Art of clowning
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Image List:
Image 1: "We approach clowning very seriously, and we have a lot of fun," says Eli Simon, drama department chair and professor of acting. Here, Alison Plott lip-syncs to a tune during a performance by the clowns in studio.
Image 2: "Teaching theater is a wonderful way to enhance a person's creativity ... they're going to become a more expressive person," says Eli Simon, center. Shown: From left, Erika Haaland, Rob Salas and Tracy Hazas.
Image 3: "When clowns go into white-face, they're really deepening their clown essence," says Eli Simon. "It's a ritualistic moment." Shown: graduate student Rob Salas.
Image 4: Graduate student Nicholas Kauffman meets his clown face for the first time. Eli Simon says, "It's a deeply personal experience."
Image 5: "What the actors are able to do is find a way to free themselves through the technique of clowning," says Eli Simon. Shown: Tracy Hazas, left, and Nicholas Kauffman.
Image 6: "Helping people to tap their creative artistry and their ability to be expressive and to become good storytellers - that's very important," says Eli Simon.
Image 7: Graduate students Jesse Easley, front, and Erika Haaland, back, celebrate the individuality of their "inner" clowns.
Image 8: Tracy Hazas shows off her new platform shoes, which later become earrings in her clown performance.
Image 9: "The attitude and knowledge that Eli brings is very important for us as graduate students," says Mikkei Fritz. "We believe in him." Shown: Eli Simon.
Image 10: Menacing clown Ryan Imhoff chases photographer and UCI student Michelle Kim during Eli Simon's (left) class.
Image 11: "Clowns are in the moment, not reporting on the moment," says Eli Simon. Shown: Mikkei Fritz chewing multiple strands of bubble gum.
Image 12: Alison Plott enlists audience members' help in getting dressed.
Image 13: Kagiso Paynter laughs at the antics of a fellow clown during class.
Image 14: Eli Simon, center, wraps up a class by applauding his graduate students' efforts. From left: Tracy Hazas, Eli Simon, Jesse Easley and Ryan Imhoff.
Image 15: "The clown nose reveals the actors because a lot of the actor's face is still available to the audience," says Eli Simon. Shown: Tracy Hazas.
Image 16: "I've never seen the same clown twice. Each group of clowns is unique, and each clown in the group is a clown unto him or herself," says Eli Simon.
Image 17: "The class is one of deep discovery and revelation from beginning to end," Eli Simon says. Shown: graduate student Nicholas Law.
Read feature:
Lessons in laughter
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