Professional Fools Presents

 

WORKSHOPS
 

Juggling Fools Workshop
In the first third of the class, scarves are used to teach a basic juggling pattern; individually and passed between two people.  This will build a framework for more advanced juggling, give the students some immediate positive results, and offer something fun to do at home with a friend and a few socks.  After a brief cool down demonstration of some advanced techniques, the students then begin a 3-ball pattern.  By the end of the class, everyone will have a solid understanding of basic juggling and the knowledge necessary to practice on their own.  The workshop is closed with a fire juggling demonstration (if an outside area is available and permission is granted), and a variety of advanced equipment is always brought along for students who already know the basics.  This workshop requires no additional help or equipment, though the staff's company and participation is always welcome.
 
 
 
15 Minutes A Day—A Circus Workshop
This unique two-hour experience is a chance for any age group of students to see and try something new while learning how far a person can travel taking just one small step a day.  It is broken into two sessions: a 45-minute interactive skills display followed by an hour of hands-on learning.

Circus skills hold a nearly magical quality, but the reality is that anyone with enough determination and persistence can learn them. As with most goals, it is a matter of small but consistent steps forward—in the instructor's case: fifteen minutes a day practicing.

Workshop Goals:

—To share the wonders of this unique entertainment field through an enjoyable, fast-paced, and humorous experience

—To offer the students and teachers a chance to feel the pride and self-confidence that come with the gaining of new skills

—To show every person present how far they can go if they apply themselves consistently 
        (be it juggling, rope spinning, algebra, or SAT prep)

Skills Offered:

Wire Walking, Unicycling, Rolling Globe Walking, Rola Bola Balancing, Devil Stick Manipulation, Diabolo Spinning, Cigar Box Manipulation, Plate Spinning, Whip Cracking, Stilt Walking, Rope Spinning, Juggling
 
 
 
Circus Arts Day Camps
              Join former Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus performer Greg May for playful days of circus skills training, including: juggling (scarves, balls, clubs, crystal sticks, spinning plates, and poi); balance skills (stilts, unicycling, rolling globe, balance boards, and miniature bicycling); partner acrobatics (tumbling, pyramid building, hand balancing, and rope jumping); and performance (clown gags, audience awareness, stage presence, and how to properly take a pie in the face.) Circus skills translate to many life advantages: body awareness and balance, hand-eye coordination, strength and flexibility, public speaking, teamwork and trust, creativity, and—most importantly—how to slip on a banana peel without getting hurt. Students will be taught at their individual skill levels with safety as the highest priority. They will also spend time crafting posters, programs, and set pieces for their very own circus that will be performed for family and friends at the end of camp. Wear comfortable gym shoes and clothes you can tumble in, and bring two snacks and a bag lunch (no peanut products). You'll also need a bicycle helmet for unicycling.
 
Physical Comedy Workshop
This workshop is generally designed for middle school age to adult students.  It jumps (literally) into the playful world of physical comedy, allowing the participants to experiment with clowning slaps and falls, basic tumbling, circus gags, and the ancient art of pie throwing.  Emphasis will be placed on safety, give and take with a partner, cheating and getting away with it (in regards to your distance from your partner), and how to make an audience member sitting a football field away in a dark circus tent laugh at something you've done.  Access to at least one floor mat is preferable but not required.
 
 
 
Greasepaint Makeup Workshop
Over the course of 1 to 2 hours the students are led in the development of an individual clown makeup design that fits their own features, facial movements, and personalities. In the application of their designs, they will learn the skills necessary for proper greasepaint handling, preparation, texturing, blending, coloring, patting, lining, powdering, removal, and clean-up. These skills carry over to the use of greasepaint in every theatrical aspect from getting ready for a halloween party to performing in "Cats."
 
 
 
 
Workshops can be adapted to fit any age level and time frame, and their 
contents can be customized to meet your needs.

 
 
 

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