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!'
‘I did the online Commedia dell’Arte course a couple of years ago and an in person 'Clown and Shakespeare' workshop with Peta a few weeks ago. Transformative and incredibly useful, I massively recommend it :).’
‘I still think about the Dark Clown weekend all the time. Powerful, silly, brilliant stuff from a true master.’ - recent Course Participants
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 & Physical Expression, Bill's Idiots (Shakespeare and Clown), Comedy Toolbox, Red Nose Clown, Clown & Dark Clown, Dark Clown Level Two (for graduates of Clown & Dark Clown). Stay tuned 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!'
‘I did the online Commedia dell’Arte course a couple of years ago and an in person 'Clown and Shakespeare' workshop with Peta a few weeks ago. Transformative and incredibly useful, I massively recommend it :).’
‘I still think about the Dark Clown weekend all the time. Powerful, silly, brilliant stuff from a true master.’ - recent Course Participants
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 & Physical Expression, Bill's Idiots (Shakespeare and Clown), Comedy Toolbox, Red Nose Clown, Clown & Dark Clown, Dark Clown Level Two (for graduates of Clown & Dark Clown). Stay tuned 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
Mime & Physical Expression course 30 NOV & 1 DEC
Add more physical detail & dimension to your work
A fun and rich workshop for actors, clowns, storytellers, theatre makers, improvisers, singers and stand-ups ... anyone who wants to add more physical detail & dimension to their work
‘My body feels looser and so does my mind!
Made me free-er emotionally.’
Lily worked with Lecoq and Gaulier but also studied dance, mime, corporeal mime, Commedia dell’Arte, Chi Gung and Butoh - melded into one coherent, transformational practice. Originally an actor, Lily studied directing with Mike Alfreds, author of Different Every Night.
Mime skills give the performer:
+ physical finesse and quality + ability to create truthful, effective moments onstage reliably + create reality with more specificity, nuance, atmosphere + added skill in improvisation + added confidence in performance + useful for both comedy and drama + mini improvs + use the space + manage energy + add impact and meaning
Includes:
- a wonderfully clear language of articulation in the body (basic Decroux technique).
- useful illusionary mime techniques (opening doors, mimed objects etc in a way that incorporates emotion, style & atmosphere)
- organic 'mime corporeal' work – useful for shared dynamics, emotional representation
- Lily’s Emotion Zone work extends your range of emotional expression, giving you more confidence + choices
includes vocal expression to generate embodied sound.
Bring a nursery rhyme and a short speech (more information on booking).
WHEN:
SUNDAY 30 NOV 10am - 5pm
MONDAY 1 DEC 10am - 5pm
WHERE:
BOLD
21 St George's Rd, Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6ES
COST:
£219
(For people repeating the course, the price is £169.)
CLICK TO APPLY
About the course leader: Peta Lily worked with Lecoq and Gaulier but also studied dance, mime, corporeal mime, Commedia dell’Arte, Chi Gung and Butoh - all of which she has melded into one coherent, transformational practice. Lily was originally an actor and also studied directing with Mike Alfreds’ author of Different Every Night. She teaches at RCSSD and RADA.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THIS COURSE
Add more physical detail & dimension to your work
A fun and rich workshop for actors, clowns, storytellers, theatre makers, improvisers, singers and stand-ups ... anyone who wants to add more physical detail & dimension to their work
‘My body feels looser and so does my mind!
Made me free-er emotionally.’
Lily worked with Lecoq and Gaulier but also studied dance, mime, corporeal mime, Commedia dell’Arte, Chi Gung and Butoh - melded into one coherent, transformational practice. Originally an actor, Lily studied directing with Mike Alfreds, author of Different Every Night.
Mime skills give the performer:
+ physical finesse and quality + ability to create truthful, effective moments onstage reliably + create reality with more specificity, nuance, atmosphere + added skill in improvisation + added confidence in performance + useful for both comedy and drama + mini improvs + use the space + manage energy + add impact and meaning
Includes:
- a wonderfully clear language of articulation in the body (basic Decroux technique).
- useful illusionary mime techniques (opening doors, mimed objects etc in a way that incorporates emotion, style & atmosphere)
- organic 'mime corporeal' work – useful for shared dynamics, emotional representation
- Lily’s Emotion Zone work extends your range of emotional expression, giving you more confidence + choices
includes vocal expression to generate embodied sound.
Bring a nursery rhyme and a short speech (more information on booking).
WHEN:
SUNDAY 30 NOV 10am - 5pm
MONDAY 1 DEC 10am - 5pm
WHERE:
BOLD
21 St George's Rd, Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6ES
COST:
£219
(For people repeating the course, the price is £169.)
CLICK TO APPLY
About the course leader: Peta Lily worked with Lecoq and Gaulier but also studied dance, mime, corporeal mime, Commedia dell’Arte, Chi Gung and Butoh - all of which she has melded into one coherent, transformational practice. Lily was originally an actor and also studied directing with Mike Alfreds’ author of Different Every Night. She teaches at RCSSD and RADA.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THIS COURSE
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.
Watch 'Strange Forces' - Dark Clown inspired circus show - ‘Peta Lily directed show at Circus Space last night was terrific. Clowns like wounded refugees from a post-apocalyptic Beckett play.’ - Lyn Gardner ‘One of my favourite circus shows ever – dark, magical, funny and so imaginative.’ – Michael Standen
Dark Clown is Lily's unique body of work - starting in 1980. she has founded an exciting new genre of Clown - ethics, methodology and pedagogy. 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.
Watch 'Strange Forces' - Dark Clown inspired circus show - ‘Peta Lily directed show at Circus Space last night was terrific. Clowns like wounded refugees from a post-apocalyptic Beckett play.’ - Lyn Gardner ‘One of my favourite circus shows ever – dark, magical, funny and so imaginative.’ – Michael Standen
Dark Clown is Lily's unique body of work - starting in 1980. she has founded an exciting new genre of Clown - ethics, methodology and pedagogy. 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.
