James & Jamesy
Working with James and Jamesy: LVR students learn the joy of physical comedy!
For two weeks, Aaron and Alastair exposed students to techniques in clowning and physical theatre. Emphasis was on creating personal “clown characters,” some of which were showcased at the local theatre and later during an evening of sharing at the school. During the sessions, students were guided through activities that confronted their inner critic and built self awareness. Students were encouraged to explore this dramatic form – physical theatre- in a safe and fun environment with the guidance and expertise of these two outstanding performers.
Having James and Jamesy back a second year was thrilling for many of the students who had worked with them the year before. Immediately, there was trust established in the classroom, and the students, especially the seniors, took even greater creative risks than they had after the first year clowning intensive. The most rewarding aspect of this experience was watching the students progress. The transformation experienced by students in both the junior and senior classes from self-conscious and emotionally hesitant teens into focused, fearless and expressive performers was inspirational.
Drama Journal
Reflection: James and Jamsey October/2014
- Lilyahna Miller
This is the second year of working with James
and Jamsey, and the best year yet. The first year James and Jamsey came to LVR
was my 9th year and I was still figuring out who I wanted to be, and
how to express myself. Although I found it very hard to partake in their
activities at first, I know for sure that how they were able to take their
masks off and preform from the heart, made me appreciate the beauty of being
your own person. Many of their activities, now incorporated into our daily
drama classes, shaped my acting abilities and helped me reach a new level of
performance.
This year, when they made a second appearance I was ready to challenge myself even more, by letting go and trusting my instincts as a human and a performer. Many of the students this year knew what to expect and took the activities to the next level and preformed with nothing holding them back. They introduced new exercises this year that encouraged all of us to take even greater risks with our bodies and voices as we worked to develop our own personal clowns. Physical comedy demands full commitment and that’s what happened. I loved watching my classmates grow with James and Jamsey’s encouragement, expertise and compassion.
James and Jamsey are a very popular set of names around our school, not just with students who have been taught by them. Anyone lucky enough to have seen their shows, “Two For Tea” and “High Tea” falls in love with the two and they are not easily forgotten. Having their presence in the community brought a new culture of clowning and incredible explorative theatre to Nelson. They bring not only comedy, but truth about what friendship means, what it means to be human.
It was fantastic learning that they crafted their two shows based on drama activities and exercises that we had done in class. You could watch them take a simple exercise and turn it into a beautiful piece of physical comedy. After watching them preform at the Capitol Theatre, we had the opportunity to question their creative process which inspired everyone to think about how they could take their ideas and make something happen. On the final day we also had the chance to preform beside the two amazing actors, an opportunity most students never get. I think they were inspired by the quality of work from the students.
I deeply hope that they come back for many years, so they can continue to impact so many high school kids in such a positive way. Speaking for many students, having James and Jamsey is one of the highlights of the year.
This year, when they made a second appearance I was ready to challenge myself even more, by letting go and trusting my instincts as a human and a performer. Many of the students this year knew what to expect and took the activities to the next level and preformed with nothing holding them back. They introduced new exercises this year that encouraged all of us to take even greater risks with our bodies and voices as we worked to develop our own personal clowns. Physical comedy demands full commitment and that’s what happened. I loved watching my classmates grow with James and Jamsey’s encouragement, expertise and compassion.
James and Jamsey are a very popular set of names around our school, not just with students who have been taught by them. Anyone lucky enough to have seen their shows, “Two For Tea” and “High Tea” falls in love with the two and they are not easily forgotten. Having their presence in the community brought a new culture of clowning and incredible explorative theatre to Nelson. They bring not only comedy, but truth about what friendship means, what it means to be human.
It was fantastic learning that they crafted their two shows based on drama activities and exercises that we had done in class. You could watch them take a simple exercise and turn it into a beautiful piece of physical comedy. After watching them preform at the Capitol Theatre, we had the opportunity to question their creative process which inspired everyone to think about how they could take their ideas and make something happen. On the final day we also had the chance to preform beside the two amazing actors, an opportunity most students never get. I think they were inspired by the quality of work from the students.
I deeply hope that they come back for many years, so they can continue to impact so many high school kids in such a positive way. Speaking for many students, having James and Jamsey is one of the highlights of the year.