PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF A CLOWN
A$1,065
of $13,500 targetyrs ago
Closed on 29th Oct 2015 at 5:34AM.
The inner clown – everyone’s got one!
I am an Australian theatrical clown, very happily working extensively here and internationally - but it’s time to expand and refresh my skills and my networks. This is a very challenging thing at home in Australia.
Derek Scott is the star of Slava’s Snow Show, and an internationally renowned master of our craft. He is Canadian and works around the world, and he is my mentor - but from afar.
My hope for a rare and incredible opportunity to work face to face with this master theatrical clown has just become a reality – Derek is coming to Australia this November.
I am asking, please, for your help to resource an intensive two week workshop period with Derek where I can learn, extend my practice, create, and celebrate the joy of the clown. Ultimately we will produce at least four new Clown Routines - each looking at the human condition – which will be added to my live performance repertoire, and which will also be filmed to form part of my new promotional Showreel.
WHY SUPPORT THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPEMENT OF A CLOWN?
In Australia we have Circus Schools for beginners, we have people like me who train and develop young people in the art of Clown, but we do not have masters who can extend and challenge practising artists in their craft and in the creation of new work. Enter Derek Scott.
The routines Derek and I create will bring new energy and content to my work with young people and adults - work I often undertake through my theatre company, Homunculus Theatre Company Ltd. Work that has been described as transformative.
"I learned from that experience, (Homunculus workshop), to be adventurous, step out of your comfort zone and be something/someone else."
Participant, All Hallow’s, QLD
"… we learnt and developed so many skills in such a short amount of time, we took away some very important skills that can be applied throughout our entire theatre course and journey as artists. The workshop has inspired us all creatively and sparked our interests in Clowning as a theatre form that is equally as nerve racking as it is exciting."
Participant, Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, QLD
At Homunculus we believe in human beauty, humour, and the power of comedy and the clown to lift everyone, especially young people, beyond daily cares and out of themselves. Our work gives people the opportunity to play, express, be physical, relate, and discover in real time and space, with real human contact and emotions. The particular styles we specialize in have the capacity to instil a sense of joy, vulnerability, physical discipline and freedom of expression in the performer and our audiences alike.
The wisdom and skills that Derek will bring to me and my practice will not only enrich and inspire my work, but also my company’s work, allowing us to deepen the experience of our students and heighten the experience of our audiences.
People have placed their confidence in me, and in this project, a very humbling thing.
"Clint Bolster is a compelling artist who has worked extensively nationally and internationally as a professional actor, theatrical clown and physical comedian.
Clint has made valued contributions to the performing arts industry of Australia and is a dedicated artist with an incredibly high standard of practice. He is a vital, brave and unique artist, with an exceptional initiative and artistic integrity. He has an extraordinary focus and long-term commitment to the arts, having inspired audiences from diverse sectors of the Australian community and overseas for twelve years.
My Company, Aerial Angels, has employed Clint for various roles in many of our large entertainment events. We found Clint to always be professional, dedicated and extremely creative. Feedback from our clients about these events, and Clint in particular, has always been glowing and positive. For this reason, along with his reputation in the Queensland Theatre community, we offered Clint one of the lead roles in our International Stage Spectacular “Zircus”.
Zircus played to impressive numbers and rave reviews during its three month run at Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast Australia. Clint played the role of “Z” the eccentric Ringmaster/MC with great enthusiasm and was integral to the show by linking many of the scenes. The role also included many audience interaction moments that Clint handled with ease, and the character of “Z” quickly became a crowd favourite. As well as having creative input into developing the Character, Clint was also involved with many promotional duties that included radio and TV interviews, guest appearances and commercials.
I am confident that given the opportunity for Clint to collobrate with Derek Scott, an imaginative, innovative and enduring international partnership will develop – one that can only enrich the smiles of future audiences."
Sue Porrett, Aerial Angels Australia, QLD
"I feel in a privileged position to be able to lend my support as I have had the opportunity to work with Clint and I have watched Clint's work, including as a clown in a production called Hurry Up And Wait by Debase Productions at the QLD Library earlier this year.
Both Clint's exceptional initiative and artistic integrity make me believe, whole heartedly, that Queensland has a vital and unique artist that should be nurtured and supported in any future projects. It is obvious that in order for his skills base to develop he needs to begin to collaborate with people who have a wider scope than he presently has.
I applaud Clint's professionalism and gusto in finding unique opportunities to collaborate with teachers/directors and organizations outside of Australia, and I hope that you support him in his plans to do so."
Derek Scott, Slava Snowshow, USA
I am an Australian theatrical clown, very happily working extensively here and internationally - but it’s time to expand and refresh my skills and my networks. This is a very challenging thing at home in Australia.
Derek Scott is the star of Slava’s Snow Show, and an internationally renowned master of our craft. He is Canadian and works around the world, and he is my mentor - but from afar.
My hope for a rare and incredible opportunity to work face to face with this master theatrical clown has just become a reality – Derek is coming to Australia this November.
I am asking, please, for your help to resource an intensive two week workshop period with Derek where I can learn, extend my practice, create, and celebrate the joy of the clown. Ultimately we will produce at least four new Clown Routines - each looking at the human condition – which will be added to my live performance repertoire, and which will also be filmed to form part of my new promotional Showreel.
WHY SUPPORT THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPEMENT OF A CLOWN?
In Australia we have Circus Schools for beginners, we have people like me who train and develop young people in the art of Clown, but we do not have masters who can extend and challenge practising artists in their craft and in the creation of new work. Enter Derek Scott.
The routines Derek and I create will bring new energy and content to my work with young people and adults - work I often undertake through my theatre company, Homunculus Theatre Company Ltd. Work that has been described as transformative.
"I learned from that experience, (Homunculus workshop), to be adventurous, step out of your comfort zone and be something/someone else."
Participant, All Hallow’s, QLD
"… we learnt and developed so many skills in such a short amount of time, we took away some very important skills that can be applied throughout our entire theatre course and journey as artists. The workshop has inspired us all creatively and sparked our interests in Clowning as a theatre form that is equally as nerve racking as it is exciting."
Participant, Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, QLD
At Homunculus we believe in human beauty, humour, and the power of comedy and the clown to lift everyone, especially young people, beyond daily cares and out of themselves. Our work gives people the opportunity to play, express, be physical, relate, and discover in real time and space, with real human contact and emotions. The particular styles we specialize in have the capacity to instil a sense of joy, vulnerability, physical discipline and freedom of expression in the performer and our audiences alike.
The wisdom and skills that Derek will bring to me and my practice will not only enrich and inspire my work, but also my company’s work, allowing us to deepen the experience of our students and heighten the experience of our audiences.
People have placed their confidence in me, and in this project, a very humbling thing.
"Clint Bolster is a compelling artist who has worked extensively nationally and internationally as a professional actor, theatrical clown and physical comedian.
Clint has made valued contributions to the performing arts industry of Australia and is a dedicated artist with an incredibly high standard of practice. He is a vital, brave and unique artist, with an exceptional initiative and artistic integrity. He has an extraordinary focus and long-term commitment to the arts, having inspired audiences from diverse sectors of the Australian community and overseas for twelve years.
My Company, Aerial Angels, has employed Clint for various roles in many of our large entertainment events. We found Clint to always be professional, dedicated and extremely creative. Feedback from our clients about these events, and Clint in particular, has always been glowing and positive. For this reason, along with his reputation in the Queensland Theatre community, we offered Clint one of the lead roles in our International Stage Spectacular “Zircus”.
Zircus played to impressive numbers and rave reviews during its three month run at Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast Australia. Clint played the role of “Z” the eccentric Ringmaster/MC with great enthusiasm and was integral to the show by linking many of the scenes. The role also included many audience interaction moments that Clint handled with ease, and the character of “Z” quickly became a crowd favourite. As well as having creative input into developing the Character, Clint was also involved with many promotional duties that included radio and TV interviews, guest appearances and commercials.
I am confident that given the opportunity for Clint to collobrate with Derek Scott, an imaginative, innovative and enduring international partnership will develop – one that can only enrich the smiles of future audiences."
Sue Porrett, Aerial Angels Australia, QLD
"I feel in a privileged position to be able to lend my support as I have had the opportunity to work with Clint and I have watched Clint's work, including as a clown in a production called Hurry Up And Wait by Debase Productions at the QLD Library earlier this year.
Both Clint's exceptional initiative and artistic integrity make me believe, whole heartedly, that Queensland has a vital and unique artist that should be nurtured and supported in any future projects. It is obvious that in order for his skills base to develop he needs to begin to collaborate with people who have a wider scope than he presently has.
I applaud Clint's professionalism and gusto in finding unique opportunities to collaborate with teachers/directors and organizations outside of Australia, and I hope that you support him in his plans to do so."
Derek Scott, Slava Snowshow, USA
Project Team
CLINT BOLSTER - CLOWN
Clint Bolster is a prominent Character Actor, Theatrical Clown, Commedia Dell’Arte specialist and Teaching Artist. His noted skills have been developed over the past 13 years through extensive training and performance experience locally, nationally and internationally in Australia, United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore and Japan.
Significant performance credits include Clown MC in Disruptive Camouflage for Wonderland Festival
at The Brisbane Powerhouse, the lead role of Ringmaster Z in the circus spectacular ZIRCUS at Jupiter’s Theatre, Hotel & Casino, a sell-out season of Debase Productions, Queensland Theatre Company & Kazenoko Theatre Company’s Hurry up and Wait in Toowoomba, Redlands and Sydney, after returning from a state-wide tour with Queensland Theatre Company on the back of seasons at Kijimoona International Theatre Festival For Young People in Japan (2012), 3 Month Tour to venues in Fukuoka Japan (2012) and Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2011) where the show received critical acclaim. The Three Little Endangered Animals for Artslink Queensland, The Little Green Road to Fairy Land for Queensland Music Festival (2011), Drama on the High Seas for Princess Cruises, Much Ado about Nothing and The Wind in the Willows for 4MBS Classic FM,
The Search For The 5th Element and Booff In Concert for Universal Studios Japan Osaka (1 year), Aerial Angels Stilts for Aerial Angels and Jupiter’s Casino (1 year).
Clint is also Artistic Director of Homunculus Theatre Company Ltd. Clint has been busy touring in Cafe Floriani, Behind The Mask, Spirit of the Mask and Thoughts Have Feelings Tooas well as conducting numerous Artist In Residence programs throughout Australia for 13 years.
Clint Bolster owns and manages Manoeuvre, Queensland’s premier Roving Stilt Company catering for corporate events, festivals and nightclubs, both nationally and internationally. Recently Manoeuvre received funding from Arts Queensland to promote Manoeuvre in London: from this Manoeuvre is now represented by agents in the United Kingdom and ASIA.
Clint studied theatre at Queensland University of Technology and has trained with several companies including Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, Frank Theatre, Debase Productions, Expressions Dance Company, 2 Ballerinas, Queensland Ballet and
Lightwire.
He is also an experienced and sought after Teacher- Artist, leading many residencies and workshops for Queensland Theatre Company, University of Southern Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, The Queensland Conservatorium Of Music, University of Tasmania, The Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts, Artslink Queensland, Backbone Youth Arts and Nexus Arts Victoria.
DEREK SCOTT - DIRECTOR
Derek Scott grew up in Alberta, Canada and studied both the Lecoq method of physical acting and the more conventional script-based kind. He has been working professionally in the performing arts for over 25 years.
He first came to Australia to 1988 to perform in World Expo in Brisbane and ended up staying to create the Brisbane International Comedy Bonanza - ''the first new festival in 27 years in Brisbane''. In 1992 he went to Spain to continue his career.
He is an actor, a clown, a comedian, and a director, and he has just finished performing the lead role on Broadway (Helen Hayes Theatre) in SLAVA's SNOW SHOW (www.snowshowusa.com ) which he has previously performed for 2 1/2 years off-Broadway.
Derek has taken his physical theatre show all around the world. He has travelled throughout Canada, the United States, England, West and Eastern Europe, Africa, China, India, Australia, and North Korea.
Steve Allen called him "Sensational!". He has shared the stage with such stars as Jerry Lewis, Kelsey Grammer, Brett Butler, Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) Andrea Martin and many others.
Derek has performed in a variety of festivals and theatres including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, Rio Theatre
in Las Vegas, The Wintergarten in Berlin, Mayakovsky Theatre in Moscow, L'Oympia in Paris and at Her Majesties Theatre
in London's West End.
As a physical comedian, Derek has worked on Television shows throughout the globe including The Comedy Channel, HBO Comedy Special in the US and has appeared for four years at the Festival Just for laughs, in Montreal, Canada. He has appeared at the Koln Comedy Festival's RTL TV Gala and has hosted the Halifax Comedy Gala for many years.
Derek has worked with Cirque du Soleil in Monte Carlo, Frankfurt and Los Angeles, as a Comedian and Assistant Director/Coach. He also created the role of Ben Johnson for Pomp, Duck and Circumstances, under the direction of Franco Dragone.
Derek was the director of Germany’s Variete et cetera and created and directed a show, called Otto & Mezzo, a tribute to Fellini, for the Boulevard Festival in Den Bosch, Holland. Derek also directed The International Weihnachts Zirkus
in Freiburg, Germany, and is the winner of the special award at the Chinese Wuqiao International Festival and the Pyongyang Spring Festival in North Korea.
Other career highlights include performing in the CanStage production of The Overcoat at the Barbican Theatre in London, the
Adelaide Festival (Australia), Wellington Arts Festival (New Zealand) and Bergen Festival (Norway)
and also recently at A.C.T. in San Francisco where it won San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble and Best Touring Production.
Clint Bolster is a prominent Character Actor, Theatrical Clown, Commedia Dell’Arte specialist and Teaching Artist. His noted skills have been developed over the past 13 years through extensive training and performance experience locally, nationally and internationally in Australia, United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore and Japan.
Significant performance credits include Clown MC in Disruptive Camouflage for Wonderland Festival
at The Brisbane Powerhouse, the lead role of Ringmaster Z in the circus spectacular ZIRCUS at Jupiter’s Theatre, Hotel & Casino, a sell-out season of Debase Productions, Queensland Theatre Company & Kazenoko Theatre Company’s Hurry up and Wait in Toowoomba, Redlands and Sydney, after returning from a state-wide tour with Queensland Theatre Company on the back of seasons at Kijimoona International Theatre Festival For Young People in Japan (2012), 3 Month Tour to venues in Fukuoka Japan (2012) and Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2011) where the show received critical acclaim. The Three Little Endangered Animals for Artslink Queensland, The Little Green Road to Fairy Land for Queensland Music Festival (2011), Drama on the High Seas for Princess Cruises, Much Ado about Nothing and The Wind in the Willows for 4MBS Classic FM,
The Search For The 5th Element and Booff In Concert for Universal Studios Japan Osaka (1 year), Aerial Angels Stilts for Aerial Angels and Jupiter’s Casino (1 year).
Clint is also Artistic Director of Homunculus Theatre Company Ltd. Clint has been busy touring in Cafe Floriani, Behind The Mask, Spirit of the Mask and Thoughts Have Feelings Tooas well as conducting numerous Artist In Residence programs throughout Australia for 13 years.
Clint Bolster owns and manages Manoeuvre, Queensland’s premier Roving Stilt Company catering for corporate events, festivals and nightclubs, both nationally and internationally. Recently Manoeuvre received funding from Arts Queensland to promote Manoeuvre in London: from this Manoeuvre is now represented by agents in the United Kingdom and ASIA.
Clint studied theatre at Queensland University of Technology and has trained with several companies including Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, Frank Theatre, Debase Productions, Expressions Dance Company, 2 Ballerinas, Queensland Ballet and
Lightwire.
He is also an experienced and sought after Teacher- Artist, leading many residencies and workshops for Queensland Theatre Company, University of Southern Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, The Queensland Conservatorium Of Music, University of Tasmania, The Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts, Artslink Queensland, Backbone Youth Arts and Nexus Arts Victoria.
DEREK SCOTT - DIRECTOR
Derek Scott grew up in Alberta, Canada and studied both the Lecoq method of physical acting and the more conventional script-based kind. He has been working professionally in the performing arts for over 25 years.
He first came to Australia to 1988 to perform in World Expo in Brisbane and ended up staying to create the Brisbane International Comedy Bonanza - ''the first new festival in 27 years in Brisbane''. In 1992 he went to Spain to continue his career.
He is an actor, a clown, a comedian, and a director, and he has just finished performing the lead role on Broadway (Helen Hayes Theatre) in SLAVA's SNOW SHOW (www.snowshowusa.com ) which he has previously performed for 2 1/2 years off-Broadway.
Derek has taken his physical theatre show all around the world. He has travelled throughout Canada, the United States, England, West and Eastern Europe, Africa, China, India, Australia, and North Korea.
Steve Allen called him "Sensational!". He has shared the stage with such stars as Jerry Lewis, Kelsey Grammer, Brett Butler, Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) Andrea Martin and many others.
Derek has performed in a variety of festivals and theatres including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, Rio Theatre
in Las Vegas, The Wintergarten in Berlin, Mayakovsky Theatre in Moscow, L'Oympia in Paris and at Her Majesties Theatre
in London's West End.
As a physical comedian, Derek has worked on Television shows throughout the globe including The Comedy Channel, HBO Comedy Special in the US and has appeared for four years at the Festival Just for laughs, in Montreal, Canada. He has appeared at the Koln Comedy Festival's RTL TV Gala and has hosted the Halifax Comedy Gala for many years.
Derek has worked with Cirque du Soleil in Monte Carlo, Frankfurt and Los Angeles, as a Comedian and Assistant Director/Coach. He also created the role of Ben Johnson for Pomp, Duck and Circumstances, under the direction of Franco Dragone.
Derek was the director of Germany’s Variete et cetera and created and directed a show, called Otto & Mezzo, a tribute to Fellini, for the Boulevard Festival in Den Bosch, Holland. Derek also directed The International Weihnachts Zirkus
in Freiburg, Germany, and is the winner of the special award at the Chinese Wuqiao International Festival and the Pyongyang Spring Festival in North Korea.
Other career highlights include performing in the CanStage production of The Overcoat at the Barbican Theatre in London, the
Adelaide Festival (Australia), Wellington Arts Festival (New Zealand) and Bergen Festival (Norway)
and also recently at A.C.T. in San Francisco where it won San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble and Best Touring Production.
How The Funds Will Be Used
This project involves the Creative Development, and Direction of four new Clown Routines – these routines will add to my repertoire and will be filmed for my International Clown Showreel ready for submission to major Production Companies and Circuses in Europe, Asia and Australia, including Cirque Du Soleil, Cirque Dreams, and Circus OZ.
Derek’s Flights are assured to the value of $3,000, so I am asking for your help to fund the creative process, Derek's accommodation and living expenses, the development and production of the pieces, and then the filming and editing of the Showreel.
BUDGET
Derek Fee: $5,000
Derek Living Expenses: $2,000
Props & Costume: $5,000
Filming & Editing: $1,500
TOTAL: $13,500
IN-KIND SUPPORT
Queensland Theatre Company is generously supporting this project by providing a rehearsal space, free of charge (value $1,510).
I am organising a public workshop with Derek for performers in Brisbane. I am planning for the workshop fees to cover costs, and to hopefully bring $1000 to this project.
Derek’s Flights are assured to the value of $3,000, so I am asking for your help to fund the creative process, Derek's accommodation and living expenses, the development and production of the pieces, and then the filming and editing of the Showreel.
BUDGET
Derek Fee: $5,000
Derek Living Expenses: $2,000
Props & Costume: $5,000
Filming & Editing: $1,500
TOTAL: $13,500
IN-KIND SUPPORT
Queensland Theatre Company is generously supporting this project by providing a rehearsal space, free of charge (value $1,510).
I am organising a public workshop with Derek for performers in Brisbane. I am planning for the workshop fees to cover costs, and to hopefully bring $1000 to this project.
The Challenges
The blessing of having an internationally renowned mentor is also a challenge – the tyranny of a great physical distance that separates us most of the time. To have Derek already travelling to Australia has presented a great advantage to this project and saves us the usual financial challenge of international airfares – and so we decided we must act to turn this challenge into an opportunity.
Australia has a small community of professional, or internationally experienced, theatrical clowns. Our access to internationally trained clowns, who have experience with extraordinary international companies such as Cirque du Soleil, is limited, and often means travelling extensively to extend our skills and repertoire.
The Australian community of internationally acclaimed directors of clown is even smaller than the community of clown performers.
Australia has a small community of professional, or internationally experienced, theatrical clowns. Our access to internationally trained clowns, who have experience with extraordinary international companies such as Cirque du Soleil, is limited, and often means travelling extensively to extend our skills and repertoire.
The Australian community of internationally acclaimed directors of clown is even smaller than the community of clown performers.
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