This workshop is the first part of a three-part series, consisting of two-day intensives focusing on the technique of becoming an articulate, inspired, and expressive comedian and performer. Emphasizing that our bodies communicate as much, if not more, than our words, we explore how to leverage our physicality to enhance our delivery of bits, stories, or speeches to an audience.
In Part One, our main focus is on being more articulate and intentional with our movement, cultivating a state of neutrality. Once the Neutral mask is put on, the face is gone, and a spotlight is put on our bodies. Suddenly, every movement says something. This state is constantly in our onstage work and is therefore crucial to master before achieving true effectiveness and humor onstage.
Participants will engage in exercises to deepen their connection to space, explore the concept of calm readiness, and work directly with Neutral Masks. It's worth noting that this workshop is open to individuals of all artistic backgrounds and experience levels; you don't need to identify as a comedian or clown to benefit from the content.
Who is this for?!
Participants who…
who are curious about Neutral Mask
want to become more articulate and intentional onstage
who are interested in the world of miming and object work
who want to be more expressive onstage
who are looking to have more presence on stage
who want to build confidence and groundedness in their performance
More on the Neutral Mask:
Neutral Masks, initially developed by mask and clown teacher Jacques Lecoq, serve as a valuable learning tool for actors. They facilitate the development of emotional authenticity, economy of movement, and provide a balanced, centered foundation for expressing powerful and genuine emotions onstage.
About Chase:
Chase Jeffels is a graduate of École Jacques Lecoq and the Laboratoire d'Étude du Mouvement (Laboratory of Movement Study) in Paris, France. He also trained under the guidance of renowned clown master Philippe Gaulier, alongside many other notable teachers in clown, bouffon, and idiot work, including Aitor Basauri, John Gilkey, Chad Damiani, Kevin Krieger, Deanna Fleysher, Jaime Mears, Ken Hall, Issac Kessler, and Gordon Neill. Additionally, he completed the three-year classical theatre conservatory program at George Brown Theatre School.
As an actor and comedian, Chase's work spans film, television, and theatre. He has performed across Canada, France, and China. Chase is one half of the dynamic duo West 2 West, known for their innovative blend of sketch, clown, and improv comedy, which has left an indelible mark on the Toronto comedy scene. In his solo endeavors, Chase explores various comedic forms, including improv, sketch, and a fusion of stand-up and clown, always striving to bridge the gap between mainstream comedy and the art of clowning.
