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 ... or 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 ... or come find out for yourself - scroll to the bottom of this or any page on the site to join the mailing list.
Discover and enjoy playing these vibrant, enduring characters:
the irrepressible and joyous Arlecchino (Harlequin)
the incorrigible Pulchinella (ancestor of Punch from Punch & Judy)
the crotchety, Scrooge-like Pantalone
the flamboyant, cowardly Capitano
the pedantic charlatan - Il Dottore
the hapless Zanni
the well-dodgy Brighella
the unpredictable Witch
and
Columbina, the clever servant.
This course is open to beginners as well as those with performing experience
NOTE: The 'Barefaced' in the course title is a fun way to say that on the course we discover and play the characters' physicality, voice and improvised play without the traditional Commedia half-masks
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 and more. These vibrant, archetypal characters
still have the power to thrill audiences today.
‘Commedia shows all the worst excesses of human stupidity and the conflicts that arise, and proposes nonetheless the possibility of democratic co-existence and harmony.’ - Carlo Boso
On the course: You can 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 there's a process of imaginative immersion (a ‘stepping-in' which enables a heightened state of release similar to mask work).
You'll be guided into the rhythms and obsessions / perspectives of each of the characters so you can Improvise with text or Gramelot (nonsense language) and explore some character interaction.
APPLY NOW:
email peta[at]petalily.com with first and last name, 2-line biog (just a bit about your background),
country you are based in and mobile number.
WHEN:
Fri 26 February 2.00pm – 5.00pm UK time (GMT)
Sat 27 February 2.00pm – 5.00pm UK time (GMT)
Sun 28 February 2.00pm – 5.00pm UK time (GMT)
Mon 1 March 2.00pm – 5.00pm UK time (GMT)
Joining from outside UK? please check your local time on these dates
WHERE:
ONLINE - via ZOOM
COST: £209 - book by 25 January and save £50
Early Bird Price just £159
'A wonderful, playful workshop. Peta created a safe and challenging environment to play and discover. I came away with a solid foundation on which to explore the characters further.' – Sinéad O’Keeffe
‘Peta taught us how to bring the Commedia characters to life. Joyful, physical, ridiculous and not at all academic - wonderful!’ - Michael Smith, Theatre Maker
'Inspirational teaching in expert hands.'
- Keith Barlow, Head of Movement, Dance & Physical Theatre, Birmingham School of Acting
the irrepressible and joyous Arlecchino (Harlequin)
the incorrigible Pulchinella (ancestor of Punch from Punch & Judy)
the crotchety, Scrooge-like Pantalone
the flamboyant, cowardly Capitano
the pedantic charlatan - Il Dottore
the hapless Zanni
the well-dodgy Brighella
the unpredictable Witch
and
Columbina, the clever servant.
This course is open to beginners as well as those with performing experience
NOTE: The 'Barefaced' in the course title is a fun way to say that on the course we discover and play the characters' physicality, voice and improvised play without the traditional Commedia half-masks
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 and more. These vibrant, archetypal characters
still have the power to thrill audiences today.
‘Commedia shows all the worst excesses of human stupidity and the conflicts that arise, and proposes nonetheless the possibility of democratic co-existence and harmony.’ - Carlo Boso
On the course: You can 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 there's a process of imaginative immersion (a ‘stepping-in' which enables a heightened state of release similar to mask work).
You'll be guided into the rhythms and obsessions / perspectives of each of the characters so you can Improvise with text or Gramelot (nonsense language) and explore some character interaction.
APPLY NOW:
email peta[at]petalily.com with first and last name, 2-line biog (just a bit about your background),
country you are based in and mobile number.
WHEN:
Fri 26 February 2.00pm – 5.00pm UK time (GMT)
Sat 27 February 2.00pm – 5.00pm UK time (GMT)
Sun 28 February 2.00pm – 5.00pm UK time (GMT)
Mon 1 March 2.00pm – 5.00pm UK time (GMT)
Joining from outside UK? please check your local time on these dates
WHERE:
ONLINE - via ZOOM
COST: £209 - book by 25 January and save £50
Early Bird Price just £159
'A wonderful, playful workshop. Peta created a safe and challenging environment to play and discover. I came away with a solid foundation on which to explore the characters further.' – Sinéad O’Keeffe
‘Peta taught us how to bring the Commedia characters to life. Joyful, physical, ridiculous and not at all academic - wonderful!’ - Michael Smith, Theatre Maker
'Inspirational teaching in expert hands.'
- Keith Barlow, Head of Movement, Dance & Physical Theatre, Birmingham School of Acting
Under non-pandemic circumstances: Lily teaches workshops, master classes and open workshops live-in-a-studio
‘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.
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 - 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
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
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
