The Shiner Method

The Essence Of Acting And Clowning

COURAGE AND PRESENCE

INSPIRATION FOR AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHINER METHOD

During a clown workshop with experienced performers in Spain, David was surprised to see, as the students began to present their routines, that all of them had created something which had virtually nothing to do with, not only the art of clowning, but the very essence of performance itself.

What was missing?

Why had the students not discovered how to present and show real emotions which would connect them with their audience and themselves?

Why did they continually plunge into superficial ideas which focused exclusively on external objects or mental concepts about performance, which only served to deplete their emotional energy and distance them from their own authenticity, which is vital to a striking performance?

David realized that forty years of experience as a performer had let him to discover the essence of a good performance: hardy risk and above all - courage.

 The Clown

The clown is that very one ordained to gather our shared tears, transforming the once unbearable into peals of childish laughter. If a clown is worth his name it is only for this.

The clown cares immensely for others.

The clown reminds us of the possibilities of what lies within our hearts.

The clown lights the lantern of hope, love, tenderness and compassion.

The clown inspires us to see how immensely we need one another.

The clown encourages, cajoles, teases, dismays, alarms us…shattering the unserviceable wreck called ego.

 THE PERFORMER

The actor and clown is a fearless warrior who embraces all that life delivers, from its harrowing agony to its enraptured glory. A warrior’s unswerving devotion to completely annihilate all that keeps him small and safe….and dull.

The Shiner Method Masterclasses

My workshop method is based on developing the talent of performers who wish to learn the art of clowning and for actors who wish to further develop their skills to achieve a powerful and compelling performance.

My work is twofold.  We will integrate the two diametrically opposing forces of the clown: joy and sorrow. Through this integration we will achieve what I call the “Super Nova,” the ability to fearlessly access all of the emotions that make up our shared humanity.

STORYTELLING WITHOUT WORDS

We will explore the basic principles of storytelling through pantomime and improvisation.

THE SAMURAI

The Samurai is the proccess of using sound - ones voice - and movement to access our deeper, underlying emotions. We experience and become aware how the shadow side within tries to keep us small and seemingly safe. Setting this repressed energy free so that we can bravely use all our energy for a breakout performance, is where the real work begins….

CREATING MATERIAL

Working on the self, physical awarness through skilled pantomime or dance, the commitment to improvise and the vulnerability to access the samurai lead to developing a character and material.