The first wonderful job she gave us was to be the buddy of another student. We were to record when they made the group laugh, moments she called "aces." These became tools we could use over and over, when they fit, that were guaranteed to connect us with the audience and elicit laughter.
We played lots of theater games in quick succession to familiarize us with what conditions make a good game. Caroline challenged us to play hard, and to begin to find what emotional states gave each of us pleasure. Some of us had a wonderful time being angry or defiant or sexy, and our enjoyment of playing hard in that state was so funny to the audience.
She gave us simple actions (with built in conflict) to accomplish as clowns which provided the possibility to succeed or fail. For example--six clowns in a line with alloons held between their shoulders must walk forward and back on the stage. If a balloon drops they must start again. Within this structure each clown could find their emotional reaction to the success or failure of the group--they could be ashamed, they could blame the others, they could take charge and boss everyone else.
In a challenge where we were to model a jacket and then have a struggle to take it off, my jacket came off easily, without complications. I then tried to back myself into a false trouble. In the discussion after the game, it dawned on me that I missed the opportunity to savor my success, gloat and perhaps even berate my slower companions-- a much more fun and satisfying play than pretending to be in trouble.
Caroline generously gave extra attention to students who were struggling to find the connection to themselves and the audience.
It was a very productive, playful workshop. I am sorry you missed it.
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