Joes’ Books: Reviews and Links
“Like Viola Spolin’s Improvisation for the Theatre, Keith Johnstone’s Impro, and Clive Barker’s Theatre Games, Joe Dieffenbacher’s Clown: The Physical Comedian belongs on every theatre library’s bookshelf.” The Association of College and Research Libraries
“Joe has put his heart and soul into this book. It takes in-depth knowledge of the material to communicate in such an understandable and captivating way. CLOWN The Physical Comedian is filled with games I hadn’t come across, exercises you want to immediately try out.” Caroline Dreaming ~ author of The Clown in You
“I absolutely loved this book and regularly use it as a key resource when teaching clown at a high education level. The writing is personal and intimate and the exercises and rationale described with brilliant accessibility. It is useful beyond belief and akin in strength to the lessons of Gaulier.” Kristoffer Huball ~ UK-based Director and Producer
“A comprehensive and inspirational look at how to learn clowning. Joe’s book reflects his years of practice as a teacher, and covers just about every aspect of playing clown. A wonderful book.” Joan Schirle ~ co-founder of Dell’Arte International
“Joe is a master of physical comedy. He has decades of experience as both a teacher and performer. To see so much of this experience distilled in one book is a unique treat. This book will provide insight, value and a roadmap to anyone interested in the art of physical comedy.” Jesko von den Steinen ~ Cirque du Soleil Clown
“Though the book takes place in a class setting … when I walked onstage I could feel the lessons bringing a greater clarity to how I should perform … an extremely useful tool.” Jason McPherson ~ part of comic duo, Strange Comedy
“Great book for teaching, learning, exploring and creating the clown in all of us … an amazing learning tool.” Daniel Stein ~ master teacher of Decroux Mime and Movement at UC Santa Barbara
“Superbly in-depth … a goldmine of ideas for any performance arena! I‘m a musician and will be referencing this book a lot in development of my new project.” S.E. Thompson / Musician
“If you’re a clown, don’t miss reading this gem.” Amruta Mapuskar ~ Interdisciplinary Practitioner/ Educator of Clowning
“A non-bullshit approach by an experienced practitioner. And something very rare: a detailed guide to devise a clown number. Devising is something which is missing in almost every book about clowning. If you’re looking for advice to get your show on stage, buy this book!” Tobias Tambornino ~ Clown
Read an extract from CLOWN The Physical Comedian at Bloomsbury’s Actors & Performers website
Read excerpts from all the chapters in CLOWN The Physical Comedian at DRAMA ONLINE
“With so many games to play and to enjoy, Joe’s collection is a constant reminder that games aren’t remotely real. A game is something you play to deliberately have an effect on others. They pinpoint responses and ideas that can be repeated, revised and messed about with to suit any particular group. Joe’s games inspire fun, experiment and discussion. I rarely read books of theatre games, but Joe Dieffenbacher has made me think again.” John Wright ~ author of Why is That So Funny?
“There could be no better expert than Joe Dieffenbacher to write this. Community and collaboration drives this selection of games – knowing the impact that clowning and play have to change communities. There is something for all, whether just looking for ensemble exercises or the fundamentals that truly underpin the whole idea of drama. There is a real sense of care and commitment to all who pick up the book to really help and educate.” Marcia Carr / Associate Artist with the National Youth Theatre, Lamda deputy chief examiner, director of Creative Blast Company
“There are a huge number of books of drama games … and very often, the same games and exercises come up time and time again. The Drama Games Series go beyond them into exercises that develop skills in a particular area but maintain a playful approach. That is certainly true of Joe Dieffenbacher’s inspirational book on clowning and physical comedy. There is a great deal in it that would be of great value in any acting workshop, not just in the individual exercises but also in its general approach to the training and development process. With a book like this, the test for me is whether it inspires me to want to try what it describes, and this book certainly passed that test. A valuable resource for anyone teaching clowning skills or developing physical comedy performances … any teacher of drama workshops would find plenty here that would be useful.” David Chadderton / National Editor British Theatre Guide
“Dieffenbacher’s style is approachable and genuine, making the read more of a conversation than a manual. When he writes, ‘Eighty opportunities to capture a mood, provoke a response, and excite creativity,’ I couldn’t help but feel invigorated by the sheer possibility that these exercises might ignite in my own practice. His passion for the craft is palpable, creating a dialogue that feels inclusive, welcoming, and motivating.” Rimshascorner Book Reviews
Read excerpts from Drama Games for Clowning including two sample exercises.
Unmasking Laughter: A Review of Drama Games for Clowning and Physical Comedy
English