Welcome to a mini retreat, where we are going to re-invent play! A place to give our brains a break and have real fun with limitless fantasy!
Where? Fokhol Gård, Stange, Norway
When? 09.-11. October
Price?
Early bird: 3800,- nok (until September 20th)
Late bird: 4500,- nok (after september 20th)
Includes:
Accommodation in shared room friday-sunday (+500,- nok for single room)
Workshop/lessons friday, saturday and sunday
6 meals made from fresh produce straight from the farm
Count me in!
Secure your spot by sending an emali to:
Any questions can be sent to the same address.
The Clown
Clowning is the mastery of radical presence and absolute honesty in the here and now. As one of the oldest crafts, the clown is our inner guide to both presence and play. All begins in the “grandiosity of nothing”—a state of active listening where the artist steps into complete openness without predefined scripts. From there, anything and everything is possible.
The Power of the Voice
I love using our natural voices, both in speaking, singing and sound making. When we explore spaces for vocal expression, where both curiosity and wonder are invited on the highest, we can tap into something raw and expressive. Here there might be unforgettable magic moments emerging.
In Nature
Nature is a powerful, generous mirror. Our playground, Fokhol Farm, has both fruit gardens, vegetable fields, bird ponds, flower beds and ancient trees, which makes this a fantastic place to explore the various expressions nature inspires. Working outdoors truly grounds us, making our clowning even more authentic and human, helping us into the state of presence and curiosity.
If you are a performing artist, or an adventurous soul seeking to learn new tools for playfulness, openness and self-expression, you will love this space and experience.
I (we) look forward to sharing this profound, transformative art form with you!
What to Expect in This Workshop
This workshop blends the craft of clowning with vocal exploration. You do not need to be an experienced clown or singer! All you need is curiosity and an open mind to explore.
No Judgments: When it comes to singing, it’s not about how “good” it sounds—it’s simply about giving sound to what is inside you.
The Power of Non-Verbal Communication: Over 90% of human connection happens beyond words. I focus on physical theater, expressive movement, and precision body language to establish immediate, visceral trust.
The Environment: We have a lovely indoor space, and whenever the weather allows, we will take our work outside.
Space to Explore: You will have time and space for solo laboratory work, as well as dynamic exercises in pairs and as a whole group.
Safety & The Art of Failure:
Community and safety are central to how I work. It is a space where you are safe to succeed, safe to feel uncertain, and—most importantly—safe to fail.
In art, so much gold and growth are hidden within failure. I truly began learning when I embraced the art of failure, integrated it into my life, and turned it into a core tool in my artistic toolbox.
The food – Clean, Delicious and Nourishing
All the food we serve this weekend comes directly from the farm and our trusted partners. You will enjoy a varied, first-class and all organic diet, prepared with love and passion, from the very same fields and gardens you are playing around in.
Patrick van den Boom
Since relocating to Norway in 2009, I have applied the discipline of artistic clowning in high-stakes human environments, performing with Sykehusklovnene (hospital clowns), establishing Klokkeklovnene for dementia care, and directing Clownschool International.
Clowning has been my lifelong calling—a craft I have refined over decades through professional theater, dance, and specialized master training. Turning this passion into my life’s work across Europe remains one of my greatest privileges.
The FOKHOL team
Fokhol Gård is idyllically situated in Stange, one of Norway’s most fertile and lush agricultural regions. The farm is Norway’s largest in both organic and biodynamic agriculture.
During your stay, you will live in the Guesthouse at Fokhol Gård. The house is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting workshops and seminars as well as celebrations, community gatherings, and other events. It is a warm and welcoming place where people come together, share ideas, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the farm.
We are looking forward to your visit!
– Fokhol Team
Secure your spot by sending us an email.
Any questions can be sent to the same address.