French Theatre: “A Body of Wonder” Clown, Mask, and Voice Training is not just a study abroad course, but an extraordinary experience that is designed to expand the student’s imaginative ability to develop character and create theatre physically, vocally and conceptually. The depth of the training offered to the participants is unique both for the program’s professional rigor, and for the matchless setting and cultural immersion.

Students who participate in this program will experience two very different locations in France. The first few days of this journey will be spent in Paris where students will receive creative assignments based upon the exploration of Paris’s key cultural sights and their relationship to the human body and voice. They will gain an historical and dramaturgical understanding of physical theatre and clown and mask work. If possible, they will visit École Jacques Lecoq in Paris. Then students will travel via train to Tapis Vert where they will train in physical theatre as taught by Master teacher, actor and director, Jos Houben, faculty at the esteemed "L'Ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris," as well as in Linklater voice, extended voice, dramaturgy, and script development. Each day will begin with physical warm-ups leading to the study of acting through daily movement, voice/text workshops and dramaturgy/text development classes. The central focus of the work will be the body in action and its relationship to the human voice. Through expertly guided exploration, students discover creative freedom, physical and vocal presence, and a new source of imaginative tools with which to explore any text. Readings on Jacques Lecoq, Kristin Linklater, Roy Hart and other sources will be assigned prior to taking the trip.

This is an intensive and rigorous European-based training program. Teaching will be in English but there will be many opportunities to practice one’s French. Students are required to attend all classes.

Credits and Grading:

Tapis Vert is a three credit course for graduate and undergraduate students. The work is physically, mentally and vocally rigorous. The training is experiential, requiring attendance at every class. Grading will be based on commitment to the work done in the workshops and on a daily journal of the student’s experience and learning. Final presentations will be performed at Tapis Vert.

Program Costs

The program fee of $3200 includes tuition, accommodations, in-country transportation, and all meals at Tapis Vert. The fee does not include airfare. The program will assist in making low-cost flight arrangements. A $300 deposit is required with the application. Final payment of $2900 will be charged to students’ accounts at the end of October.

Scholarships are available to financially and academically qualified applicants.