We can lead training and performance projects in all aspects of our work.
Sessions for professionals, community groups, schools, colleges and universities are available.
Please do give us a call or email to strike up a conversation.
The university of Sunderland have been working with Bell & Bullock for the past three years, and it is certainly a relationship we are keen to nurture. The amount of passion, enthusiasm, skill and expertise they bring to every workshop delivered; engages and stimulates students and lecturers alike. Their contribution to the programme is massively important for student development and progression. Not only do they help with confidence, but allow the students to develop very intricate circus skills. The students absolutely love the workshops and we look forward to doing more work with Bell & Bullock in the future.
Bell and Bullock Circus are an excellent outfit! Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed learning new skills, practising daring acts and, quite literally, clowning around! Karen and Dafe are fabulous with the children and have the skills and expertise to teach the fine art of the circus to any age. They know exactly how to instil the discipline of concentration and determination needed to learn new skills, while ensuring their sessions remain relaxed, fun and full of energy!
I would happily recommend their circus workshops to any school hoping to bring out the best in their pupils!
I would fully recommend this company for working with Drama/Dance/Performing Arts students and would certainly use them again. Although our students were initially a little reticent about involving themselves completely, these skilled practitioners pitched the activities at exactly the right level so that eventually all were actively involved and participating with enthusiasm and enjoyment. The skills and techniques covered were ideal for this early stage of their course and they have utilised many of them in their subsequent performing arts projects.
Some Recent Projects
Our Training
Karen has a BA (Hons) Degree in Creative Arts – Drama from Newcastle Polytechnic (now the University of Northumbria) and has trained on the School for Fools and Physical Theatre courses at Circomedia in Bristol.
Dafe attended Fool Time in Bristol and has a background in marine engineering, prop construction and circus skills. They regularly attend courses in Clowning and Physical Theatre with leading practitioners to enhance their own skills.
The Workshops
Circus Theatre
We have developed this workshop whilst working with the performing arts students at Sunderland University.
We teach a variety of circus skills, acro-balance, slapstick, clowning and street theatre techniques, and then look at how to devise acts or ensemble pieces using these ingredients.
Who is this For?
Performing arts students, colleges, universities, theatre outreach programmes, Street theatre/cabaret performers, circus artists, actors, clowns, directors, puppeteers, youth theatres, and community theatre groups.
Clowning
“The red nose acts as the smallest mask in the world” (coined by Pierre Byland) from which we can let our delight and playfulness shine through.
We aim to make people feel comfortable and confident about revealing what is uniquely funny about themselves, whilst experiencing the direct audience contact that is special to clown. Slapstick fights, trips and falls and traditional gags and routines can also be introduced to help develop physical techniques and skits.
Who is this For?
Clowns (beginners and those more experienced wanting a playful refresher or who feel drawn to working with us), circus artists, actors, directors, puppeteers, performing arts students, youth theatres, community theatre groups and anyone from any walk of life who feels the calling.
Street Theatre
Have you got an idea for a Street Show or Walkabout act?
In this workshop we explore techniques for developing both circle show and walkabout material for solo, duo and small scale groups.
Key areas include:
Crowd gathering and interaction techniques, ownership of space, audience connection, use of volunteers, audience participation, dealing with distractions, lines and patter, props, sets, costumes, characters, routines, tactics and types of street theatre.
Who is this For?
Street theatre performers (beginner and experienced), circus artists, actors, clowns, directors, puppeteers, performing arts students, youth theatres, community theatre groups and anyone who wants to devise a street show or walkabout act.
It is always an absolute pleasure to work with Bell and Bullock (aka Karen and Dafe). As a dynamic partnership they offer a diverse range of characters, interactions and skills to suit a broad mix of audiences and events which works well for us across all of our activities and programmes.
Both your show and workshops were thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated. You’ve left behind a trail of budding young jugglers and stilt walkers keen to develop their skills and a very positive lasting impression of the high quality of your work.
I just wanted to thank you so much for yesterday- you really made the day. Emma, the class teacher, said you were a big hit with the parents as well as the children. Thanks again, and looking forward to working together again in the autumn.