Clown Taster Workshop with Dan Lees

This is a workshop for beginners who’d like to dip their toe in to the world of clown.  It will include fun exercises as an introduction to some of the core principles of clowning. Dan creates a supportive environment for you to explore the world of play and silliness.

As humans beings we are all fallible and it is this imperfection that gives us our humanity. We are conditioned to always be good and hide our mistakes and faults. Conversely the clown finds pleasure in being bad and does not disguise anything, as a result he finds freedom from the normal constraints imposed on us, in our day-to-day lives. By embodying the true idiotic self, with optimism and sensitivity, we can find freedom on stage, opening up the imagination to find a place of infinite possibilities for laughter and play.

"Dan creates a beautifully playful and safe environment" Stephen Sobal, Artistic Director of All In Theatre.

"The workshop was exhilarating and fun" Andrea Spisto, Infinite Experience Arts Company

"Dan is the real deal" Phillip Burgers, Dr Brown

Dan studied clowning with Phillipe Gaulier in Paris, he is an award-winning clown performer who has taught clowning all over the world and at the National Centre for Circus Arts, London Studio Centre and East 15 drama schools in London. He has worked as an outside eye/director for many  performers including Julia Masli, Viggo Venn, Elf Lyons, Duncan Brothers, Luke Rollason, Christian Blighty, Frankie Thompson, Zuma Puma and many more. 

His performing credits include: 'The Vinyl Countdown'(Soho Theatre 2023) 'Clown Jam' (2022, Soho Theatre), 'The Flop: A Band of Idiots (Winner Malcolm Hardy Award for Comic Originality 2022), 'Nina Conti: The Dating Show' (2022, Soho Theatre, Arts Theatre), 'The Establishment: Le Bureau De Strange' (Soho Theatre, Winner Adelaide Fringe Weekly Award for Comedy 2019), "The Establishment: Eton mess" (2017, Assembly Festival) 'Derailed' (2017, National Theatre, Oval Theatre) 'Dr Browns Devised Ensemble' (2017 Soho Theatre), Brainchild (Winner Judges Award for Theatre Mimetic Festival 2014)

Dan regularly tours with Clowns Without Borders UK, a charity that aims to improve the quality of life for children and communities living in crisis all over the world, most recently he was facilitating workshops and performing in Ukraine. Dan is co-founder of the London Clown Festival.

https://www.danleescomedy.com/

Cancellation policy

I know life happens, so I try to be as flexible as I can — but because places on my workshops are limited, I do need to have a policy in place.

• More than 4 weeks before the start date: full refund
• 2–4 weeks before: 50% refund
• Less than 2 weeks before: no refund

You're welcome to transfer your place to a friend or colleague at any time — just let me know.

If I have to cancel a workshop for any reason, you'll receive a full refund or the option to transfer to another date.