Deep Clowning with Megan Hyslop

Deep clowning is an ancient, worldwide form of creative play with others through authentic impulse. Think of playing freely like you could as a child, or the way you would have liked to play. This is the feeling of deep clowning.  Humor comes through honest sharing of emotion and expression. In front of a supportive audience, we practice noticing, accepting, and sharing our inner sensations in each moment and receive empathy and appreciation in return. This creative form can be a potent and fun support for trauma healing, although it is not meant as a replacement. I have a lifelong adoration of storytelling and healing. As part of my recent research/creation doctorate, I trained with clowns across Canada. I began to teach deep clown after studying with a mentor in 2020.

A typical day of clowning (10am – 4pm):

We start in a circle with a candle in the middle. I outline the guidelines (no put downs, participation by choice, every answer is the right answer), and share the rundown of the day. After a brief check in and a nature sit spot meditation (or inside meditation in case of rain), I move the candle and we move into movement warm up. This is followed by clown games that introduce the practice of authentic impulse, physical work to open our breathing/diaphragm, and other forms of physical/emotional impulse play. In the afternoon, we have opportunities for solo exercises. We practice being in physical/emotional conversation with the audience while on stage, and in “being seen” beneath our persona. I specialize in working with people who struggle with more shy, anxious, or depressive ways of being. The solo play exercises are short, structured, and by choice. We close with the candle, a circle, and art-based reflection activities such as collage.

Maximum 15 participants.