Homunculus Theatre Company

HOMUNCULUS:

Homunculus Theatre Company have 15 years experience delighting and inspiring audiences across Australia and New Zealand. We offer a wide range of In-Schools Workshops & Performances, Artist In Residence Programs, Professional Development for Teachers, Roving Acts and Regional Community Projects. WE SPECIALISE IN:

Commedia Dell’Arte
Traditional & Contemporary Clowning
Mask Theatre
Phy

sical Comedy
Non Verbal Communication & Mime
Slapstick & Stage Combat
Absurdism
Physical Theatre & Circus
Melodrama
Brecht
Political Satire
Clowns In Shakespeare

Our mission is to share the human beauty, humor and power of these theatrical styles with young people worldwide. Drama particularly, has a vital place in the lives of young people in the 21st Century. In an age when people are increasingly interacting and indeed living via and inside of technology, it is the subject and practice of comedy that offers what otherwise can so easily be lost from our lives. The opportunity to play, express, be physical, relate and discover in real time and space. Our approach is underpinned by the assumption that everyone has something to offer and that comedy is a unique and powerful engager that has the capacity to inspire students who might otherwise hang back. COMEDY OF LIFE:

Comedy conceals, gives permission to play, allows expression, liberates and reveals. Our students and audiences alike are continually amazed by their own, their peers, and our performers transformations. These particular styles we specialize in have the capacity to instill a sense of joy, vulnerability, physical discipline and freedom of expression in the performer and our audiences alike. Comedy teaches that nothing and none of us can truly be taken too seriously. Being able to laugh, to see the funny side, is in itself, a vital life skill. CONFIDENCE BUILDS STRENGTH. STRENGTH BUILDS ABILITY. ABILITY GIVES FLOW.

“At Flying Fish Point State School, we are committed to teaching our students a growth-mindset embodied within a pedagogy of Mind, Body and Spirit in both academic, personal and community mindedness. Regional and Remote Queensland schools often provide a unique contrast to our SEQ peers in terms of remoteness, access to resources and facilities, and access to employment and further education opportunities. Many of our students live within these confines, and are often coupled with low-socioeconomic living situations and legacies of family unrest and trauma. Homunculus Theatre Company, in particular their delivery and teaching of Commedia del Arte, transcends daily poverties and gives life to a passion for the English language, Literature, the Arts, and creation and innovation. Through Humour, our Mind falls in love with the idiosyncrasies of the English language, of classical literature, of a realisation that understanding and context of the world we live in can shape our own destinies. We are encouraged to learn, to write, to create and to innovate. Through Physicality, our Body moves in rhythm with our verse. Students are taught control and discipline while developing core strength and physical fitness. As a ‘sit-down’ nation, exercise and discipline have shown to increase brain activity and functionality which ultimately transforms to engagement in our classrooms. Through Emotion, our Spirit grows as we battle trauma and past heartache. Laughter triggers our motor-neurons as new links are made in brain development. Positive self-esteem is promoted as we work together through an influx of positive emotions and feel-good moments. Communication, teamwork and focus rise amongst this strong spirit to develop students with positivity and hope. Finding something that delivers this Pedagogy while integrating areas of the National Curriculum in such an engaging way is exciting for our school and all schools across Regional and Remote Queensland. Homunculus Theatre Co. is this whole package.”

Amelia Jenkins, Principal, Flying Fish Point State School, QLD

WHY COMEDY?

“The history of Comedy and the purposefulness to society and community it has fulfilled and having been a focus of laughter, empowerment can be seen to embody the clear purposefulness of the Arts in the education realm. Clint Bolster and Homunculus continue to embody this, to this day; here, now in our twenty-first century, keeping alive the laughter, empowering school students of all ages within remote communities that are just as much a part of the fabric of the whole embodiment of the greater Australian community in being able to access the Arts, just as the city counterparts are able to do. Serving the traditions away from the digital screens, bringing people together in a ‘live’ setting particularly school children need the traditions of coming together as a student body, an audience and are able to participate and create as part of the Arts – this IS Homunculus. Involvement in the Arts and the skills and focus involved by artist like Clint creates for our students, in the twenty-first century the society that is dynamically now emerging, all around us. Participation in the Arts requires us to perceive, challenge and be a part through shifts and small emergent moments. Homunculus provides through laughter, transformation to perceive, challenge and focus in on shifts and emergent moments. Clint creates joy where there is little, celebration and success for the otherwise- less academic and yet there is an emergence of confidence for ALL students. Students that may not otherwise have their won emotional burdens – self created or through home lives. Some have burdens of social isolation shells. Arts fosters change, edges towards joy and seeing possibility. Real practical skills of working together, purposefulness and prowess. Motivation has also been the gift that Homunculus has given us, here at Cooktown State School. From year 5 girls putting on their own routine to share with me and Homunculus, year 11 girls saying they would save up their own money to get Clint back to re-share the joys and fun of the workshops and the performance. Further the below was shared testimony, unchanged spelling with a clear message of continuance, reward, skills gained and desire for more of this focus of education from our year 5 and 6 students –

“The performance was astonishing..i gained how to teamwork. Getting along with others. They were awesome and funny..please bring them back..I couldn’t stop laughing..i nearly wet myself”“It will good to have them back”

“I really enjoyed how they got everyone involved…they made everyone laugh..its important…my wish is to learn more about being on a stage..”

“The noses were just amazing..a lot of fun…it was pretty exciting…thank you for inviting them..it was an amazing experience for all of us”

“I learned just to get into it and have fun..it doesn’t matter what other people see (in you)..laughter is good mediciane…they were the funniest I have ever seen”

“..you are never to old to laugh..I thought the show was outstand(ing)”

“..you do not have to join the sarcis (circus) to be funny”

So from student’s testimonials the; joy, fun, laughter and student’s own recognition they are working with others, getting along iS priority in our twenty-first century age of emerging dissonance with one another, life bogged down without joy and cyclic ,mechanised routines. The escape and light spot-lighted onto the significance and importance – laughter; this changes lives through joy and skills the students recognise themselves. Education of change is the fundamental precedence all educators strive for. Here Homunculus brings the joys of theatre, performance and their workshops into the lives of students were I have seen new motivations, joy and a ‘renewal’ in themselves in their approach to schooling and within their own lives. Let the banner of the arts in all our lives fly high in the sky. Let Homunculus continue to be supported and provide equity of the arts to all; bringing joy, laughter and skills to our students lives.”

PaulFraser, Head OF Drama, Cooktown State School, Far North Queensland

03/12/2023

🌟✨ "20 Lazzis In A Hat" is a riot of laughter! ✨🌟
"Clontarf Beach State High School, QLD, gives it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Get ready for a theatrical journey into the heart of Commedia dell'Arte at your school. This promises non-stop fun, comedy, and excitement you won't miss.

🎭 About the Performance:
Genre: Commedia dell'Arte
What to Expect: Hilarious Burle, masked characters, verbal asides on current topics, acrobatics, and more!
Learning Areas: Drama, History (Renaissance Italy), Italian Language, and English.

🌐 Why Book?
Educational Value: Explore the origins of Commedia dell'Arte.
Engaging Learning Areas: Connect with Drama, History, Italian, and English.
Cultural Enrichment: Discover language and culture, focusing on Renaissance Italy.
General Capabilities: Develop critical and creative thinking, ethical understanding, and personal and social capabilities.
Entertainment: Immerse yourself in theatrical styles, from Commedia dell'Arte to Shakespearean influences and contemporary clowning.

📆 Availability:
2024
Terms 1 - 4
Only on Fridays

🎟️ FOR BOOKINGS, CONTACT:
Clint Bolster
Artistic Director
Homunculus Theatre
📞 0421 524 401
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.homunculustheatre.com.au

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to witness the energy, commitment, and incredible technique required to bring the rich tradition of Commedia dell'Arte to life! Book your experience now and immerse yourself in the transformative power of play.

27/11/2023

★★★★★
"Absolutley Inspiration, education and entertaining!
Maroochydore State High School, QLD

Dear Educators,

We hope this message finds you well. We are excited to present an exceptional opportunity for your high school students with "The Spirit of the Mask," a unique secondary school production created by the renowned Commedia practitioner Tony Kishawi.

ABOUT

"The Spirit of the Mask" is not just a performance; it's an interactive journey through the essential conventions of traditional Commedia and comic/mask performance. Tony Kishawi with his vast expertise, brings characters such as Zanni, the Lovers (Inamorati), Il Capitano and Il Dottore, to life. The production showcases Commedia conventions like lazzi, Burle, canovacci, improvisation, audience interaction, status relationships, and heightened physicality.

LEARNING AREAS

-The Arts (Drama): Understanding practices, responding to and interpreting artworks.
-Humanities and Social Science (History): Explore Renaissance Italy and its impact on artistic traditions.
-Languages (Italian): Understand the role of language and culture in performance.
-English: Develop language for interaction, creativity, and critical thinking.

GENERAL CAPABILITIES

-Critical and Creative Thinking: Express ideas, concepts, thoughts, and feelings creatively. Consider and evaluate motivations, intentions, influences, and biases. Offer and receive effective feedback.
-Ethical Understanding: Apply skills in reasoning, empathy, and imagination. Make judgments about actions and motives.
-Personal and Social Capability: Foster initiative, confidence, resilience, adaptability, and empathy.

STYLE & FORM

-Commedia dell'Arte
-Mask Theatre
-Clowning
-Physical Theatre and Comedy
-Absurdism
-Improvisation

THEMES & CONTEXTS

-Creativity and Imagination
-Transformation
-Roles and Relationships
-Audience Engagement and Interaction

WHY CHOOSE "THE SPIRIT OF THE MASK?"

-Engaging and interactive performance that aligns with multiple learning areas.
-In-depth exploration of Commedia conventions and historical context.
-Enhances language skills and cultural understanding.
-Fosters critical thinking, creativity, and personal development.
-Promotes values of initiative, confidence, resilience, adaptability, and empathy.

AVAILABILITY

2024
Terms 1 - 4

FOR BOOKINGS, CONTACT

Clint Bolster
Artistic Director
Homunculus Theatre
0421 524 401
[email protected]
www.homunculustheatre.com.au

Thoughts Have Feelings Too | Homunculus Theatre Co.

20/11/2023

"Thoughts Have Feelings Too" Comes to Queensland Primary Schools in 2024! 🎭

Dear Principals, Teachers, and Educators,
Exciting news for Queensland schools! We are delighted to announce the availability of "Thoughts Have Feelings Too," a heartwarming and entertaining performance designed to inspire positive thinking and emotional well-being among primary school students.

Performance Overview:

"Thoughts Have Feelings Too" is a delightful and humorous production featuring two endearing clowns: Sweet 'Clown' and the absent-minded 'Professor.' Set in a primary school environment, this gentle performance explores the connection between thoughts and emotions. Through four engaging scenes focusing on happiness, sadness, anger, and fear, the clowns guide students in recognizing and coping with their emotions in a positive and lighthearted manner. For more information: https://homunculustheatre.com.au/.../thoughts-have.../

Curriculum Alignment:

Aligned with the Health Curriculum, the show encourages positive self-talk and interaction. It is a valuable tool for schools to discuss emotions, fostering a supportive student environment openly. Developed in consultation with teachers and child health specialists, "Thoughts Have Feelings Too" premiered during Mental Health Week celebrations in Brisbane in 2008 and has since toured extensively, captivating audiences with sell-out performances.

Learning Areas:

The Arts (Drama): Understanding practices, responding to and interpreting artworks.
Health and Physical Education: Personal, Social, and Community Health.

General Capabilities:

Critical and Creative Thinking: Express ideas, concepts, thoughts, and feelings creatively, offering and receiving effective feedback.

Ethical Understanding: Apply skills in reasoning, empathy, and imagination, making judgments about actions and motives.
Personal and Social Capability: Initiative, Confidence, Resilience, Adaptability, Empathy.

Style/Form:

Traditional and Contemporary Clowning.
Non-Verbal Communication and Mime.

Themes and Contexts:

Storytelling.
Creativity and Imagination.
Confidence.
Resilience.
Self-Esteem.

Availability:

"Thoughts Have Feelings Too" is available for bookings throughout Terms 1-4 in 2024, bringing your students joy, laughter, and valuable lessons.

For inquiries and bookings, don't hesitate to get in touch with Clint Bolster - [email protected] - 0421 524 401

Thoughts Have Feelings Too | Homunculus Theatre Co. Thoughts Have Feelings Too is a gentle and funny performance that shows students how to think positively about the feelings they experience in their day-to-day lives in a primary school environment.

Photos from Homunculus Theatre Company's post

13/11/2023

🎄✨BOOK NOW for Unforgettable Christmas Celebrations! 🎉🌟
This festive season, make your events merry and bright with THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS, enchanting interactive characters brought to you by THE MASK FAMILY! 🎭🎅

Immerse your guests in a world of vibrant colors, oversized masks, and playful characters designed to spread Christmas cheer at every turn. 🎁🌈 Accompanied by a lively soundscape of beloved Christmas carols, these cheeky characters are on a mission to finish their holiday shopping, infusing whimsy and warmth into your celebrations for all ages to enjoy. 🎶❤️

Whether mingling with colleagues at the company Christmas party, adding mischief and excitement to gala dinners, or entertaining crowds at Christmas Carol events and shopping centers, THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS bring exceptional versatility to your festive gatherings. 🌟🎊

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Mask Family are consummate professionals, adapting, shifting, and flexing to ensure the work lands perfectly in every context - for everyone - absolutely hilarious!" - Brisbane Festival.

🎄 TO BOOK THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS, CONTACT 🎄
Clint Bolster
📞 0421 524 401
📧 [email protected]

Secure your date now, and let THE MASK FAMILY add a touch of magic to your Christmas celebrations! 🎅🤶🎉

🌟

24/10/2023

Dear Friend Of Homunculus Theatre

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from Homunculus Theatre, where we continue to dedicate ourselves to providing unparalleled educational experiences for students across Australia and New Zealand.

Over 20 years, Homunculus Theatre has been a beacon of creativity and learning, inspiring student audiences through our Australian curriculum-linked primary and secondary in-school workshops, performances, artist-in-residence programs, show doctoring, and professional development for teachers. We take immense pride in our ability to offer unique, engaging, and entertaining experiences that leave a lasting impression on our young audiences.

As Jacques Tati once wisely said, "Laughter arises from a certain fundamental absurdity."

Here at Homunculus Theatre, we wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy as a guiding principle when crafting our school incursions. Our primary goal is to create a space where students can learn, explore, and engage with the world around them in a fun and interactive manner. We believe laughter is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal, and we utilize it to inspire and educate.

Our workshops and performances are thoughtfully designed as interactive, hands-on experiences, aiming to ignite students' imaginations while equipping them with practical skills applicable to their daily lives. We understand the profound and lasting impact our work can have on the lives of young people.

Therefore, we carefully curate our performances and workshops, striving to leave every student feeling inspired, engaged, and excited about the world around them.

To bring Homunculus Theatre's enriching experiences to your school, please visit our website at www.homunculustheatre.com.au for more information on our 2024 program.

We are more than happy to discuss tailored programs that best suit the needs of your students and educators.
For any inquiries or further information:

CONTACT
Clint Bolster
[email protected]
0421524401

15/08/2023

Dear Friend Of Homunculus Theatre

With over 20 years of experience inspiring student audiences throughout Australia and New Zealand, Homunculus Theatre takes great pride in offering workshops and performances that leave a lasting impression on young minds. Our team firmly believes in thoughts' power and ability to shape an individual's reality. Thus, we incorporate this philosophy into our work to provide students with enriching experiences that ignite their imaginations and equip them with practical skills they can utilize daily.

During our visit to Australian schools, we are eager to share our passion for comedy and bring joy and laughter to your students. Laughter has a unique ability to foster engagement, creativity, and personal growth. In line with this belief, Carol Burnett once said, "Comedy is tragedy plus time." We fully embrace this sentiment and aim to create an environment where students feel inspired, engaged, and excited about the world around them.

I am pleased to announce that during Term 4 of 2023, we will be visiting several schools in Queensland, including:

PCYC Queensland
Kenmore South State School
Varsity College
Emmanuel College
Redcliffe State High School
Kenmore State High School
Ambrose Treacy College
Beaudesert State High School
Genesis Christian College
St Thomas Moore College
Our Lady's College
Mueller College
Brisbane State High School

To make a booking for your school, visit our website at www.homunculustheatre.com.au
You will find detailed information about our range of workshops, performances, and professional development opportunities on our user-friendly platform.

We still have excellent availability on the following dates:

2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th, 18th, 20th, 23rd - 27th October 2023
13th - 17th, 20th, 22nd - 24th, 27th - 30th November 2023
4th - 8th December 2023
Warm regards,

CONTACT
Clint Bolster
[email protected]
0421524401

13/08/2023

10/08/2023

THE BUBBLE LAB
&
THE BUBBLE CANTEEN

An enchanting installation to captivate the imagination of the young and the young at heart.

Step into a world of wonder where 10,000 bubbles come alive every minute, dancing and floating in harmony. Our visually spectacular installation combines the delicate beauty of bubbles with the robustness and nimbleness of our talented performers - laughter and excitement are guaranteed to fill the air!

Watch children's faces light up with joy and adults rediscover their childlike wonder down at The Australian Retirement Trust Festival Garden at Brisbane Festival from the 1st - 23rd of September 2023 :)

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Creator & Performer: Clint Bolster
Producer: The Mask Family - Roving Acts
Creative Consultants: Frans Vogels & Chae Lindeman
Performers: Clint Bolster, Frans Vogels, Chae Lindeman, Allie Wilde and Nick Cilento
Production Designer & Builder and Costume Designer: Josh Mcintosh
Props Maker: Frans Vogels
Costume Maker: Joanne Fraher
Electrician: Sparky Mark
Photographers: Barbara Lowing & Justin Ma Photography
Videographer: Tnee Dyer
Commissioned by: Brisbane Festival
World Premiere Season: Brisbane Festival 2023

We can't wait to see you there!

08/08/2023

04/07/2023

22/06/2023

Dear Friend Of Homunculus Theatre Company

At Homunculus, we firmly believe in the power of thoughts and their impact on shaping an individual's reality. As Claude M. Bristol aptly stated in his book The Magic of Believing, "Thought attracts that upon which it is directed." Our programs aim to foster positive thinking and empower students to realize their full potential. By encouraging them to believe in themselves, we enable them to achieve greatness in various aspects of life.
I am pleased to announce that during Term 3 of 2023, we will be visiting several schools in Queensland, including:

Redeemer Lutheran College
All Saints Anglican School
Marsden State High School
Cleveland District State High School
Aratula State School
Redcliffe State High School
All Hallows School
Queensland University of Technology
Merrimac State High School Drama Festival

We are excited about the opportunity to bring joy and laughter to these schools while sharing our passion for comedy.
Our workshops and performances are designed to be interactive and hands-on experiences, aiming to ignite students' imaginations while equipping them with practical skills they can utilize daily. We understand the profound and lasting impact our work can have on the lives of young people. Therefore, we design our performances and workshops to ensure every student feels inspired, engaged, and excited about the world around them.
To make a booking for your school, visit our website at www.homunculustheatre.com.au

We still have excellent availability on the following dates: 8th - 10th, 15th - 16th August, and 5th - 14th September 2023.
Thank you for considering Homunculus Theatre as a partner in inspiring and engaging your students. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with your school and creating unforgettable memories together.
Warm regards,

Clint Bolster
[email protected]
0421524401

09/05/2023

Learning in Action - Drama workshop

Yesterday our Year 10 Drama class participated in a workshop about Commedia Dell Arte, presented by Homunculus Theatre Company.

This was a great, engaging workshop that had our students experimenting with character and comedy. Thank you Homunculus!

02/05/2023

📰 🤡 Have you spotted the The Local Bulletin out and about?

Front cover splash of our exciting new attraction this year at the Brooky Show (May 19-21)!

The Knock ‘em Downs quirky and curious circus 🎪 is joining us for night time shenanigans, 6-9pm Friday and Saturday of the Show, plus Sunday arvo.

Be wowed 🤩 and gob-smacked 😬 at the antics the Bolster & Lee act get up to in the big (mini) top!

Read all about it 🗞️ and the other Show attractions in the May edition.

🎡 Get excited and prepared for Brisbane’s Biggest Little Show!

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