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Clowning 101 with Christine Lesiak

Winter 2025, with Grindstone Theatre, Edmonton

An introduction to clowning, play, and presence. Live in the moment, laugh in the face of failure, and play in a judgement-free zone! Transformative for both actors and non-actors.

“In Christine you will find a fully present and engaged instructor whose carefully crafted techniques bring out the best in performers of all levels. She is compassionate, fun, but has a laser-like sense of specificity with her teaching that brings out the best in her students. I witnessed students who have trouble letting go in traditional acting classes break out of their shells and make big, bold choices.” – Chaslee Schweitzer, Professor, Oklahoma City University

“I would recommend this course to everyone I know. It was the most satisfying, soul purifying, joyous course I have ever taken.“ – Clowning 101 participant, 2024

“I wouldn’t be a clown without Christine. Between figuratively holding my hand, and literally holding me accountable, she has guided my growth as an artist and creator. Deeply compassionate and loving, she radiates a contagious joy that can only come from someone who truly cares about her people and projects. She has fostered my creativity, built my self-esteem and bolstered my idiocy.” – Lee Boyes, improvisor, creator/performer of Big Business.

“Just the best! Christine was welcoming, inclusive, and extremely knowledgeable in her craft. I would sign up for another class with her in an instant” – Clowning 101 participant, 2024

“AMAZING! Christine is such a fun person and an amazing clown. Her class truly made me feel like I could let go and not care about what others think about me. Acting on impulse is something I’ve always had trouble with, but exploring clown helped me to get out of that shell …. I always came out of her class feeling better than when I went in” – Opera Nuova intensive program participant, 2024

Clowning Performance Technique with Christine Lesiak – LIMITED SPACE LEFT

Winter 2025, Edmonton

So you’re a clown… now what? Sharpen your performance chops, learn how to create short comedy works for your clown, and learn techniques to apply the principles of clowning to any performance.

YOU WILL: 

“I am constantly impressed by the depth, breadth, and innovative quality of Christine’s creative vision.” – Jan Henderson, Clown master teacher

“Working with Christine was an absolutely invaluable experience. Any chance to work with her is a gift.” – Kiana Woo, actor

“I had a wonderful experience in clown with Christine. Previously, I had taken some clown in school and didn’t have a positive experience. Christine changed that and was able to get me excited about clowning once again.” – Opera Nuova program participant, 2024

Creating Narrative for Clown & Physical Comedy with Christine Lesiak – WAITING LIST

Winter 2025, Edmonton

Create compelling stories AND make ’em laugh! For clown and physical comedy performers and anyone interested in writing and directing this kind of work.

YOU WILL: 

“Lesiak is an artist of exceptional resources. She knows how to make theatrical magic from the smallest of words, objects, movements, and moments.” – Vern Thiessen, Playwright, theatre creator

“To be in a room with Christine, practicing, playing, learning, and exploring, is a breath of fresh air that allows me to move through the rest of the parts of my life with a renewed sense of creativity and openness.” – Lindsay Ruth Hunt, Educator & activist

4-Day Introduction to Clown with the legendary Jan Henderson

May 2025, Edmonton Alberta

Stressed by the state of the world? Get in touch with your most authentic, playful self. Unleash your Inner Fool – the one that has grown up within you, which society doesn’t allow you to express!

Permission to:
• Live in the Moment
• Shoot from the Heart
• Thrive on Change
• Laugh at Failure
• Break every rule but Your Own!

For performers and non-performers:  Clowning is both a highly regarded part of actor training, and a catalyst for creative awakening for people from all walks of life.

• Instructor: Jan Henderson
• Dates: TBA                                                                                     

• Hours: 10 am – 6 pm (32 hours of instruction)
• Location: University of Alberta, Fine Arts Building
• Maximum class size: 12
• Noses provided!

• For more info and to register: foolmoonjh@gmail.com

“The best atmosphere for learning I’ve ever experienced.”
– Marianne Copithorne, AD, Freewill Shakespeare Festival

“Fabulous course – amazing! The single best thing that has ever happened to me.” – Chris Bullough, actor

“Jan is an intuitive master – it’s impossible not to gain personal meaning from this workshop.” – Hazel Borg, pharmacist

“Many great actors are not great clowns, but every great clown is a great actor.” – Jacques Lecoq, master teacher

4-Day Advanced Clown Workshop: Extreme Joey & Auguste with Jan Henderson

May/June 2025, Edmonton, Alberta

A unique approach to the full range of the personal Clown

In the European tradition of clown duos, the confident leader is called the Joey and the vulnerable follower is the Auguste. In this workshop you will:
• Invoke the most extreme forms of these two archetypes
• Discover your clown’s full emotional/physical range
• Deepen your relationship to audience
• Increase your stage presence
• Discover the material that naturally emerges from the dynamic Joey/Auguste relationship

Some previous clown experience required.

• Instructor: Jan Henderson                                                                            
• Dates: TBA
• Hours: 10 am – 6 pm
• Location: University of Alberta, Fine Arts Building
• Maximum class size: 12

• For more info and to register, contact Jan: foolmoonjh@gmail.com

“Extreme Joey was exactly what I needed. Jan creates a space where anything can happen and everything’s freeing and joy filled! Take this course – it’ll change your life positively in ways you can’t even imagine.” – Christine Abrams, Vancouver