Clint Bolster

Notes

CLINT BOLSTER is a Clown, Physical Actor, Mask Theatre Specialist, Stilt Performer & Trainer and Teaching Artist from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. With over 17 years' committed to developing new works and training extensively, Clint regularly performs in Australia and internationally in the United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Clint's repertoire of original performance works of Homunculus Theatre Company (In Schools Programs) - www.homunculustheatre.com.au, Manoeuvre Roving Stilt Performers (Roving Stilt Acts) -www.manoeuvrestiltperformers.com, The Mask Family (Highly Visual and Interactive Roving Mask Theatre Acts) - www.themaskfamily.com and HIGH TEA with BOOFF (a regal, mischief-loving high-status impresario clown) - www.booffandhisbells.com; are highly active throughout Australia, New Zealand & Asia, and have extensive annual programming in regional Australia, particularly in the community, cultural and education sectors. He was recently accepted into the Cirque Du Soleil database of potential Clowns for future productions and is a proud Queensland Member and Mentor for The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, and Board Member for Indel-Ability Arts. He has developed an incredibly reliable and robust local and international network. His unique and innovative creations are represented by over 70 international production houses and arts agencies worldwide and have amassed a live global audience in the millions. “In an age where clowns reveal our hidden self, Clint Bolster’s clown is both sharp and insightful, yet aware of the provocations which are designed to unlock insights. His clown/s invites us to unite as we focus on the particular, the unusual, the rare. A great performer, teacher and human, Clint brings all of himself and leaves us with a unique insight about ourself after seeing the world through the tears and the fears of a clown, which always provokes laughter from places rarely observed in our daily life. BOOFF, like Clint’s other clowns, is a masterwork, that will leave you feeling uncomfortably settled. In a world of clowns where leadership is no barrier to success, it is good to see the clown within ourselves and invite them into our midst so that we may learn their masterfully mischievous mannerisms. (PS: Clowns learn by observing us.)” ★★★★★ – Paul Bishop, Actor & MP - (AUS). If you don’t have children, find some and take them or simply take yourself – you’ll love it!””– Broadway Baby, Edinburgh, “… the audience, children and parents alike, are in constant fits of laughter. At the end of the show, I heard one child ask, ‘Can we watch it again?’” ★★★★★ – Informed Edinburgh - (UK). …a friendly version of Jack Nicholson as the Joker leading the way, we laugh, we gasp, clap and gape!” ★★★★★ - Last Minute Live - (AUS). "Welcome to a perfect tea party. Excellent china cups, high quality brews, and just the right amount of scandal. BOOFF has outdone himself, outfitting the most scrumptious tea room in respectable suburbia. A black-and-white instagrammers daydream, the tea room is filled with beautiful knickknacks and fabulous curiosities, and a set of ostentatious parlour chairs with just room enough for ten. Upon arrival we pour each other a delicate cup of an aromatic black tea, and snack upon quintessential Australian cookies. Choice of digestive or iced vovo is a charmingly surreal, and quite like we’ve stepped into an episode of Neighbours circa 1985. This is not so much a show as an intimate gathering, where we catch up and share gossip and stories. We are treated to a beautiful trip down memory lane, where the stories are all most genteel, at least, mostly genteel, with a touch of the macabre, and a heavy dose of the ludicrous. A delightfully imposing clown, when captured in the intimate setting of the tea room, BOOFF becomes even larger than life. I felt quite giddy, it’s such a space to step into, an otherworldly experience. If you were to enter this beautiful parlour from the chaos of a summer festival, you would be instantly transported to another world entirely. In this BOOFF has done that most perfect of magic theatre tricks, he has made the outside go away and the inside somewhere else. As I write my reflection, I am sipping upon a tea that was gifted as I left the parlour; “A Ceremonial Sample of Finest Loose Leaf tea.” And so it is that I am left with an impression of consummate finesse. Every detail complete, every element of the perfectly manifest. HIGH TEA with BOOFF ought to be the most coveted invitation of any budding socialites dance card." ★★★★★ - Nadia Jade - Nothing Ever Happens In Brisbane - (AUS). GRANTS AWARDED -Arts Queensland – Individual Professional Development Grant for Maneouvre Roving Stilt Performers Australia - UK Project – (2012). -Arts Queensland – Individual Professional Development Grant for Clint Bolster – 3 Month Artist In Residence with Vamos Theatre UK – (2017). -Arts Queensland – The Showcase Program – The Mask Family Roving Acts – (2017). -Arts Queensland – The Showcase Program – BOOFF The Last Laugh - (2019). -Arts Queensland – Individual Professional Development Grant for Clint Bolster – Russia & Italy Mask Theatre Training - (2020/2021). -The Australian Council For The Arts - Individual Professional Development Grant for Clint Bolster - Russia & Italy Mask Theatre Training - (2020/2021). -Arts Queensland - The Showcase Program - HIGH TEA with BOOFF - (2020). ​ HIGH TEA with BOOFF "In an age where clowns reveal our hidden self, BOOFF is both sharp and insightful, yet aware of the provocations which are designed to unlock insights. BOOFF invites us to unite as we focus on the particular, the unusual, the rare. BOOFF is a masterwork, that will leave you feeling uncomfortably settled. ” ★★★★★ - Paul Bishop - (AUS). BOOFF is a regal, mischief-loving high-status impresario. Disarmingly charming and resplendent in full-face make-up and tailored suit – he looks as if he may have sprung from a lost collaboration between Barry Humphries, Lewis Carroll, Tim Burton and Julian Clary. With a twinkle in his eye, a glint of mischief, perhaps even buffoonery... BOOFF wants you to love him, and as soon as you do, he wants you to laugh with him. Physically and verbally ridiculous, BOOFF can’t blend in, but then he doesn’t really try. BOOFF, for the past 16 years, has regularly worked in the United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. He is the ultimate host, integrating his unique style of comedy and mastery of audience interaction – he can adapt to suit any event and produce the goods from audiences of 100 - 2000. Perfect for late-night Spiegeltent style cabaret/variety shows, Circuses, Cruise ships, MC appearances, Corporate events and Special events. Website: www.highteawithbooff.com THE LOST BALLOON "I was quite enchanted. The best theatre transcends age and has a universal quality. l think for me as an older person it transported me back to something l feel l have lost .....the innocence of childhood! It was lovely to reconnect with it again. It reminded me a little of Shaun Tans book "The Lost Thing" which l was recently able to share with my grandson Jack who is five. I know Jack would have been as captivated as me, by The Lost Balloon and look forward to one day taking him to see the finished production. Great masks and beautiful music." ★★★★★ - Arts Queensland -(QLD). A lonely character. A big city. A shiny yellow balloon. The audience is invited into the world of a lonely misunderstood character who, one day, discovers and quickly loses a shiny yellow balloon...and so begins an adventure through the city, by turns whimsical and madcap. Along the way our Hero meets hilariously quirky masked characters that reside in this world; greeted by The Maitre D's from a bygone era, helping a trio of Golden Oldies, to some seriously regimented Lollipop Ladies and sharp-tied Business People. World class physical comedy and mesmerizing visual theatre combine for a heart-warming exploration of the joy of human interaction - and the incredible power of how a simple act of kindness and authentic connection can transform a person’s life. Underlined by an original musical score, this show transcends language and cultural barriers, and connects directly to the heart. Its highly visual form is engaging, accessible and inclusive of a range of audience needs. Website: www.thelostballoon.com ​ HOMUNCULUS THEATRE COMPANY Clint is founder and Artistic Director of Homunculus Theatre Company (2003 - 2017). “Homunculus Theatre Company are absolutely brilliant! There is certainly no theatre company who does Commedia dell'arte like Homunculus in Australia! Our students and staff had so much fun! I guarantee you’ll be in stitches after the show! " ★★★★★ Clontarf Beach State High School - (QLD). Homunculus has contributed 15 years to delighting and inspiring audiences across Australia and New Zealand. We offer a wide range of In-Schools Workshops & Performances, Artist In Residence Programs, Professional Development for Teachers, Roving Acts and Regional Community Projects. Homunculus specialises in Commedia Dell’Arte, Traditional & Contemporary Clowning, Mask Theatre, Physical Comedy, Non-Verbal Communication &Mime, Absurdism, Physical Theatre & Circus, Melodrama, Brecht, Political Satire, Clowns In Shakespeare and Slapstick & Stage Combat. Homunculus believes the Arts should be central to a child’s education. Drama particularly has a vital place in the lives of young people in the 21st Century. In an age when people are increasingly interacting and indeed living via and inside of technology, it is the subject and practice of comedy that offers what otherwise can so easily be lost from our lives. Website: www.homunculustheatre.com.au MANOEUVRE ROVING STILT PERFORMERS In addition to Homunculus, Clint owns and manages Manoeuvre Roving Stilt Performers Australia (1988 - ). "Manoeuvre has a wonderfully wide range of acts and performers who are professional and very entertaining to a crowd of any size. They are excellent at communicating with you and extremely well organised. Thank you Manoeuvre for making our events ones to remember for all who came along!" ★★★★★ - Maddison Byrne, Sponsorship & Marketing Administrator, Brisbane Racing Club - (QLD). Manoeuvre is Queensland’s premier roving stilt performance company. It has been providing roving stilt acts to School Fetes, Product Launces, Shopping Centres, Community Events, Festivals, Parades, Weddings, Nightclubs and Corporate Events worldwide for over 25 years to over 4.5 million audience members. Represented by 64 Entertainment Agents worldwide, Manoeuvre is much more than merely “walkers.” These stilt performers (highly trained dancers & physical theatre performers), while strutting, looping and dancing through the crowd, stimulate the imagination, inspire joy and offer an engaging, playful and interactive experience for audiences of all sizes. Manoeuvre performers can duck under doorways, travel in lifts and walk short distances in lower clearance areas, up and down hills and beaches. Expo 88 Originals, for ten years they have entertained the masses at Woodford Folk Festival, The Brisbane EKKA, Brisbane Festival, Nundah Festival and Childers Multicultural Festival; Opened Stores for Loui Vuitton Stores in Singapore and Year Long Residencies at The Family Night Club Brisbane, to name a few. Manoeuvres characters are available separately or in combination. While they most frequently appear as a duo, they are also available as solo characters or in groups of 3, 4 or 5. Website: www.manoeuvrestiltperformers.com ​ ​ THE MASK FAMILY "The Mask Family were a terrific Covid-friendly program for 2020! In full face masks and gloves they came with their own PPE and their size and brightness keeps them safely physically distanced from audiences. In a general sense, the performers are masters of engaging general public in a joyous, silly and fun non-verbal experiences. It was incredibly satisfying as a programmer to see people of all ages (though especially the under 10’s and over 50’s) engage with a skip, hop or a jump and always a giggle or smile. The company members are consummate professionals, adapting, shifting and flexing to ensure the work lands perfectly in every context and their training, experience and ability is so evident in their ensemble work and their subtle shifts." ★★★★★ Brisbane Festival - (QLD). ​ Clint is also the Artistic Director of The Mask Family - a suite of full-face non-verbal mask theatre acts that connect directly to the heart. This accessible, inclusive, magical roving theatre is sensitive to its audiences and reflective of the increasingly multi-cultural society we live in. Highly visual, interactive, non-intrusive and non-language dependent, this unique form of roving theatre transcends barriers of age, language and culture. Performed by an ensemble of 7 internationally renowned and critically acclaimed Australian physical theatre performers The Mask Family are brilliantly realised, utilising many decades of live performance experience. The Mask Family Acts are available separately or in combination and work most effectively as a trio. Available now, throughout Australia & New Zealand, for Festivals, Shopping Centres, Product Launches, Parades, Nightclubs and Corporate Events - or any other occasion.All of The Mask Family acts are highly adaptable to suit a broad range of events. They are highly versatile and completely adjustable to your specific needs. We will happily customise the acts to suit your particular event requirements. This Project has received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through the Arts Queensland Showcase Program. Website: www.themaskfamily.com TEACHING ARTIST “It gives me great pleasure to recommend Clint Bolster to you. I have known Clint for 14 years now and have observed his work as a professional practitioner and as a tutor at QUT. As a practitioner, Clint is one of the most versatile, gifted and skilled performers in Commedia, Clown, Mask and Physical Comedy. I believe his experience working and training overseas has much to do with this. Clint’s expertise is at a very high level, and from the first time I saw him work and witnessed how professional his outlook was, I encouraged him to seek overseas experience. Through his theatre company Homunculus, Clint has invigorated the Australian Theatre Community with his unique brand of comedy. Clint has been tutoring in my Performing Skills Unit at QUT for the past six years, and the students have found him to be one of the best tutors they have ever experienced. This is attested in his high ranked teaching evaluations and written comments. He is an extremely dedicated and professional teacher who brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the students. Not all practitioners can teach: Clint is an exception to this rule! “ ★★★★★ - Caroline Heim, QUT Performance Skills Co-Coordinator - (QLD). Clint is experienced and sought after Teacher- Artist of 16 years, leading many workshops and artist in residency programs throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia & Europe for Young People, University Students, Adults and Elders. Companies Include: -Homunculus Theatre Company (AUS). -Manoeuvre Stilt Performers (AUS). -The Mask Family (AUS). -Shakespeare4All (Hong Kong). -Faust Theatre Company (Hong Kong). -Vamos Theatre Company (UK). -Queensland Theatre Company (AUS). -LaBoite Theatre Company (AUS). -Australian Catholic University (AUS). -University of Southern Queensland (AUS). -Queensland University of Technology (AUS). -Pontio University, Wales (UK). -Griffith University (AUS). -The Queensland Conservatorium Of Music (AUS). -The University of Tasmania (AUS). -The Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts (AUS). -Drama Queensland (AUS). -Drama New South Wales (AUS). -Drama Victoria (AUS). -Drama Tasmania (AUS). -Drama Australia (AUS). -Drama New Zealand (AUS). -Queensland Music Festival (AUS). -Backbone Youth Arts (AUS). -Nexus Arts Victoria (AUS). -IZIT Entertainment (AUS). -Wild Applause (AUS). -The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (AUS). -500 + Primary & Secondary Schools (AUS). Website: www.clintbolster.com