The Clown’s Intelligence
Friday 6th – Sunday 8th February 2026
£340
A weekend residency with the legendary Angela De Castro at Crag Pit Studios, part of the Why Not Institute’s Winter Clown School 2026. A unique opportunity to explore the state of clown in the beautiful surroundings at Crag Pit House in Suffolk.
Enrolment is open. To request a sign up form email whynotinstitute@aol.com
The Clowning Workshop
Who’s it for: Clowns and performers who have a clown persona. Please note: This workshop is not for beginners in clowning
About this workshop: When we allow the clown to think, it is amazing what they come up with! For silent and speaking clowns looking to develop their practise, this workshop focuses on maintaining the state of clown by training the mechanism of the clown’s thoughts. Through games and exercises, this workshop gives you techniques to maintain the clown’s inner monologue, giving the clown space to think.
Audiences love to follow clowns’ thoughts; to see clowns thinking and finding amazing solutions and answers to everyday life. But how often do our own thoughts come faster than the clown’s? Our thoughts intrude and interrupt the clown’s voice.
In a series of games and exercises participants will deconstruct the mechanism of thoughts, create space for their clown to think, and fill their mind with the clown’s loud voice, leaving no space for other thoughts. Often harder than anticipated, maintaining the clown’s inner monologue allows us to develop a true clown’s intelligence!
Your Instructor
Angela De Castro
Angela de Castro is an internationally renowned clown, actor, teacher, director, speaker, mentor, consultant and clown master. In addition to many acting and devising awards in Brazil, they have been awarded, among others, Lawrence Olivier Award UK (Best Entertainment), Golden Nose Award (Spain), the Nesta Dreamtime Fellowship (UK), an Arts Foundation Fellowship (UK) and an International Fellowship by the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama for their contribution to the art of
clowning.
For more information on De Castro and the course click the button below:
“A teacher, a Master Clown, who is very delicate – who respects the performer in front of her and takes care to take you on the best path, so you do not expose yourself unnecessarily… A director who helps performers build and deliver their scenes with confidence.”
Workshop Participant
More Details
The Clown’s Intelligence is the perfect workshop for a residency at the beautiful Crag Pit House and Studios, a stunning space dedicated to nurturing creativity and the arts. There are only 10 places available on this personal, intensive weekend course, with private rooms for each of the participants.
Crag Pit House offers space for communal eating, socialising, creative conversations, relaxation, reflection and quiet moments. The House and rehearsal studio are set in a peaceful sanctuary full of wildlife, with sea views and rambling walks in every direction. In addition to the workshop, you will have time for informal chats and exchange of ideas with other participants, and quiet reflection. This residential workshop offers you the chance to focus on yourself and your artistic development away from everyday life, and a more relaxed way to exchange with fellow Clowns. Take time for yourself with this wonderful weekend.
SCHEDULE
Arrival 6pm – 10pm on Friday 6th February
Workshops Saturday and Sunday
Departure: 5pm – 6pm on Sunday 8th February
CATERING
All meals are included. You will be asked to give your dietary requirements in advance.
ACCOMMODATION
You will get a private room with single or double bed. Bedding and towels are all included. Each room has a writing desk and wifi.
TRAVEL
- CAR: Parking on site
- TRAIN: From London Liverpool Street to Saxmundham Station with pick-up from Saxmundham available
- INTERNATIONAL: Pick up from Stansted Airport available if organised in good time
- LONDON: Pick up from Epping (Central line) available if organised in good time.
HOW TO ENROL
Email whynotinstitute@aol.com for a sign up form
