and working with an audience - in particular, turning a performance into a conversation with the audience and increasing the actor's ability to connect with a crowd.

The exercises and teachings have been developed in classrooms, workshops and theatres all over the world and the book is packed with insights from the author, who has worked for over 35 years in a wide variety of venues, from intimate performance spaces to large-scale sports stadiums.

Author Biography

Joe Dieffenbacher is known internationally for his performance work in theatre, circus, cabaret, and street spectacle, as a maskmaker and prop designer, as a director of physical theatre, and teacher of clown, mask performance and slapstick. He spent eight years as resident faculty at the Dell'Arte School and was Physical Theatre Director for productions at Shakespeare's Globe, Regents Park Theatre and the Scottish National Opera.