THE DYNAMICS OF COMEDY
With Mick Barnfather
Acting comedy can feel like there is a critic sitting front row in the auditorium. This critic doesn't just analyse the whole performance but they analyse each line. The critics name is audience and the pen writing the review is their laughter. The instant gratification or lack of, can make an actor feel really naked on stage. Thoughts like "What if it's not funny?", "This line will surely make them laugh!", "Why am I making a fool of myself?" and "Maybe if I kill myself they will laugh!" Okay, maybe the last one was a bit too far but these thoughts can cause an actor to lose focus and officially step out of the moment.
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The Dynamics of Comedy is a one day workshop that endeavours to find the funny in you. This workshop will use a series of exercises that encourage the performer to be comfortable making mistakes, to play, be instinctive, and above all being in the wrong place at the wrong time! This workshop will not just explore what's uniquely funny about you, but teach you how to make it accessible to an audience. Touching on clown (not big shoes and squirty flowers) but the fun in expressing your ridiculous side and the double act (a comedic pairing focused on relationships that create humour).
About Mick Barnfather
Mick Barnfather has extensive experience as an actor, director and practitioner. Working as a member of renowned theatre company 'Complicité' since 1986, Mick has been involved in 6 Complicité plays and held open workshops for Complicité around the world. He has over 35 years experience teaching skills such as clown, mask, ensemble and physicality in performance. He has taught these skills in prestigious drama schools such as RADA, Central School of Speech and Drama, Manchester Met, The National Centre of Circus Arts and also at the renowned Ecole Philippe Gaulier in Paris. Having worked with an array of comedians, actors and renowned theatre minds, this is set to be a masterclass in comedic acting!