A Gaggle of Gerts
Unleash your inner character, keep your guests entertained and be inspired.
When was the last time you let your inner child out to play?
Laughed deeply from your belly and smiled until your face hurt?
Nine women bravely answered the call to escape the ordinary. All they knew was we were going to play dress ups for a photo shoot with award-winning photographer Nic Duncan.
A FIFO Party! Frock in Frock out.
Based on the fly in fly out high viz workforce, where uniformity is king, FIFO plays at the other end of that spectrum and urges participants to be called to whatever clothing / character they are drawn to.
Little did they know how much of their comfort barriers they were about to breakthrough!
After settling in we commenced making our name badges as a get to know each other exercise. The texters came out, we thought about what colours we felt represented us. We thought about what we would like to break free of. What would we like to express, as we sipped bubbles, chatted with each other and shared some laughs. A great ice breaker for any party!
Then it was time for the main event, the wardrobe!
The time of transformation, creating the new, letting the child rummage through baskets of wigs and hats. The racks of clothes colourful, flamboyant, sexy, mundane, and some downright ludicrous. Crazy glasses and props complete the exploration of character.
Movement, vulnerability, and expression trialled and tested, all in a very safe and nurturing environment. As if this was not enough, these legends were asked to push through their comfort zone and fear of being odd and standing out by asking them to walk up the street so we could pick up sushi and cake from the bakery for nibbles.
As you can see from the photographs, once you applied the mask, the experience felt safer, and excitement bubbled. Comfort zones were truly cracked!
After some food and conversation, participants were invited to have their individual photo shoots taken. Another opportunity to shine took place. An opportunity to really let loose and let the character out.
In our world of conformity and mental health stress, FIFO truly gives permission to create whatever calls and to step into a different reality for a while!
So much laughter, so much energy, abundant joy and love for self. We won’t always have a professional photographer but there will always be Insta worthy moments, lifelong memories, and new friendships made. Your inner characters will thank you for uncovering parts of yourself you never knew existed.
Book your own FIFO party
Find out about more of Gertrude’s Party Tzar offerings and contact us.
Gertrude WellEase/Liz Jack has over thirty years of experience in community development, small business, tourism, and the arts, with professional skills in strategic facilitation, public speaking, and management.
Our mission is to make the everyday shine, while sowing seeds of hope and joy.
Clowning around at Walpole Community Resource Centre
Unleash your inner character, keep your guests entertained and be inspired.
Children enjoying the clowning workshop with Gertrude WellEase in Walpole Western Australia
Last week, the Walpole Community Resource Centre held a colourful and entertaining clowning workshop as part of their school holiday program. Thirteen enthusiastic children participated in the three-hour workshop, where they explored the art of character development and stagecraft before putting on their own individual cameo shows.
Facilitated by the talented Gertrude WellEase and her sidekick Sweaty Betty, the workshop was a fun-filled session aimed at building confidence, public speaking, and imaginative play. The children were taught various clowning techniques and tricks. They also learned about the importance of facial expressions, body language, and stage presence in creating memorable and engaging performances.
After practicing their skills and honing their acts, the children put on a delightful show for each other. The audience was thoroughly entertained by the diverse and creative performances, which ranged from silly and whimsical to heartfelt and thought-provoking.
"I had so much fun learning new things and making people laugh," said 10-year-old workshop participant. Now I feel more confident and excited to try more things on stage."
The Walpole Community Resource Centre is committed to providing engaging and enriching programs for children and families in the region. If you're interested in learning more about clowning, stagecraft, or other creative pursuits, be sure to check out their upcoming events and workshops. Gertrude is also available for private and community events Who knows? You might just discover a hidden talent and have a blast while doing it!
~Walpole Weekly
Gertrude WellEase/Liz Jack has over thirty years of experience in community development, small business, tourism, and the arts, with professional skills in strategic facilitation, public speaking, and management.
Our mission is to make the everyday shine, while sowing seeds of hope and joy.
