Name: Bouffon, Tragedy and Melodrama
Start: 2026-09-14T14:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-14T18:30:00+02:00
Location: The Commedia School

This is the 3rd module at The Commedia School, it will run for 3 months from 14. September till 11th December 2026
The bouffon is the more intelligent and darker cousin of the clown, but unlike the clown, whom we laugh at, bouffons form a gang and laugh at us. Bouffon is an extreme state of play, a mime gone wild. Combined with the surreal and deformed shapes of the Grotesque, it amplifies the absurd expression.
A gang of Bouffons is a shapeshifting chorus of wild creatures, who mirror society by playing the games that we all play. The imitation becomes mocking and the mocking will trigger the community to review its own ethics.
As a theatrical territory or genre, Bouffon has a unique poetic potential because it allows the performers to explore and play with hotspots of the community and provoke laughter, outrage, political and social awareness, and a shared reflection on the ethical dilemmas that any human community has to face. The tragic space, the fantastic level of play, the foolish logic, and the direct contact with the public are part of the play of the bouffon.
Students will perform Bouffon & Grotesque in contact with an actual audience and discover how to confront the public about sensitive current social issues in an effective and yet not destructive manner.
For us at The Commedia School, it is important that the students create performance level material in each of these styles. Shows in each style are staged in the school studio and often are later performed in other venues in Copenhagen or at festivals in Denmark and abroad.
Course Structure:
25 hours per week (Monday to Friday) + group and individual assignments outside classes.
The group work assignments focus on devising your own material. Each week, working themes are given to the students in such a way as to stimulate their imagination and benefit collective creation. The results of these works are presented in front of the teaching staff and the other students at the end of the week.
Why Join? This intensive workshop is perfect for those aspiring to work in theatre or for experienced performers looking to expand their skills. It’s an exciting, immersive experience that promises to push your creative boundaries and elevate your craft.
Teachers:
- Ole Brekke (US)
- Jonathan Paul Cook (C)
- Ole Brekke (US)
- Ruth Lerche (DK)
- Tuba Keles (T)
- Linnea Happonnen (F)
and special guest teacher Jaime Mears (Aus)
Course Structure:
25 hours per week (Monday to Friday) + group and individual assignments outside classes.
The group work assignments focus on devising your own material. Each week, working themes are given to the students in such a way as to stimulate their imagination and benefit collective creation. The results of these works are presented in front of the teaching staff and the other students at the end of the week.
How to Apply:
At The Commedia School, we value diversity and warmly welcome aspiring performers aged 21 and above from all backgrounds and nationalities. Everyone passionate about exploring the world of theatre and the unique styles we offer is encouraged to apply and begin their journey with us.
To apply for this module, please send the following documents to [email protected]
• A detailed CV, including your postal address, date, and place of birth
• A personal motivation letter explaining your background in theatre and your desire to attend the workshop
• A letter of recommendation from someone familiar with your work in the performing arts
• One recent photo
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed according to a committee schedule.
We understand that tuition fees can be a significant challenge, especially for students coming from regions with differing income levels and currencies. To support international diversity, we offer a limited number of partial scholarships for applicants from outside the Schengen Area who are unable to obtain work permits during their stay in Denmark.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to be considered for a scholarship, please indicate your interest in your application.
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Alumni and achievements
Graduates of The Commedia School are thriving in diverse performance arenas worldwide, including theatre, television, circus, street theatre, film, magic, and cabaret. Many have gone on to achieve international recognition, with their work earning prestigious accolades such as Oscar nominations, the Reumert Prize, the Bodil Award, and more.
The school takes pride in fostering performers and companies who bring their creativity and passion to audiences around the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the world of performing arts.
For more information visit www.commediaschool.com.
Tuition Fees:
- 28.000 DKK / 3.765 € per module
Payment will be made in three installments for each module.
Join us for an exciting journey of growth, exploration, and artistic discovery.
We look forward to receiving your application!