Uncategorised - Ruth Lehane

Clown Workshops

Clown Workshop led by Ruth Lehane

"Fun, Rigorous, Inspiring!" – Val

"Explorative, Emotive, Enlighting!" - Laura

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” - Martha Graham.

Clowns exist without parameters; they enjoy complete freedom of expression. The clown does not exist aside from the actor performing him/her.

The Focus: This workshop focuses on the freedom given by the red nose which allows us to discover more about who we really are in essence, at our core. When we drop the accumulated perceptions of who we think we should be, a door opens to a place where we can reveal our true selves without judgement and where anything can happen.

The Aim: Through various preparatory exercises influenced by both European and Native American approaches to clown, the participants will access the many colours of their individual palette and allow them to shine through, for example; light/darkness; joy/pain; frivolity/seriousness; disappointment and delight. Once the various facets of the clown are discovered, we can then bring them to a state of play.

Ruth’s unique range of experiences makes her workshops exciting, challenging, inspirational and fun.

What participants said:

"Ruth really holds you and directs you in a fun way. Ruth is a fabulous facilitator" - Brid

"Helps one to connect to oneself, to play, to "step out of the box", to make discoveries and to revive the imagination!" - Valerie

"To see some of your true self. Learn about yourself. Get a break from normal society. Embrace yourself!" – Aoife

Ruth Lehane; founder of Fourth Leaf Theatre Co. is an award winning clown performer, writer and maker of clown theatre.

Having worked for two years with Jacques Lecoq in Paris, where she discovered the European approach to clown, she later studied Clown Through Mask, a Native American approach, developed by Richard Pochinko with Sue Morrisson in Toronto.

For information on upcoming workshops please visit the news page.

Places limited to ten. To book a place call Ruth on 087 993 6418

Video Gallery

Accent Clips

Belfast

Cockney

Third Level

Ruth has designed two exciting specialised workshops for third level theatre students. They can be tailored to be a one visit workshop through to a planned programme.

"Fun, Rigorous, Inspiring!" - Val

"Explorative, Emotive, Enlighting!" - Laura

"Helps one to connect to oneself, to play, to "step out of the box", to make discoveries and to revive the imagination!" - Valerie

"The Performing Arts studio in Colaiste Dhulaigh was filled with stillness and focussed concentration as the theatre students, red noses at the ready, observed a sole clown appear from behind a screen.
One by one the students confidently took to the floor with their personal clown, authentically expressing their emotions, subtly executing the humour and magic of clown and touching everyone in the room. Red Nose Clown Workshop practitioner Ruth Lehane created a safe space, enabling students to open to the world of clown and to each other. Her insightful and robust feedback to the students shone a light on their hidden performative abilities and they left the workshop with a spirit of play and a request for more.”

Valerie Coyne (MA. Drama and Performance Studies.UCD), Co-Ordinator/Tutor, Colaiste Dhulaigh Performing Arts Department

1. Opening the door to Clown - In this workshop the students are introduced to the fundamentals of Red Nose Theatre, and given an opportunity to open the door and explore their own clown.

2. The Occupation of the Performance Space and Corporal Communication - In this workshop the students gain new awareness of their own physical tendencies through movement analysis. They will acquire a set of complex and precise references, which will act as a springboard for future work.

Ruth first discovered Clown while studying with Jacques Lecoq in Paris. Having gained much experience as a performer, she later went to Toronto to work with Sue Morrison who teaches an approach to clown called “Clown Through Mask”, which was developed by Richard Pochinko. The understanding of Red Nose Theatre is invaluable to any performer.

Workshop 1. Opening the door to Clown

Much of the actor’s life is spent pretending to be someone else, but it is invaluable for one to first understand who he/she is as a performer. The clown doesn’t exist aside from the actor performing him/her. Clown is about humanity, and humanity is universal and vital to all good theatre.

In this workshop the students are introduced to the fundamentals of Red Nose Theatre. They are given an opportunity explore the richness of their own individuality/clown and how this can enhance performance.

“The clown has great importance as part of the search for what is laughable and ridiculous in man. We should put the emphasis on the rediscovery of our own individual clown, the one that has grown-up within us and which society does not allow us to express.”
― Jacques Lecoq

Workshop 2. Stage Craft ; The Occupation of the Performance Space and Corporal Communication

In this workshop the students gain new awareness of their own physical tendencies through movement analysis. Working with colour, matter and poetry, circuits are laid down in the body through which dramatic emotions circulate, finding their pathway to expression. They will acquire a greater understanding of their own physicality and the playing space that surrounds them, which will act as a reference for future work.

"Any living space has “dramatic possibilities” and influences the behaviour of the people who enter it or the characters who perform in it."

― Jacques Lecoq

Drama Workshops

Designed to help people from diverse backgrounds who have experienced difficult life circumstances. These workshops aim to provide participants with the skills necessary to restore self-confidence, rebuild relationships and to make plans.

To be heard is a fundamental need in most people, but often we express ourselves in a way which alienates others. These interactive group workshops use an approach to communication that gives participants the tools to express their needs in a non-violent way. We focus on re-framing how they express themselves and hear others. So instead of their responses being habitual or automatic, they start to react from a place of awareness. The workshops are challenging, inspirational and engaging.

Techniques Used

- Forum theatre

- Group discussion

- Role play

- Observation techniques

Benefits to participants

- Learn how to express themselves and better understand others

- Build self-confidence and a positive approach to moving forward

Ruth has worked with both adults and teenagers on targeted projects as diverse as a nationwide Anti-Bullying Programme and a developmental drama module for the Merchants Quay Drug Rehabilitation Project.

Corporate

Based on real life work-based challenges and issues identified by the participants, this personal and team development training is tailored to each client and their needs. The training can be delivered in teams or on a one-to-one basis and can be a one visit workshop through to a planned programme. Ruth’s unique range of experience makes her programmes highly interactive, engaging and energising.

“This is all about interaction with people. As a fast growing global business, our team gained invaluable new skills from Ruth's programme.” Smart Wall Paint

Clear communication is a vital factor in the running of any successful business. Ruth applies her communications techniques to equip participants with a new set of skills that will enable them to communicate and negotiate interactions with ease, confidence, clarity and understanding.

Companies, charities, community groups and all organisations are invited to contact Ruth to explain their requirements so she can propose a tailored training and development programme to suit the specific needs of the organisation.

Please get in touch for a confidential discussion.

Primary focus of the programme

- Personal development and individual reflection

- Team building and understanding group dynamics

Techniques Used

- Role play

- Group discussion

- Observation techniques

- Forum theatre

Benefits to the employer
- a more harmonious and ultimately productive team comprised of confident individuals

Benefits to the employee
- self awareness and building strong communication skills including listening skills

Ruth has worked with Diageo and the Irish Management Institute (IMI) as examples.

Schools

INTERCHANGE/ INTERCHANGE Junior

"Gave me a new perspective on life." Student, Colaiste Mhuire, mixed school, Johnstown, Kilkenny.

INTERCHANGE is a dynamic programme designed to develop skills that will enable participants to communicate and negotiate interactions with ease, confidence, clarity and understanding.

"One of the best workshops we've had all year." Student, Mount Temple secondary school, Dublin.

"INTERCHANGE and INTERCHANGE JUNIOR was borne out of a huge need I see in every corner of life for a better understanding of how to communicate well." Ruth Lehane

“It was a really fun workshop, and a good experience. We learned a lot about how to handle situations but in a fun way.” Student, Moyle Park, all boys school, Dublin.

"I think this was amazing and can make our goals come true." Student, St Kevin’s GNS, Tallaght.

“I felt that the workshop was very good and it showed me how to look at situations that have to do with what I want, differently.” Student, Moyle Park, all boys school, Dublin.

“I thought it was very interesting and gave me a confidence boost, thank you Ruth.” Student, Colaiste Eoin, mixed school, Finglas, Dublin.

“Brilliant, great fun, learned lots.” Student, Eureka Secondary, all girls school, Kells, Co Meath.

“I liked the way Ruth didn’t say “don’t” she said “consider”. Fifth Class Student, St Kevin's primary school, Tallaght

Interchange Programme.

Who is this programme for?	Originally designed for Transition Year students, Ruth has, on request, adapted the programme for all ages from 1st to 6^th year students.
Learning tools	Role play Observation techniques / Forum theatre Solution searching Individual focus / Reflection Group discussion / Weekly tasks
Teaching Style	Experiential / Interactive
Learning outcomes	Build confidence, self-belief and assertiveness Heightened self / Social awareness Develop self acceptance and empathy towards others Develop listening skills Coping strategies to overcome obstacles Grow individual strengths
Workshop Format	6 x 2 hour workshops (over six weeks)
Number of attendees	Ideal number 15 - 20
Overall objective	Equip each student with skills that, post workshop attendance, will help them face their individual challenges with confidence, clarity and purpose.

Please contact Ruth for a more detailed account of the programme and to discuss your needs or ideas. Ruth will be delighted to chat with you in confidence and with no obligation. Her workshop fees are all inclusive of planning and preparation, as all programmes are custom designed to meet your specific objectives.

INTERCHANGE Junior

Leaving Primary school and entering secondary can be daunting time for young people. Having been invited to work with a group of fifth and sixth class students, where there were issues with bullying, I adapted the Interchange Programme to suit a younger demographic. The result is hugely successful.

Primary Focus of INTERCHANGE Junior

- Building confidence and individual strengths

- Learning skills to recognise and handle group dynamics including bullying

- Addressing fears and developimg coping strategies

One to One

Ruth works with students on a one to one basis on request. Whether it’s bullying, low self-esteem, difficulty fitting in or any of the many challenges facing young people today, these one to one sessions help a student to build confidence, find their voice and develop a positive outlook.

Ruth has a BA in Drama from Trinity College Dublin. She also studied for two years at École Jacques Lecoq in Paris where she completed their two year specialised programme in Physical Theatre. It was at École Jacques Lecoq that Ruth became interested in the relevance of physical awareness, how we present and express ourselves, in everyday life. The analysis and control of body language is recognised as an essential skill in the business world. Ruth Lehane believes that introducing second level students to these concepts will provide them with a great advantage in preparing for work/college life. Interchange is a programme designed by Ruth to do just that.

Ruth’s unique range of experience makes her workshops highly interactive, fun and energising.

Facilitation Testimonials

Feedback from various schools on The Interchange programme.

"Gave me a new perspective on life." Student, Colaiste Mhuire, mixed school, Johnstown, Kilkenny.

"The workshop was very good, cause we learnt that everybody wants the same thing." Student St Kevin’s GNS

"I think this was amazing and can make our goals come true." Student St Kevin’s GNS

"I thought it was very interesting and gave me a confidence boost, thank you Ruth." Student, Colaiste Eoin, mixed school, Finglas, Dublin.

"I liked the workshop and I think it helped me through my problems. Ruth was very nice to us and explained the workshop very well." Student St Kevin’s GNS

"It was a really fun workshop, and a good experience. We learned a lot about how to handle situations but in a fun way." Student, Moyle Park, all boys school, Dublin.

"I found this was helpful and interesting, also that it brought everyone together as everyone got involved." Student, Colaiste Mhuire, mixed school, Johnstown, Kilkenny.

"I thought it was interesting and it would be very helpful for me in the future, not just for interviews but for life in general." Student, Colaiste Mhuire, mixed school, Johnstown.

"It’s really good, gives you more confidence in yourself." Student, Eureka Secondary, all girls school, Kells, Co Meath.

"I liked the way in the workshop Ruth didn’t give out to us and say we weren’t aloud do stuff. She just said we had to think about what we’re doing and be nicer to each other." Student St Kevin’s GNS

"Brilliant, great fun, learned lots." Student, Eureka Secondary, all girls school, Kells, Co Meath.

"I loved everything. I will use all the information, and be kind to my friends. Ruth was a great help." Student St Kevin’s GNS

"It was very interesting. It was good to learn that straight posture, eye contact, comfortable handshakes and taking things slowly were vital." Student, Colaiste Mhuire, mixed school, Johnstown, Kilkenny.

"I thought that it was going to be a boring drag out of a talk but near the latter hours I realised it was quite interesting and I learned quite a bit which I can put to play in the future." Student, Colaiste Mhuire, mixed school, Johnstown, Kilkenny.

"A really helpful coarse and reassuring." Student, Colaiste Eoin, mixed school, Dublin.

"I felt that the workshop was very good and it showed me how to look at situations that have to do with what I want, differently." Student, Moyle Park, all boys school, Dublin.

"I thought the workshop was very good and gave great tips and advice that we will need in the future." Student, Eureka Secondary, all girls school, Kells, Co Meath.

"I thought the workshop was very active. I have thought a lot about how to be more nicer and Ruth was a great teacher. Thank you Ruth!" Student St Kevin’s GNS

CLOWN WORKSHOP - Opening the door to Clown – Exciting 2 day clown workshop.

What did the participants say?