CIRCUS ARTS – Clowns and Culture (grades K-12)

(please note: this program generally has a waiting list)

This adaptation of the Circus Arts residency focuses on a comparative study that explores the cultural and social roles of clowns. Activities involve reading circus themed texts, storytelling, creative dramatics, improvisation, circus skills (the same ones outlined in Circus Arts), clowning techniques and creative improvisation. Through the study of clowns in various cultures and the learned circus skills, the student creates his own clown stories and character.

In the younger grades, the teacher reads this material to the class and the visual arts component is manifest by the student’s drawing illustrations in response to the readings. For the older student, the student does independent research on the various societies and performing-art forms under discussion.. The visual art component includes each student making a book.  The program usually ends with a shared performance.