Master Clown Chris Cresswell Leads Intensive Course

Chris Cresswell's extensive background in theatre, performance, and teaching spans over 30 years, with a career that has taken him from cabaret and circus to physical theatre, film, and television. He has had the privilege of training and performing with esteemed companies such as Ra Ra Zoo, Theatre de Complicite, and Commotion Theatre company, and has held an MA in Circus and Theatre from Middlesex University since completing his studies. As an Associate Lecturer at Chichester University, Cresswell leads the clown mask module, and as the artistic director of Voodoo Vaudeville, he has been at the helm of the company since 1999.

The School of Clowns Course, which Cresswell will be leading, is a six-week programme that will take place at the Theatre Royal Brighton, starting on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, and concluding on Wednesday, 9 December 2026. This comprehensive course is designed for actors, theatre-makers, musicians, dancers, and circus performers, offering a unique opportunity to research and develop theatrical clowning techniques while discovering the expressive possibilities of mask theatre. Through weekly two-hour sessions, participants will work with the neutral mask, the transformational power of the red nose, and a range of established character masks to develop skills in improvisation, character creation, and comic performance.

Cresswell's teaching is inspired by the Lecoq tradition, which deeply informs his work, and his course is dedicated to exploring each participant's individual clown. The supportive and collaborative environment of the course allows participants to experiment without fear of failing, and Cresswell creates a good environment for experimentation. The course is open to people aged 18 and over, and a limited number of subsidised places are available for those who may be eligible.

The School of Clowns Course is an exciting opportunity for participants to develop their performance skills alongside fellow artists and performers. With Cresswell's expertise and guidance, participants will investigate timing, presence, playfulness, and performance through physically led approaches, using neutral masks and masks developed by Trestle Theatre. To be a part of this unique course, tickets are with the button beside the article. The course will take place at the Theatre Royal Brighton in Brighton, and participants can look forward to an inspiring space to experiment, take risks, and develop their performance skills.