What people say about the Clown & Dark Clown Course
IN-PERSON & ONLINE :
'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
'One of the most life affirming things I've ever done.' - MW
‘Dark Clown has opened parts of my body and psyche that had yet to be explored. I have a deeper understanding of WHO I AM after this course. Incredibly transformative, inspiring and jam packed of technical gems to build on my clown stage presence.’ - Alice , Art Therapist and Movement Facilitator
'Best Zoom course - I forgot I wasn't in a room!'
- Course Participant
‘This course is a real treat – and to achieve that on Zoom - well done! To have the steps and exercises introduced so beautifully has given me some fantastic building blocks.’ - Course Participant
‘At the end I felt like I was coming out of the shared room.’ - Course Participant
'Teaches with passion, joy and lightness - it’s so contagious. You can just feel that energy - it’s so inspiring.' - Course Participant
‘A wonderful workshop. It brought be so much joy and laughter and I walked away with so many tools … a marvellous teacher … handled the darkness with kindness and compassion.’ – Course Participant
‘I felt very nourished, and a surprising connection over Zoom’ - Course Participant
'I honestly have never felt so alive, refreshed, nourished and connected from a course and to think it was online.' - Course Participant
'A fabulous teacher - and it proved that you can have a wonderfully human, mischievous and dark time on Zoom with fellow adventurers from all over the world! I’m still processing and taking in the learning!' - Kevin Lewis Independent Theatre maker
'To anyone who wants to find their inner idiot, I could not recommend Peta Lily more highly. She just gets how to be an amazing teacher and all round good egg and lets you play and have fun.' - Matthew Field
'A marvellous teacher. She provides support and encouragement for each member of the group with a very precise structure and an acute eye that sees exactly what would be helpful or not at a particular time. Highly recommended.' - Stephen K. Levine–Educator, Theatre Practitioner, Author
'I was so impressed with your online course and your stamina and drive and generosity! I got much out of it. Absolutely loved the physical warm ups!' – Johanna Korndorfer
'This course opened new ways into dark comedy, I really enjoyed every minute of it and Peta is a wonderful teacher and facilitator. I had such a wonderful time, felt embraced in a safe space (even on zoom) and had the opportunity to explore a range of new techniques (and old ones in a new way). I thoroughly recommend it!' - Carolina Ortega, Director & Performer
‘Dark Clown showed me how to find the comic rhythm in tragic feelings. The work explores the point where the deepest pain meets lunacy and eventually freedom. I didn’t know that a zoom course could feel so real!
The course gave me a lot of new tools for my professional work as an actress.’ - Sandra Lange, Actress
'The four days of Clowning and Dark Clowning were amazing: funny, light, entertaining, educational, inspirational, mind-blowing, door-opening, contained superbly, high paced, relaxing, sweaty, exhausting, demanding, overwhelming and so much more. It was the best zoom-thing I did in the last months – and I did a lot. I am craving for more …' - Joerg Jelden, Sociodramatist
'I loved the Clown & Dark Clown course. I finished the 4 days feeling inspired, energised and eager to learn more. Peta created a very supportive and safe environment to play, explore and learn which is so important especially when dealing with the marginalised emotions. I laughed a lot and I will absolutely take what I have learned in the course into my own work. It was fascinating to play and observe laughter with an uncomfortable quality. I had seen it before but could never put my finger on it or give it a name, now I feel like I have the tools to generate this humour in a more precise way. I was also really impressed with how effectively the course worked over Zoom. It was really seamless and felt like we were really all in the same room.' - Bethan Screen - Actor, Theatre Maker, Voiceover and Founder of Todos Teatro
'It’s not what you think. It’s so much better than you could possibly think. It has given me a space to understand better the elasticity of the emotional spectrum. With practical and tangible steps to practice these in a non-judgemental space. The darker side feels richer, with deeper textures. And to be shown how to step into that space safely is an absolute gift to any actor.' – Michelle Barwood
'Peta’s Dark Clown is a wonderfully constructed course taking the participants in to dark corners others fear to tread. She delivers it with consideration, structure and much laughter.' – Martin Huckle, Workshop Participant
'Peta’s workshops are great. She provides a warm and dynamic environment in which to clown. It is fantastic to have access to her experience in playing with dark, neglected emotions, finding laughter and unexpected reactions even in excruciating situations.'
– Max G-G
'The workshop for me has been a good opportunity to practice more – to keep on trying, experimenting, playing with comedy tools until something truthful comes up. I also got the chance to experience negative emotions, go in to them in a way I am not used to in my life.' – Barbara
'I feel confirmed with this kind of humour. Rhythm is one of the tools that I will take away from the course.' – Cecilia Gray
'It adds understanding and nuance to clown work and craft – what works and what doesn’t and why. Also it has deepened my ability to analyse and articulate certain subtleties in clown which I sometimes see but which are very hard to pin down clearly. It’s valuable to have the safe space to play and explore something which is or can be quite uncomfortable in real life.' – MP
'Peta’s teaching methods are clear and appropriately challenging. This workshop is what I’ve been yearning for and I think I’m a bit addicted. It gives me more confidence as a performer and makes the ‘real world’ more fun.' – Gabbie Cook, Performer.
'This course accesses powerful and difficult emotional states in performance without sacrificing humour. It develops instincts and impulses fort performers to connect with the audience.' – James Carney
'Dark Clown work helps me focus, increase my awareness as a performer (rhythm, timbre, breath). It expands my ability to listen and respond with intent and intuition and gives me the tools to make effective choices. It is also hugely playful and enjoyable!' – Juliet Dante, Performer
'Clown/Dark Clown has helped me build confidence to the point where I can stand up and act without thinking about being judged. I have also found a sudden surge of power in my life as I intend to use the workshop for a base for my exploration and research.' – Rob Redwood
'This Dark Clown work contributes to improv skills, generating those triggers to enjoyment, especially enjoyment of a serious, unpleasant or marginalised emotion. It also brings lots of impact in rhythm, movement and class. It’s so powerful to be able to generate laughter around things which are usually perceived as ‘not to be laughed at'.' – Course Participant
'Dark Clown is a practice that fascinates and horrifies at the same time. This course has given me a deeper understanding of the mechanics of rhythm and Troubled Laughter and given me the skills to explore the darkness of human experience safely. Peta approaches the subject with great humanity. I feel Dark Clown provides potential for me to explore the disabled experience in my work.' – Daisy Higman, Theatre Maker
'What an enriching workshop! I had the chance to take part in one of Peta Lily's Clown & Dark Clown workshops and wow! It gave me a glimpse of a whole new universe of Clowning' - Lena Patinsky
'I have learnt so much and feel truly inspired. I am in awe of how Peta Lily creates such a productive and creative environment and are so welcoming. I feel as though I have transformed this week through the teaching, and I can’t wait to apply what I have learned in my creative outlets, and honestly, in everyday life.' – Becky
'I honestly have never felt so alive, refreshed, nourished and connected from a course and to think it was online. The thing that stood out for me the most is just how passionate you are about what you teach and the joy and lightness that you bring - it’s so contagious and I think that’s why it works so well even though it’s delivered across the internet in this format your passion transcends that and you can just feel that energy - it’s so inspiring. I also love how supportive and encouraging you are again made it so much more enjoyable. I learnt SO much and really keen to do the next course. I want to create my own show about the impacts of childhood trauma on mental health and I want to use humour to tell this story which will otherwise be very dark, sad and vulnerable.' - Elise
What to know more?
FAQ's about Dark Clown work are here
IN-PERSON & ONLINE :
'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
'One of the most life affirming things I've ever done.' - MW
‘Dark Clown has opened parts of my body and psyche that had yet to be explored. I have a deeper understanding of WHO I AM after this course. Incredibly transformative, inspiring and jam packed of technical gems to build on my clown stage presence.’ - Alice , Art Therapist and Movement Facilitator
'Best Zoom course - I forgot I wasn't in a room!'
- Course Participant
‘This course is a real treat – and to achieve that on Zoom - well done! To have the steps and exercises introduced so beautifully has given me some fantastic building blocks.’ - Course Participant
‘At the end I felt like I was coming out of the shared room.’ - Course Participant
'Teaches with passion, joy and lightness - it’s so contagious. You can just feel that energy - it’s so inspiring.' - Course Participant
‘A wonderful workshop. It brought be so much joy and laughter and I walked away with so many tools … a marvellous teacher … handled the darkness with kindness and compassion.’ – Course Participant
‘I felt very nourished, and a surprising connection over Zoom’ - Course Participant
'I honestly have never felt so alive, refreshed, nourished and connected from a course and to think it was online.' - Course Participant
'A fabulous teacher - and it proved that you can have a wonderfully human, mischievous and dark time on Zoom with fellow adventurers from all over the world! I’m still processing and taking in the learning!' - Kevin Lewis Independent Theatre maker
'To anyone who wants to find their inner idiot, I could not recommend Peta Lily more highly. She just gets how to be an amazing teacher and all round good egg and lets you play and have fun.' - Matthew Field
'A marvellous teacher. She provides support and encouragement for each member of the group with a very precise structure and an acute eye that sees exactly what would be helpful or not at a particular time. Highly recommended.' - Stephen K. Levine–Educator, Theatre Practitioner, Author
'I was so impressed with your online course and your stamina and drive and generosity! I got much out of it. Absolutely loved the physical warm ups!' – Johanna Korndorfer
'This course opened new ways into dark comedy, I really enjoyed every minute of it and Peta is a wonderful teacher and facilitator. I had such a wonderful time, felt embraced in a safe space (even on zoom) and had the opportunity to explore a range of new techniques (and old ones in a new way). I thoroughly recommend it!' - Carolina Ortega, Director & Performer
‘Dark Clown showed me how to find the comic rhythm in tragic feelings. The work explores the point where the deepest pain meets lunacy and eventually freedom. I didn’t know that a zoom course could feel so real!
The course gave me a lot of new tools for my professional work as an actress.’ - Sandra Lange, Actress
'The four days of Clowning and Dark Clowning were amazing: funny, light, entertaining, educational, inspirational, mind-blowing, door-opening, contained superbly, high paced, relaxing, sweaty, exhausting, demanding, overwhelming and so much more. It was the best zoom-thing I did in the last months – and I did a lot. I am craving for more …' - Joerg Jelden, Sociodramatist
'I loved the Clown & Dark Clown course. I finished the 4 days feeling inspired, energised and eager to learn more. Peta created a very supportive and safe environment to play, explore and learn which is so important especially when dealing with the marginalised emotions. I laughed a lot and I will absolutely take what I have learned in the course into my own work. It was fascinating to play and observe laughter with an uncomfortable quality. I had seen it before but could never put my finger on it or give it a name, now I feel like I have the tools to generate this humour in a more precise way. I was also really impressed with how effectively the course worked over Zoom. It was really seamless and felt like we were really all in the same room.' - Bethan Screen - Actor, Theatre Maker, Voiceover and Founder of Todos Teatro
'It’s not what you think. It’s so much better than you could possibly think. It has given me a space to understand better the elasticity of the emotional spectrum. With practical and tangible steps to practice these in a non-judgemental space. The darker side feels richer, with deeper textures. And to be shown how to step into that space safely is an absolute gift to any actor.' – Michelle Barwood
'Peta’s Dark Clown is a wonderfully constructed course taking the participants in to dark corners others fear to tread. She delivers it with consideration, structure and much laughter.' – Martin Huckle, Workshop Participant
'Peta’s workshops are great. She provides a warm and dynamic environment in which to clown. It is fantastic to have access to her experience in playing with dark, neglected emotions, finding laughter and unexpected reactions even in excruciating situations.'
– Max G-G
'The workshop for me has been a good opportunity to practice more – to keep on trying, experimenting, playing with comedy tools until something truthful comes up. I also got the chance to experience negative emotions, go in to them in a way I am not used to in my life.' – Barbara
'I feel confirmed with this kind of humour. Rhythm is one of the tools that I will take away from the course.' – Cecilia Gray
'It adds understanding and nuance to clown work and craft – what works and what doesn’t and why. Also it has deepened my ability to analyse and articulate certain subtleties in clown which I sometimes see but which are very hard to pin down clearly. It’s valuable to have the safe space to play and explore something which is or can be quite uncomfortable in real life.' – MP
'Peta’s teaching methods are clear and appropriately challenging. This workshop is what I’ve been yearning for and I think I’m a bit addicted. It gives me more confidence as a performer and makes the ‘real world’ more fun.' – Gabbie Cook, Performer.
'This course accesses powerful and difficult emotional states in performance without sacrificing humour. It develops instincts and impulses fort performers to connect with the audience.' – James Carney
'Dark Clown work helps me focus, increase my awareness as a performer (rhythm, timbre, breath). It expands my ability to listen and respond with intent and intuition and gives me the tools to make effective choices. It is also hugely playful and enjoyable!' – Juliet Dante, Performer
'Clown/Dark Clown has helped me build confidence to the point where I can stand up and act without thinking about being judged. I have also found a sudden surge of power in my life as I intend to use the workshop for a base for my exploration and research.' – Rob Redwood
'This Dark Clown work contributes to improv skills, generating those triggers to enjoyment, especially enjoyment of a serious, unpleasant or marginalised emotion. It also brings lots of impact in rhythm, movement and class. It’s so powerful to be able to generate laughter around things which are usually perceived as ‘not to be laughed at'.' – Course Participant
'Dark Clown is a practice that fascinates and horrifies at the same time. This course has given me a deeper understanding of the mechanics of rhythm and Troubled Laughter and given me the skills to explore the darkness of human experience safely. Peta approaches the subject with great humanity. I feel Dark Clown provides potential for me to explore the disabled experience in my work.' – Daisy Higman, Theatre Maker
'What an enriching workshop! I had the chance to take part in one of Peta Lily's Clown & Dark Clown workshops and wow! It gave me a glimpse of a whole new universe of Clowning' - Lena Patinsky
'I have learnt so much and feel truly inspired. I am in awe of how Peta Lily creates such a productive and creative environment and are so welcoming. I feel as though I have transformed this week through the teaching, and I can’t wait to apply what I have learned in my creative outlets, and honestly, in everyday life.' – Becky
'I honestly have never felt so alive, refreshed, nourished and connected from a course and to think it was online. The thing that stood out for me the most is just how passionate you are about what you teach and the joy and lightness that you bring - it’s so contagious and I think that’s why it works so well even though it’s delivered across the internet in this format your passion transcends that and you can just feel that energy - it’s so inspiring. I also love how supportive and encouraging you are again made it so much more enjoyable. I learnt SO much and really keen to do the next course. I want to create my own show about the impacts of childhood trauma on mental health and I want to use humour to tell this story which will otherwise be very dark, sad and vulnerable.' - Elise
What to know more?
FAQ's about Dark Clown work are here
