Based on the teachings of Jacques Lecoq of Paris, "Le Bouffon" is a clown of sorts- an intelligent clown, perhaps, from the depths of our earth. Its pleasure is to mock and to imitate the absurdities of the human being (we do strange things!). They get sheer joy at playing their opinions (and they tend to be exaggerated in their appearances!) There is no limit to the expressions of "Le Bouffon".....

Buffoonery is one of the best ways to break through a stiff, conscientious performance to one of un-distracted commitment. You will develop a tool for creating well-rounded characters with minimal information. You will have a chance to exercise the wholeness in your being from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. And, did I mention "have FUN!!"?

You will learn to develop your buffoon through a series of exercises using your own physicality. Eventually, you will "Buffoon" a prepared scene or monologue in order to make unexpected, honest discoveries that will feed your work. In taking a short scene to it's exaggerated level you will have a tool for "getting out of the head and into the body".

Trilby Jeeves was the first English student to be theatrically trained in her second language for 3 years at Le Conservatoire d'Art Dramatique in Québec City. She followed the teachings of Marc Doré (who studied at Lecoq in Paris), Paule Savard , Jean Guy, Denise Gagnon, Yves Erik Marier, and Jacques Lessard who created the "REPERE" method of creating theatrical work, with Robert Lepage.

She went on to perform in both languages, eventually coming back to Vancouver. She worked with Théâtre La Seizième, The Raymond Burr Theatre and other smaller companies. Also, in between working as a costumer in the film industry, Trilby directed "Les Monologues du Vagin" two years running as well as teaching improvisation and buffoonery en Français, throughout various schools in B.C.

Trilby is passionate about helping people break through their critical and overworked thoughts to reach the honest depths of instinctive perfomance. Having been through "Le Bouffon" process herself, she understands the release of being completely involved in performance and not worrying about the million things are minds believe to be important. It really is a gift!

"I was looking for something that would shake up my acting and take it one step further and this has done the trick. This will resonate with me for a while and I can't wait to take all my newfound tools out into the world and let them loose on my work and see what shakes out. More play, less think!"
Sheryl Thompson, Vancouver, Canada

"I have felt that in my 73rd year I've been slowing down but your class somehow reached inside my body and let me play and mime freely with no worry or criticism which was a gift that I have needed. Over the two days I felt at least 10 years younger!!"
Maggie Shore, Vancouver, Canada

"What a journey! Thank you for creating a safe environment for us to find our buffoons and explore! I have been recommending the course to friends all day!"
Lee Ann Keple, Vancouver, Canada

"For me, the Buffoon workshop was a huge awakening to bringing my whole being to the work that I do as an actor. Buffoonery opens the door for you to reach the heights in your performance in every direction and through that world, emerges a vibrant and generous expression of yourself. Trilby is an energetic, passionate and intuitive teacher who creates a space of playful exploration and possibility for her students. It was such fun and a whole new dimension to building a character. Just let yourself!"
Ashley Rose, Vancouver, Canada

"Buffooning: taught by Trilby is one of the most innovative methods of layering any actor's character. It is a must for any serious actor who wishes to further hone their craft and honour themselves as both a person and an actor. SOOOO MUCH FUN!" Charlene Luedke, Vancouver, Canada

Thank-you Trilby for teaching me how to be a great buffoon!I had such a fabulous time learning how to let go.I went through an amazing journey of discovery in your class.Finding my buffoon has brought me closer to myself and in turn will help me connect to others and find the truth in my work.
For that I am forever grateful!" Jen Clarke, Vancouver, Canada

"Discovering my inner Buffoon through working with Trilby Jeeves continues to inspire my work as a comic improviser. If you live to laugh or laugh to live, you gotta' get your Buffoon on!" Kevin Smith, Vancouver, Canada

"Doing the workshop reinforced for me that acting is being. Out of my head, and into my body. Thank you Trilby for your guidance, and courage to help us all bring out each of our inner buffoons! To do this workshop you really need an empty mind, and an open heart!" Scott Perrie, Vancouver, Canada

"WOW, WOW, BRAVO! What an experience that was! Thanks." Francois Milly, Vancouver, Canada

"I enjoyed the workshop very much! It really pushed me to experiment and try things I wouldn't normally do - in other words, take risks. My monologue had gone flat and "planned" until our session, when I felt really connected. Making fun of the troubled character and exaggerating it to the point of absurdity drew me in to all the complexities of that lonely guy." Ian Batt, Vancouver, Canada

Using "Le Bouffon" watch your drama students loosen up and connect with their characters in a playful and full expression.

Barriers break down and the students want to work together as a team- as a cast.

Feeling much safer, everyone has fun, and they are happier with their performances!

If you would like to ask me some questions please don't hesitate to Contact Me.
I would be pleased to communicate with you!

Next workshop is June, 2008, Prince Edward Island, and July, 2008 in Vancouver, Canada - stayed tuned for specifics...

Please visit my new website: Buffoonery Workshops

Nia is a personal growth, body-mind-spirit fitness program. It is a "living system" that works with the natural wisdom and intelligence of the body, mind, spirit, and emotions.

Nia supports the Pleasure Principle: If it feels good keep doing it, if it hurts, stop! The blueprint of Nia is practical, experiential, and focuses on internal guidance to change and develop awareness. Process-oriented, the Nia format is user-friendly.

Buffoonery Workshops

Royal Canadian Theatre Company

Tooba Physical Theatre Centre

Acting For The Camera

Directing Actors for the Camera

Nia In Canada

Nia In Vancouver (Joi Works)

Final Draught Reading Series