CPR Workshops archive

HOW TO BE FUNNY: David Woods, Ridiculusmus (UK/ Australia) [March 2008]
Sun 2nd March, 12.00 am - 6.00 pm

An intense and intensive exploration of finding funniness in life and making it into dramatic art. Using a unique system of structured improvisation, re-performance and development and helped along with incredibly complicated diagrams, the workshop will guide you towards the slippery slope of instinctive laughter provoking funniness.

The session will include a whistle-stop guide to the extant theory on humour, a mockery of formula books, a fair bit of tongue in cheek abuse and some tickling.

Participants are encouraged to bring material from life, 6 hours worth of concentration, pens and paper, costumes, props and the willingness to sacrifice themselves on the altar of audience mirth.

David Woods trained at The Poor School and at Ecole Phillippe Gaulier and is one half of the performance group Ridiculusmus (http://www.ridiculusmus.com/) whose acclaimed shows include The Importance of Being Earnest, Ideas Men; Yes, Yes, Yes; The Exhibitionists, The Third Policeman, Three men in a boat and Say Nothing. Ridiculusmus have won the Time Out Live award for theatre, a Herald Angel, Total Theatre Award and The Peter Brook Empty Space Award. Ridiculusmus' 15th anniversary is being celebrated in a special season at the Barbican in February and March 2008.

Workshop Fee: £20

Other workshops in the archive

• DIRECTORS’ FORUM: THE SIX SENSES OF THE DIRECTOR (April 2010)