Photos: Robert Piwko, Tiff Wear, PL. Colour sketch: Tracey Tofiled. Colour illustration E. M. Parry.
WHAT'S AN ONLINE COURSE LIKE?
Click the link above ... then come find out for yourself!
Scroll to the bottom of this or any page on the site to join the mailing list.
Click the link above ... then come find out for yourself!
Scroll to the bottom of this or any page on the site to join the mailing list.

‘This is what life is: not a rom com,
not a Pepsi commercial. This work is socially relevant … the art of being human.’ - Clown Doctor, Geneva 2013
'Peta Lily's Dark Clown work really is unique! Her workshops have been crucial to my own performance training' - Alexandra Hofgartner
LEVEL 2 Dark Clown course is open to people who have done Peta Lily's Clown & Dark Workshop*
Go deeper and explore!
Further build your comedy skills, Grow more comfortable with your 'edges'. Build confidence with your audience relationship. Stretch into imagination. Enjoy the vitality and release. Plus there's more chance to explore the
Dark Clown Scenarios:
Somali Pirates, 'Horror Is', Eco Horror, Body Horror, The Beloved,
Consumer Guilt, The Menu: 'For Her', Pageant Horror, Make-up Rabbits, Downy Ducks, Kidrophobia, Fox and Maiden
and more ...
''What surprised me was how very alive I felt after working with Dark Clown.' - Madhu Zeeuwen, Psychosomatic Physical Therapist
APPLY NOW: email peta[at]petalily.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.
WHEN:
Fri 14 May 2021 2.00pm - 5.00pm UK time (BST)
Sat 15 May 2021 2.00pm - 5.00pm UK time (BST)
Sun 16 May 2021 2.00pm - 5.00pm UK time (BST)
Mon 17 May 2021 2.00pm - 5.00pm UK time (BST)
East USA - friendly time - check your local time zone
ONLINE - by Zoom
Workshop price: £169 (lower price than normal workshops because you have already invested in Clown & Dark Clown, yay!)
or book by 29 April and save £50!
Early Bird Price just
£119
'The Dark Clown work took me to places I had never been before and opened my eyes to the comic potential in the "dark side". My mind is buzzing with ideas and creativity.' Ian Marchant, Juggler
'A generous and inspiring teacher with innovative ideas about Clown.' - John-Paul Zaccarini, Director
* Dark Clown work is always taught in the first instance on the Clown & Dark Clown course, where the work and the necessary skills are introduced carefully and respectfully.
not a Pepsi commercial. This work is socially relevant … the art of being human.’ - Clown Doctor, Geneva 2013
'Peta Lily's Dark Clown work really is unique! Her workshops have been crucial to my own performance training' - Alexandra Hofgartner
LEVEL 2 Dark Clown course is open to people who have done Peta Lily's Clown & Dark Workshop*
Go deeper and explore!
Further build your comedy skills, Grow more comfortable with your 'edges'. Build confidence with your audience relationship. Stretch into imagination. Enjoy the vitality and release. Plus there's more chance to explore the
Dark Clown Scenarios:
Somali Pirates, 'Horror Is', Eco Horror, Body Horror, The Beloved,
Consumer Guilt, The Menu: 'For Her', Pageant Horror, Make-up Rabbits, Downy Ducks, Kidrophobia, Fox and Maiden
and more ...
''What surprised me was how very alive I felt after working with Dark Clown.' - Madhu Zeeuwen, Psychosomatic Physical Therapist
APPLY NOW: email peta[at]petalily.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.
WHEN:
Fri 14 May 2021 2.00pm - 5.00pm UK time (BST)
Sat 15 May 2021 2.00pm - 5.00pm UK time (BST)
Sun 16 May 2021 2.00pm - 5.00pm UK time (BST)
Mon 17 May 2021 2.00pm - 5.00pm UK time (BST)
East USA - friendly time - check your local time zone
ONLINE - by Zoom
Workshop price: £169 (lower price than normal workshops because you have already invested in Clown & Dark Clown, yay!)
or book by 29 April and save £50!
Early Bird Price just
£119
'The Dark Clown work took me to places I had never been before and opened my eyes to the comic potential in the "dark side". My mind is buzzing with ideas and creativity.' Ian Marchant, Juggler
'A generous and inspiring teacher with innovative ideas about Clown.' - John-Paul Zaccarini, Director
* Dark Clown work is always taught in the first instance on the Clown & Dark Clown course, where the work and the necessary skills are introduced carefully and respectfully.

Open to those with some clown experience.
COURSE IS NOW FULL - waiting list only, apply below
‘Inspirational! A wonderfully human, mischievous and dark time.'
- Kevin Lewis Independent Theatre maker
This is the course to experience Dark Clown work at the first level.
Re-fresh your Clown
and be guided safely over to the Dark Side!
WHEN:
Friday 23 April 10.00am - 1.00pm UK time (BST)
Saturday 24 April 10.00am - 1.00pm UK time (BST)
Sunday 25 April 10.00am - 1.00pm UK time (BST)
Monday 26 April 10.00am - 1.00pm UK time (BST)
outside UK? please check your local time on these dates
WHERE: ONLINE - via ZOOM COST: £209
APPLY TO WAITING LIST:
email peta[at]petalily.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.
COURSE IS NOW FULL - waiting list only, apply below
‘Inspirational! A wonderfully human, mischievous and dark time.'
- Kevin Lewis Independent Theatre maker
This is the course to experience Dark Clown work at the first level.
Re-fresh your Clown
and be guided safely over to the Dark Side!
WHEN:
Friday 23 April 10.00am - 1.00pm UK time (BST)
Saturday 24 April 10.00am - 1.00pm UK time (BST)
Sunday 25 April 10.00am - 1.00pm UK time (BST)
Monday 26 April 10.00am - 1.00pm UK time (BST)
outside UK? please check your local time on these dates
WHERE: ONLINE - via ZOOM COST: £209
APPLY TO WAITING LIST:
email peta[at]petalily.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.

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 - 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 - 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 to know more
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
And - when the world is open again: 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
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
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 skillful, 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
And - when the world is open again: 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
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
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 skillful, 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
Under non-pandemic circumstances: Lily teaches workshops and master classes in-person
‘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.