Led by Shannan Calcutt
August 3 – August 9
This workshop helps actors and fools alike reignite their joy, spontaneity, and physicality by experiencing how clowns approach text. Many times we try to get it “right.” This workshop reminds you that there’s no right or wrong way to play a part. There’s simply your way—unique, bold, outrageous, and honest!
By playing roles in a wide range of scripts, you will discover the magic that happens when you truly play in the moment. When you get out of your head and play from your heart. When you admit the mistake, instead of hiding or denying it. When you cast aside technique, research, and methodology and simply pretend to be the Jester, the Dragon, the Queen, or even the Glorious Throne upon which Her Majesty sits. When the ending is as big a mystery to you as it is to the audience.
Participants will be assigned roles to play in scenes by writers such as Travis Alabanza, Samuel Beckett, Leah Cherniak, Christopher Durang, Charles Ludlam, Daniel MacIvor, Robert Morgan, Martha Ross, Peter Shaffer, and even William Shakespeare.
Experience as an actor or clown is required.
Registration is capped at twelve participants.
“Play the Part should have tickets instead of tuition, because it’s just as much of an experience as it is a class. And as a class it’s phenomenal. After a month you’ll be happier, riskier, and—the texts Shannan chooses are very good—smarter.”
– Tiffany Elle, actress and future playground games champion
Cost
Workshop with standard double-occupancy room with early bird discount: $1,125
The early bird discount (10%) expires on April 2 then the registration fee is $1,250.
Workshop with single-occupancy room: $1,650
There is no early bird discount for single-occupancy rooms.
Note: A $400 deposit is required when you register for a double occupancy room. A $825 deposit is required for a single-occupancy room. The remainder of your balance will be due prior to your arrival at Celebration Barn.
Registration
Registration will open on January 21.
We use Humanitix for you to fill out your application and submit your deposit.
- Head to Humanitix and select your reservation type.
- Fill out the application questions.
- Complete your purchase.
After completing your purchase, a member of our team will be in touch to confirm your registration within five-seven business days.
See our General Info Page and Student Life for more information about the workshops and learn more about
- Housing
- Travel
- Refund and cancellation policy
- What to bring
About Shannan Calcutt
Shannan Calcutt is sought after globally as a show creator, performer, instructor, director, and writer. She has played an eclectic range of venues from Saskatoon’s Wash ‘n Slosh Pub to the Sydney Opera House. She is best known for performing her iconic breast implant routine —Scotch Baggies±for millions of spectators at Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity. Currently, audiences can catch Calcutt’s signature shenanigans as a featured comedic performer in Cirque du Soleil’s latest Vegas production, Mad Apple. One of the world’s leading instructors in clown and play, her work is profiled in the book Clowns: In Conversation with Modern Masters. Calcutt has designed and directed comic acts for Cirque du Soleil, Spiegelworld, and Berlin’s Friedrichstadt-Palast. She is the director of Spiegelworld’s Superfrico, associate director of The Hook and was resident director at The Atomic Saloon Show from 2021–2024. Shannan is fluent in English, sarcasm, and sophisticated silliness. More about her here at shannancalcutt.com.
