Clowning & Improvisation Workshop: Play & Presence

What you'll learn

The Fool’s First Step: Clowning, Play and Presence

Learn contemporary clowning and improvisation through movement, play and creative exploration with our performing arts short courses in Sydney!

“The fool is the part of us that steps forward without certainty yet is open, responsive and willing to be seen.” — Alicia Gonzalez

Contemporary clowning isn't about circus tricks, costumes, or telling jokes. It's a playful and engaging practice that uses movement, improvisation, curiosity, and genuine human connection to help you become more present, responsive, and confident.

In this highly interactive Clowning & Improvisation Workshop: Play & Presence, you'll explore how to communicate more authentically through movement, develop confidence in the unexpected, and discover the creative freedom that comes from responding honestly in the moment. Through a series of playful improvisation exercises, you'll learn to think on your feet, trust your instincts, and act on impulse rather than relying on planning or performance.

Drawing on techniques from contemporary clowning, physical theatre, and improvisation, you'll develop practical skills in presence, timing, listening, creative thinking, collaboration, and embodied communication. Along the way, you'll strengthen your awareness of others, embrace mistakes as opportunities for creativity, and discover how play can unlock greater confidence both on and off the stage.

Whether you're interested in theatre, improvisation, public speaking, facilitation, creative practice, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone, this workshop offers a welcoming and supportive environment in which to explore, experiment, and have fun.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Clowning & Improvisation Workshop: Play & Presence, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

Developing presence through movement and physical awareness
Building confidence through play and improvisation
Thinking and responding spontaneously in the moment
Strengthening listening, observation, and communication skills
Exploring the foundations of contemporary clowning and improvisation
Developing trust in your instincts through collaborative exercises
Working with rhythm, timing, and audience connection
Embracing curiosity, vulnerability, and creative expression

Course content

What will be covered in this Clowning & Improvisation Workshop: Play & Presence?

During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

Physical awareness and grounding exercises
Play-based activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and spontaneity
Foundations of contemporary clowning
Improvisation exercises that develop listening, responsiveness, and authentic interaction
Thinking and acting on impulse through structured games and activities
Working with rhythm, timing, focus, and audience awareness
Collaborative improvisation and partner exercises
Embodied communication through movement and interaction
Short individual and paired improvisations
Reflecting on how clowning and improvisation can support creativity, communication, confidence, and everyday interactions

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this Clowning Workshop: Play & Presence for?

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and requires no previous acting or performance experience.

It is ideal for anyone interested in theatre, improvisation, creativity, communication, facilitation, public speaking, or personal development. It is also well suited to performers, educators, presenters, and professionals who would like to become more confident, responsive, and engaging in their interactions with others.

Course venue

ReadyMade Works, Ultimo

Course materials

What to bring to class

Comfortable clothing suitable for movement
Closed-in shoes
Water bottle
Notebook and pen (optional)

Learning materials

All activities, exercises, and learning materials are provided during the workshop.

Additional information

Please note the following:

This is a highly interactive, movement-based workshop involving physical participation, improvisation, and group activities.
No previous acting, dance, or clowning experience is required—just a willingness to participate, experiment, and embrace play in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Course tutors

Alicia Gonzalez

Alicia Gonzalez is a Sydney-based performer, director, and facilitator specialising in contemporary clowning, physical theatre, and movement-based performance. She trained at the internationally...

View Alicia Gonzalez's profile

Classes Online Courses

Clowning & Improvisation Workshop: Play & Presence

Sat 1 Aug 2026

1 session, 6 hours total

10am - 4pm (UTC+10:00)

ReadyMade

Alicia Gonzalez

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Sat 1 Aug 2026	10am - 4pm	Default - ReadyMade

If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Clowning & Improvisation Workshop: Play & Presence