Photos above: Robert Piwko, Tiff Wear, PL. Colour sketch: Tracey Tofiled. Colour illustration E. M. Parry.
'I am so amazed by what you offer in your workshops!' recent Course Participant
Courses are available either ONLINE or IN-PERSON and include:
Alchemy of Archetypes, Alchemy of the Elements (Earth Air Fire Water), Commedia dell'Arte ('Bare-faced Commedia' when ONLINE), Mask & Movement (with 'neutral' masks), Mime: making the Invisible Visible, Comedy Toolbox, Red Nose Clown, Clown & Dark Clown, Dark Clown Level Two (for graduates of Clown & Dark Clown) and - stay tuned in 2023 for new courses:
Melodrama and Sad & Tragic Clown.
'Highly recommended work for all artists and many humans. Honestly. Especially in these dark, difficult times. Liberating work. Grow your skills and awareness on and off stage. Expertly led workshops by Peta Lily.' - JDK
'I am so amazed by what you offer in your workshops!' recent Course Participant
Courses are available either ONLINE or IN-PERSON and include:
Alchemy of Archetypes, Alchemy of the Elements (Earth Air Fire Water), Commedia dell'Arte ('Bare-faced Commedia' when ONLINE), Mask & Movement (with 'neutral' masks), Mime: making the Invisible Visible, Comedy Toolbox, Red Nose Clown, Clown & Dark Clown, Dark Clown Level Two (for graduates of Clown & Dark Clown) and - stay tuned in 2023 for new courses:
Melodrama and Sad & Tragic Clown.
'Highly recommended work for all artists and many humans. Honestly. Especially in these dark, difficult times. Liberating work. Grow your skills and awareness on and off stage. Expertly led workshops by Peta Lily.' - JDK
Exciting & joyful Commedia dell'Arte course
ONLINE 17 - 20 November 2023 5pm - 7pm UK time (GMT)
Early Bird Rate available
A lively, interactive workshop in the lovely Global classroom.
'Such a great atmosphere. I literally forgot I wasn't in a room!' - Course Participant
Barefaced Commedia!
Add verve to your character creations!
Stretch your devising play!
Get in touch with your own gloriously flawed humanity!
Discover and enjoy playing these vibrant, enduring characters:
the irrepressible and joyous Arlecchino (Harlequin)
the incorrigible Pulcinella (ancestor of Punch from Punch & Judy)
the crotchety Pantalone
the flamboyant, cowardly Capitano
the pedantic charlatan - Il Dottore
the hapless Zanni
the well-dodgy Brighella
the unpredictable Witch
and
Colombina, the clever servant.
This course is open to beginners
... as well as those with workshop or performing experience
'I love Peta Lily’s teaching so much - attentive and caring and very generous with her knowledge. I felt safe to take risks I never would have before! - Theatre Maker
' Absolutely joyous. A wonderful introduction to the Commedia characters.' – Emma Webb, Movement Director
Commedia Dell'Arte was a tremendously popular and enduring theatre form which originated in Italy and spread its influences through France and into England, informing characters in plays by
Goldoni, Moliere, Shakespeare, TV sitcoms and more. These audacious archetypal characters
still have the power to thrill audiences today.
On the course: have fun as you grow confidence, ignite imagination, open up playing range and extend physical and vocal expression. There will be physical and vocal warm-ups, play tasks and imaginative immersion.
You'll be guided into the rhythms, obsessions and perspectives of each of the characters so you can Improvise with physicality, text or Gramelot (nonsense language) and explore some character interaction.
APPLY NOW: email petalily[at]gmail.com with: first and last name, 2-line biog (just a bit about your background), the country you are based in and your mobile number or ask a question.
WHEN:
5-7PM UK TIME (GMT) each day:
Friday 17th November
Saturday 18th November
Sunday 19th November
Monday 20th November
WHERE:
ONLINE - it's fun and engaging, honest!
COST:
£219 OR
book by Monday 23rd October and save £50
Early Bird Price just £169
APPLY NOW: email petalily[at]gmail.com with: first and last name, 2-line biog (just a bit about your background), the country you are based in and your mobile number or ask a question.
'So much good energy in her teaching - nurturing, supportive, mischievous and playful. You feel safe to throw yourself in the deep end.' – Nina, Course Participant
'Inspirational teaching in expert hands.'
- Keith Barlow, Head of Movement, Dance & Physical Theatre, Birmingham School of Acting
'A wonderful, playful workshop. A safe and challenging environment to play and discover.' – Sinéad O’Keeffe
ONLINE 17 - 20 November 2023 5pm - 7pm UK time (GMT)
Early Bird Rate available
A lively, interactive workshop in the lovely Global classroom.
'Such a great atmosphere. I literally forgot I wasn't in a room!' - Course Participant
Barefaced Commedia!
Add verve to your character creations!
Stretch your devising play!
Get in touch with your own gloriously flawed humanity!
Discover and enjoy playing these vibrant, enduring characters:
the irrepressible and joyous Arlecchino (Harlequin)
the incorrigible Pulcinella (ancestor of Punch from Punch & Judy)
the crotchety Pantalone
the flamboyant, cowardly Capitano
the pedantic charlatan - Il Dottore
the hapless Zanni
the well-dodgy Brighella
the unpredictable Witch
and
Colombina, the clever servant.
This course is open to beginners
... as well as those with workshop or performing experience
'I love Peta Lily’s teaching so much - attentive and caring and very generous with her knowledge. I felt safe to take risks I never would have before! - Theatre Maker
' Absolutely joyous. A wonderful introduction to the Commedia characters.' – Emma Webb, Movement Director
Commedia Dell'Arte was a tremendously popular and enduring theatre form which originated in Italy and spread its influences through France and into England, informing characters in plays by
Goldoni, Moliere, Shakespeare, TV sitcoms and more. These audacious archetypal characters
still have the power to thrill audiences today.
On the course: have fun as you grow confidence, ignite imagination, open up playing range and extend physical and vocal expression. There will be physical and vocal warm-ups, play tasks and imaginative immersion.
You'll be guided into the rhythms, obsessions and perspectives of each of the characters so you can Improvise with physicality, text or Gramelot (nonsense language) and explore some character interaction.
APPLY NOW: email petalily[at]gmail.com with: first and last name, 2-line biog (just a bit about your background), the country you are based in and your mobile number or ask a question.
WHEN:
5-7PM UK TIME (GMT) each day:
Friday 17th November
Saturday 18th November
Sunday 19th November
Monday 20th November
WHERE:
ONLINE - it's fun and engaging, honest!
COST:
£219 OR
book by Monday 23rd October and save £50
Early Bird Price just £169
APPLY NOW: email petalily[at]gmail.com with: first and last name, 2-line biog (just a bit about your background), the country you are based in and your mobile number or ask a question.
'So much good energy in her teaching - nurturing, supportive, mischievous and playful. You feel safe to throw yourself in the deep end.' – Nina, Course Participant
'Inspirational teaching in expert hands.'
- Keith Barlow, Head of Movement, Dance & Physical Theatre, Birmingham School of Acting
'A wonderful, playful workshop. A safe and challenging environment to play and discover.' – Sinéad O’Keeffe
Illustration by Charlotte Biszewski
How Dark Clown works: Comedy craft can be employed to bring laughter to challenging subjects. Lily's Dark Clown work retains respect for the subject matter and creates intriguing and enriching experiences for performer and audience alike. Lily's unique approach makes widening the range of the clown's expression both safe and invigorating. Read more on the blog: www.petalily.com/clown-dark-clown-theatre-practice-blog
WATCH: ‘Peta Lily’s Dark Clown; Taking Laughter to the Limits' - Made by the remarkable photographer and documentary filmmaker Robert Golden, the film traces the steps of Peta Lily taking a group on the Clown & Dark Clown Course journey, extending the possibilities of Clown work beyond the Red Nose Clown style as taught by Philippe Gaulier and Jacques Lecoq. Through practical explorations over the last 30 years, she has built a unique approach to generating laughter from a darker context. View it HERE.
Dark Clown is Lily's unique body of work - she has founded an exciting new genre of Clown. Her paper The Comedy of Terrors – Dark Clown & Enforced Performance was delivered at the Bath Spa University and her Dark Clown work is cited in Jon Davison’s Clown (Readings in Theatre Practice) - Palgrave MacMillan 2013. You can also watch these short, sweet videos on Lily's Clown and Dark Clown work made by Nick Cowell.
WATCH: ‘Peta Lily’s Dark Clown; Taking Laughter to the Limits' - Made by the remarkable photographer and documentary filmmaker Robert Golden, the film traces the steps of Peta Lily taking a group on the Clown & Dark Clown Course journey, extending the possibilities of Clown work beyond the Red Nose Clown style as taught by Philippe Gaulier and Jacques Lecoq. Through practical explorations over the last 30 years, she has built a unique approach to generating laughter from a darker context. View it HERE.
Dark Clown is Lily's unique body of work - she has founded an exciting new genre of Clown. Her paper The Comedy of Terrors – Dark Clown & Enforced Performance was delivered at the Bath Spa University and her Dark Clown work is cited in Jon Davison’s Clown (Readings in Theatre Practice) - Palgrave MacMillan 2013. You can also watch these short, sweet videos on Lily's Clown and Dark Clown work made by Nick Cowell.
Peta Lily works as a Director, Acting Coach, Creative Mentor in online 121's - use the contact form below or go here.
ONLINE CREATIVE 121’S
'I left the session buzzing and feeling THIS IS POSSIBLE! Peta is an effervescent and supportive mine of wisdom, creativity and knowledge. Thoroughly recommended.’ - Lexi Strauss Artist and Performer
'My favourite call this quarantine. Hugely inspired and in-spirit-ed.' - Ian Sellars, Theatre Explorer (121 introduction to Clown)
I worked with Peta developing script fragments. She really knows how to build a piece, a theatre maker through and through!'
- Karola Gajda Writer and Theatre Maker
DIRECTING / DRAMATURGY / ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
'I cannot recommend Peta Lily highly enough - a brilliant dramaturg and mentor. She is sensitive to existing practice whilst questioning old habits to provoke bolder choices and deeper connection. We worked with her for just five days on La Poule and it was amazing.' - Sarah-Louise Young won The Stage Edinburgh Award 2016 Edinburgh directed by Peta Lily in 'La Poule Plombée/Je Regret'
‘I found the work liberating, wonderful fun and insightful ... so much to learn from her.’ - Shelley O’Brien, Mad Alice Theatre
'Her knowledge, understanding and experience within her craft is unprecedented.' - Stumbletrip Theatre Company
CREATIVE MENTOR / SCRIPT DOCTOR / SHOW DEVELOPMENT
‘In only two days, her advice, eye for details and sense of comedic timing took the work to a whole new level. Her experience and good spirit made it incredibly easy and intuitive to work together.’ - Sandrine Monin
‘Peta Lily is an incredible coach. I feel really privileged to have worked with her. Highly recommended.' - Fiona Coffey, Cabaret Artist 'A Touch of Mrs Robinson'
‘Thanks to Peta Lily for nipping and tucking the script and adding some absolutely hilarious moments.’ – Eva von Schnippisch, award-winning Cabaret Performer
ACTING COACHING / AUDITION COACHING
‘Detailed, astute coaching – helpful and uplifting.’ – Cindy-Jane Armbruster, Actor
Inhouse Workshops & Master Classes
'A unique and rewarding experience - lots of the exercises really resonated and connected with me. I found it all very inspiring and I'm grateful for what you've taught.' - Student
'I really enjoyed the session. It was great seeing the pupils so engaged! Thank you very much for giving them a memorable and valuable workshop' - Whitgift School
Groups and companies need special skills for different projects. You might need movement, mime or comedy skills, or ways to physicalise characters. Some companies request Dark Clown consulting to stretch performers and add edge to a new production.
Courses can be designed specifically to suit groups - full information available - course themes include: Comedy Toolbox ● Emotional Zones and Character Creation ● Clown ● Clown & Dark Clown ● Mime ● You're On! - a course on turning your Life into Theatre (writing and performance) ● Comedy & Confidence ● Embodied Voice ● Alchemy of Archetypes (with or without masks) ● Commedia dell'Arte
Experience plus a wide ranging background - Lily has taught at many leading Drama schools and at Ecole Phillippe Gaulier in London. She regularly teaches at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and RADA. She has trained with Jacques Le Coq, Philippe Gaulier, Monika Pagneux, Theatre du Mouvement, Yoshi Oida, Carlo Boso (Commedia dell'Arte), Sankai Juku (Butoh Dance), Alvin Ailey School, NY, Master Yeung Kim Wah (Cantonese Opera) and Mike Alfreds (Theatre Direction). She also brings processes and insights from the liberating and integrating work of Dina Glouberman and Arnold Mindell.
Inspirational – the work and your whole approach to it. - Tony Casement Assistant Creative Director, Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Remarkable work - creative, inspiring, challenging and satisfying. - Graeme du Fresne, Summer School Director
She speaks the language of devising, focusing on character, honesty and audience connection. We whole-heartedly recommend her. - Amelia Bird Artistic Director, Gomito Productions
Versatile and skilful, bringing great character and movement out of the performers both individually and as an ensemble. - Writer and Theatre Director Debbie Oates
Course participants report Lily's clown work teaching to be 'empowering' with 'the right amount of support and challenge':
Dark Clown has helped me develop a balanced rounded clown character that has real depth. I already feel it has helped me free up my emotional range as a performer! - Ella Golt, Artist
Demystifying comedy and explaining all the rules – very empowering. - Stewart Pemberton Circus Performer and Tap Dancer
ONLINE CREATIVE 121’S
'I left the session buzzing and feeling THIS IS POSSIBLE! Peta is an effervescent and supportive mine of wisdom, creativity and knowledge. Thoroughly recommended.’ - Lexi Strauss Artist and Performer
'My favourite call this quarantine. Hugely inspired and in-spirit-ed.' - Ian Sellars, Theatre Explorer (121 introduction to Clown)
I worked with Peta developing script fragments. She really knows how to build a piece, a theatre maker through and through!'
- Karola Gajda Writer and Theatre Maker
DIRECTING / DRAMATURGY / ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
'I cannot recommend Peta Lily highly enough - a brilliant dramaturg and mentor. She is sensitive to existing practice whilst questioning old habits to provoke bolder choices and deeper connection. We worked with her for just five days on La Poule and it was amazing.' - Sarah-Louise Young won The Stage Edinburgh Award 2016 Edinburgh directed by Peta Lily in 'La Poule Plombée/Je Regret'
‘I found the work liberating, wonderful fun and insightful ... so much to learn from her.’ - Shelley O’Brien, Mad Alice Theatre
'Her knowledge, understanding and experience within her craft is unprecedented.' - Stumbletrip Theatre Company
CREATIVE MENTOR / SCRIPT DOCTOR / SHOW DEVELOPMENT
‘In only two days, her advice, eye for details and sense of comedic timing took the work to a whole new level. Her experience and good spirit made it incredibly easy and intuitive to work together.’ - Sandrine Monin
‘Peta Lily is an incredible coach. I feel really privileged to have worked with her. Highly recommended.' - Fiona Coffey, Cabaret Artist 'A Touch of Mrs Robinson'
‘Thanks to Peta Lily for nipping and tucking the script and adding some absolutely hilarious moments.’ – Eva von Schnippisch, award-winning Cabaret Performer
ACTING COACHING / AUDITION COACHING
‘Detailed, astute coaching – helpful and uplifting.’ – Cindy-Jane Armbruster, Actor
Inhouse Workshops & Master Classes
'A unique and rewarding experience - lots of the exercises really resonated and connected with me. I found it all very inspiring and I'm grateful for what you've taught.' - Student
'I really enjoyed the session. It was great seeing the pupils so engaged! Thank you very much for giving them a memorable and valuable workshop' - Whitgift School
Groups and companies need special skills for different projects. You might need movement, mime or comedy skills, or ways to physicalise characters. Some companies request Dark Clown consulting to stretch performers and add edge to a new production.
Courses can be designed specifically to suit groups - full information available - course themes include: Comedy Toolbox ● Emotional Zones and Character Creation ● Clown ● Clown & Dark Clown ● Mime ● You're On! - a course on turning your Life into Theatre (writing and performance) ● Comedy & Confidence ● Embodied Voice ● Alchemy of Archetypes (with or without masks) ● Commedia dell'Arte
Experience plus a wide ranging background - Lily has taught at many leading Drama schools and at Ecole Phillippe Gaulier in London. She regularly teaches at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and RADA. She has trained with Jacques Le Coq, Philippe Gaulier, Monika Pagneux, Theatre du Mouvement, Yoshi Oida, Carlo Boso (Commedia dell'Arte), Sankai Juku (Butoh Dance), Alvin Ailey School, NY, Master Yeung Kim Wah (Cantonese Opera) and Mike Alfreds (Theatre Direction). She also brings processes and insights from the liberating and integrating work of Dina Glouberman and Arnold Mindell.
Inspirational – the work and your whole approach to it. - Tony Casement Assistant Creative Director, Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Remarkable work - creative, inspiring, challenging and satisfying. - Graeme du Fresne, Summer School Director
She speaks the language of devising, focusing on character, honesty and audience connection. We whole-heartedly recommend her. - Amelia Bird Artistic Director, Gomito Productions
Versatile and skilful, bringing great character and movement out of the performers both individually and as an ensemble. - Writer and Theatre Director Debbie Oates
Course participants report Lily's clown work teaching to be 'empowering' with 'the right amount of support and challenge':
Dark Clown has helped me develop a balanced rounded clown character that has real depth. I already feel it has helped me free up my emotional range as a performer! - Ella Golt, Artist
Demystifying comedy and explaining all the rules – very empowering. - Stewart Pemberton Circus Performer and Tap Dancer
Lily teaches workshops and master classes in-person and online
‘a phenomenal teacher…skilled like you wouldn't believe…an exhilarating experience…’
Regular open courses include: Clown & Dark Clown; Dark Clown Level Two (available to graduates of the 2-day Clown & Dark Clown course); Take your Clown / Act / Idea Further; Comedy Toolbox and
The Alchemy of Archetypes (working with half mask and 9 archetypes) and Commedia dell'Arte.
To hire a workshop leader (for the future) go here.
‘a phenomenal teacher…skilled like you wouldn't believe…an exhilarating experience…’
Regular open courses include: Clown & Dark Clown; Dark Clown Level Two (available to graduates of the 2-day Clown & Dark Clown course); Take your Clown / Act / Idea Further; Comedy Toolbox and
The Alchemy of Archetypes (working with half mask and 9 archetypes) and Commedia dell'Arte.
To hire a workshop leader (for the future) go here.
