Looking for a Feeling: Intro to Pochinko Clowning

Arts & Culture Workshop

Presenter: Calvin Petersen

Suitable for: All ages

This is a taster of the Pochinko Technique; a clown training technique created in Canada by Richard Pochinko. Definitely not limited to performers, the exercises in this workshop explore your inner creative impulse and help to create vibrant imaginary worlds. Perfect for any human with a love of imagination!

Since ancient times clowns have been a force for change in the world, outsiders in society who are truth speakers; shaman, tricksters, court jesters. These figures push the limits of their contemporary society by listening to the world, listening to their inner impulses, and being honest. Based in the practice of Canadian clown master Richard Pochinko this workshop serves as a brief introduction to his technique of clown training.

Presenter Bio:

Calvin is a performer, director and Clown from Wellington, New Zealand and currently based in Toronto, Canada. He trained at Toi Whakaari: The New Zealand Drama School, where he earned his Masters (MTA: Directing) specialising in creating collaborative devised theatre. Since graduating Calvin has directed, created and toured multiple productions around New Zealand, enabling the existence of everything from, DOGS, a clown-run secret eating society, A Smidge of Pidge, a one-pigeon show about an existential crisis, and txt if you get lost, a 70 minute non-stop poetic party. Clown, Bouffon and Improvisation training have all had a strong influence on his practice. He has taught workshops for visiting students when studying at Toi Whakaari, at Eclipse Festival in Canada and at Luminate in 2017.

Looking for a Feeling: Intro to Pochinko Clowning