This intensive is an introduction to clown work for the seasoned and new actor alike! Students will pursue the clown and all that is funny about them (so many things). All with the goal of giving them more tools to be a better actor, and human!
Participants will investigate your pleasure in performing and the big show off (or will rediscover it). Students will be encouraged to jump fully into their body (whats up in there?), while we audaciously celebrate the haha (and sometimes the whaawhaa).
APEX: Clowning Intensive with Layna Fisher
WHAT TO EXPECT Actors should come prepared for an intense, physically engaging class. Participants should wear clothing they are comfortable moving in and should wear closed toed shoes. Please bring water with you to class.
No previous Clowning experience is required. All participants must be eighteen years of age or older. SCHEDULE AND ATTENDANCE The Clowning Intensive will be held on Saturday, March 16th and Sunday, March 17th. Each day of the intensive will be from 12-4pm. All classes will be held in the sanctuary of Calvary Presbyterian Church (628 N. 10th St. Milwaukee WI, 53233). In order to maintain a sense of ensemble, participants should be completely available for both sessions. Please arrive at least five minutes early to prepare for class. Both days will start promptly at 12pm.
If requested 24 hours before the class start date, a full refund will be issued. Once the class has begun all payments are nonrefundable.
SCHOLARSHIPS Vanguard is committed to lowering the financial barriers of access to education and has a limited number of free or reduced fee scholarships available. BIPOC, LGBTQ, or low income students can apply for scholarships by writing a short essay describing their artisitc background and why they would like to take the class (one page or less). Scholarships will be accepted and detriminations will be made on a rolling basis.
Essays can be sent to info@vanguardmke.com.
LAYNA FISHER Layna Fisher is a clown, theater-maker, director/producer with an emphasis on clown/variety, site-specific performance, physical theater, and the creation of original works. Her artistic approach centers around devising theater, creating spectacles in public spaces, fostering fun and community connections through art. She believes in harnessing individual uniqueness to construct and embody the stories we carry, fostering a stronger bond with ourselves and others.
Layna has taught performance around the US including NY, Orlando, Wisconsin and LA. Internationally, she taught for several years in Sierra Leone, Africa - where she created and taught workshops, created a film festival and built theater projects. Several of the programs working with former rebels seeking healing through the arts.
As a performer, she enjoys Clown, Shakespeare and devised pieces. She has been a member of Studio 42, Stolen Chair, Telluride Rep, Faux-Real, and her own company: Lawnfish Productions. Through her company, she produced her acclaimed solo show 'Truncated,' as well as 'sKin,' 'Subversions,' and 'Squirrel Variety Show.'
As a Director, recent credits include: Assistant Director alongside Chris Bayes for the Yale and NYTW production of 'For the Honey You Gotta Say When;' Director of The Cintas Fashion Show 2023; Director of the 40th Anniversary live production of 'Thriller;' and Director of a multicultural dance flash mob for SWVL's IPO.
Producer credits include: Tribeca FIlm Festival, Sierra Leone International Film Festival, Doha TFF Film Festival, Howl Arts Festival, Underground Zero Arts Festival, Ariel Dorfmans ‘Widows’ with Hal Brooks, and many devised theater pieces in and around NY.
She has held residencies with The Field, Chashama, and the Atlantic Center for the Arts. She has extensive training with Raina Von Waldenburg and Christopher Bayes, the Actors Center, AADA, the Oxford School of Drama and the Pit. She has apprenticed under Chris Bayes.
