Foundation of Funny with Spymonkey (5 days)
Circus Factory Cork is delighted to host a 5 day intensive with Spymonkey led by Toby Park, Spymonkey Co-Artistic Director
Workshop Details:
What is it that makes you as a performer uniquely funny? How do you share that brilliant, special, ridiculousness with an audience so that they are helpless with laughter?
In this 5-day introduction to Spymonkey Clown we will focus on how to identify and develop that particular quality of Funny that is special to you, and only you.
You will be supported to develop these comedic skills in a safe, fun and laughter-filled environment. This positive group dynamic will allow you focus on identifying and trusting your best impulses, taking risks, being adventurous, generous and honest as a performer. In this highly enjoyable workshop we will play games and exercises, developing trust and complicity with the group. You will find the pleasure in your own ridiculousness, stay optimistic, discover your comedy gold, and get ready to laugh until your face hurts.
We will share many of the methods that Spymonkey have found essential over the years in creating Theatre of the Funny: physical games, improvisational games, status exercises, physical comedy routines, chorus exercises and parody. Toby particularly enjoys using music as a source of comedic inspiration, so we will also look at how song, dance and musicality can lead us to new and unexpected comedic territory.
To complete registration, you need to complete the waivers from Spymonkey.
By registering for this workshop, you agree to your email being shared with Spymonkey for the purpose of completing the above waivers for this workshop.
Who is this workshop for?
Suitable for all levels of experience, from novice to seasoned professional.
Are there any prerequisites to attend?
And yes, beginners are absolutely welcome, whether or not you have any clowning experience.
Spymonkey host a diverse group of participants throughout the year, with varying levels of expertise. Sometimes we even have folks join who have no prior experience at all, and that's perfectly okay!
Why You Should Join the Spymonkey intensive
Have fun
Fail
Find your tribe
What Should You Bring?
Bring loose-fitted clothing and soft shoes or trainers to wear in the workshop
Circus Factory has a microwave, kettle and small kitchen. The Marina Market Food Hall is also just across the road. The Black Market Food Hall is behind us.
Location: Circus Factory Cork, T12 X856
Day: November 17th - November 21st
Time: 10.30 AM - 4.30PM
Suitable for ages: 18+
Price: €495**
10% Students and Unwaged Discount Code at check out: CFCONC10%
10% Discount for Practitioner Members
20% Discount for Professional Member
There will be one scholarship available. Priority will be given to individuals from underrepresented communities.
Applications will open September 1st. Bursary applications are closed.
To complete registration, you need to complete the waivers from Spymonkey.
About Toby Park: Managing Artistic Director & Musical Director of Spymonkey
Toby has managed and performed with Spymonkey from its conception in 1998, and has created music for all it’s shows. Toby’s physical comedy direction for theatre includes Hello, Dolly! at the London Palladium with Imelda Staunton; Mack & Mabel for Chichester Festival Theatre; Jack Absolute Flies Again and Tartuffe at the National Theatre; The Merry Wives of Windsor for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Co-direction includes Enter the Dragons for A&E Comedy; and The Flop for Hijinx. Opera as co-director, composer and librettist includes Fabulous Backstrom Brothers and Big Bang Siegfried. Composing and musical direction includes Karl’s Kühne Gassenschau, Improbable, Guy Dartnell, Mimbre, Adventures in Moominvalley, The Electric Forest for National Trust.
Aitor and Toby directed their first full scale opera, Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, at the Vienna Volksoper in 2023, which has enjoyed sell-out revivals in 2024 and 2025. Their newest creation, Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, opens at the Volksoper in March 2026.
He teaches physical comedy, clown and music workshops around the world, including the National Theatre Connections programme.
About Spymonkey
“The greatest clowns in British theatre today” Time Out
“The remarkable Spymonkey - headlong absurdism and physical brilliance” The Times
Since their founding in 1998 Spymonkey have created some of the most outstandingly original comedy theatre, including STIFF, COOPED, MOBY DICK, OEDIPUSSY, THE COMPLETE DEATHS, CHRISTMAS CAROL, HAIRY and THE FROGS.
TV and stage appearances have seen them work alongside Sacha Baron Cohen, Naomi Campbell, Miranda Hart, Sandi Toksvig, Ronnie Corbett, Fiona Shaw and Nick Frost.
Widely acknowledged as world leaders in the fields of Clown and Physical Comedy, they are keenly sought as teachers, consultants and directors for their insight and experience in creating brilliant, original and singular work, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre and the Vienna Volksoper.
Their programme of professional training sees them teaching around the world, with regular visits to New York, Los Angeles, Bilbao and London. More information on our workshop pages here.