Intro to Canadian Clowning with Lauren Brady

Designed for improvisers, this playful, hands-on workshop introduces Canadian clowning as a powerful tool for strengthening physical choices, emotional clarity, and storytelling onstage. Participants will arrive with a one-minute “Fantastic Task”—a simple, joyful action or skill—which becomes the starting point for exploration. Through group games, guided physical exploration, and improvisation, you’ll learn how self-created masks, physical “colours,” and imaginative commitment sharpen character, heighten offers, and deepen scene work. Canadian clowning invites you to trust impulse, follow curiosity, and discover the unknown within yourself. Walk away with practical tools to take bolder risks, play with confidence, and create more dynamic, embodied improv.

About the teacher

Lauren Brady is an international award-winning creator, performer, and master of beautifully unhinged physical comedy. Based in Canada, she is the founder of Bad Knees Studios (formerly HEYwire Theatre) and a leading voice in contemporary clown, bouffon, and devised physical theatre.

Her performances are bold, physical, and unapologetically strange—inviting audiences into worlds where desire, comedy, and vulnerability collide. Lauren’s solo show SWAN? launched her onto the international circuit, where it earned over ten 5-star reviews and toured major festivals including Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and the Edinburgh Fringe, captivating audiences with its feral blend of clown, dance, and dark humour.

As a teacher Brady has experience teaching Canadian clowning at The University of Alberta, Azimuth Theatre, as well as her own private workshop series.

Intro to Canadian Clowning | 1 day workshop | Sun 22 March | 1o–5pm

This class is perfect for anyone new to Canadian clown who wants playful tools to deepen their improv, comedy, and physical presence on stage. It’s an open invitation to dive into your imagination, follow your physical impulses, and discover why that’s where the good stuff lives.

This workshop takes place at Improv Theatre Sydney, 44-54 Botany Road, Redfern

Please arrive 10 mins early and ready for the class to start at 10am.

Testimonials 

“Thank you for committing so much time and care into developing us as performers. Our colour work has been something i’m taking into all work in the future. Truly unforgettable, and you were phenomenal in teaching us. Thank you!” – Adam

“Thank you so much. It felt so comfortable to have you in the class and you were so positive and encouraging. We learned so much with you and I can’t wait to see more of your shows in the future.” – Maya

“Thank you so much for your time! Everything we gained from you was pivotal in our experience and learning. You added so much colour and energy into the space! I am grateful for how much you taught us and how you’ve proven to me how much the work can pay off! Thanks a bunch for reminding us to stay dedicated!” – Chris

— About Our Venue —

📍 We are at 44-54 Botany Road, Redfern, 2016

👩‍🦽 ITS is wheelchair accessible, with one small step to get into the space.

🚗 There is street parking in the streets surrounding the venue.

🚂 Redfern Station is a 10 minute walk away. Waterloo Metro is a 2 min walk.