More than a workshop series. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding and renewed passion for clowning, alongside lifelong memories with a new creative network.
Hosted in the scenic surroundings of Bidston Observatry Artistic Research Centre, learn from the multi award winning Ugly Bucket in masterclasses designed to harness the power of clown, whether you‘re a seasoned pro or complete beginner.
Learn more about Ugly Bucket Theatre at https://www.uglybuckettheatre.co.uk/
We believe clowning is about more than just honing your craft. It's about building community and connecting with others. That's why our Big Bucket Retreat includes -
Workshops, shared meals, a bonfire social, grounding in nature, a morning rave, rooftop meditation and more…
Based in a historical landmark situated on the beautiful woodland of Bidston Hill, just over the water from Liverpool, Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre (BOARC) is a self-organising study site for research, communality and experimentation.
The building has 5 floors, including an open access rooftop with 360 views and dormitory style bedrooms - discussion can easily flow from kitchen to sound recording studio as creative ideas bounce between the domes and basements.
Learn more about Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre at
https://bidstonobservatory.org/
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Guided by our practitioners at Ugly Bucket, participants will explore games and exercises designed to reignite play and discover their personal clowns.
We will ask participants to draw on genuine emotion and over three days, come to accept and celebrate vulnerability. In doing so, we will highlight the genuine sparks within us that naturally tickle and entertain audiences. Participants will enhance presentness, mindfulness, instinct and trust. With these elements we can create clowns that are more bold, exciting and authentic.
We will delve into all kinds of relationships. Our relationship with ourselves, how clowns interact with each-other, and of course the clowns life source - their relationship with an audience. Together we will practice techniques to not only harness audience connection, but to play within it also.
Beyond this, we invite you to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The Ugly Bucket style is one of grotesque physicality, intuitive movement, and liberation. In defying conventional standards, our clowns offer a gateway to self-acceptance and new horizons of expression. Collectively we will think less, do more, and embrace failure as an integral part of the clowning process and life itself.
Over our time together, we will remind participants that when people are laughing, they are listening. We will think about how clowns, in their purity, can possess the audacity and boldness to tackle difficult conversations and confront social issues head-on through laughter. Beyond the retreat, we hope participants will understand clowning as a means to reflect ourselves and the world around us with unabashed honesty, and will consider how they can ignite action for positive change.
Ultimately, our clowning retreat offers a safe and liberating space for individuals to connect, cultivate joy, and harness the gifts of clown - both on and off the stage.
TICKETS
All tickets include full catering for the weekend.
Residential Tickets include dorm style accommodation at Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre.
Non-Residential Tickets include all activity and food but you must source your own accommodation.
We offer Concession Tickets for Students, Benefits recipients, OAP's and disabled participants.
We are offering two bursary places for our retreat - more information on this can be found at uglybuckettheatre.co.uk
ACCESS
Physical Access
Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre has same level, step free access on the ground floor only, this includes 1 wheelchair accessible bedroom, 1 step free access bedroom and 1 wet room with accessible toilet. As there are only two step free access rooms available for this retreat, if you require this please contact us before booking so we can confirm availability.
We will allocate these rooms on first come first serve basis.
Shared kitchen facilities and activity rooms are also on the ground floor and have step free access. All activities will be available to those who require step free access, this might mean the group is split between two spaces for some activities.
The basement and upper floors of BOARC do not have step free access.
Sensory Access and Shared Spaces
Accommodation for this retreat is in a dormitory style with more than one participant sharing a dormitory style room with privacy curtains and single beds. There are also a small number of private bedrooms available for those with access needs that mean they are unable to share in a dormitory setting. Please contact us via our email to book into a private room if you require. These are limited to first come first serve so please feel free to check for availability before booking.
Bedrooms are non-gendered. However, we take different awarenesses into account; if you have particular preferences let's work out arrangements together.
Additional Access
Please contact us if you need to discuss any further access including; a carers ticket, BSL interpretation, audio description / blind / visually impaired access, allergies, medication storage or anything else you need to discuss
Food Allergies and Dietary Needs
We will send out a registration form to everyone who books which will include a space where you can notify us of any allergies or dietary needs