MAD Convention’s workshop schedule is packed with crazy circus techniques: Flying trapeze, Acroyoga, Chinese pole, Airtrack…We did a count and ended up with 30(!) different techniques spread over some 40 workshops per day!
View the latest version of the workshop schedule
We repeat most workshops on a regular basis to ensure that all participants have the opportunity to participate. Some workshops (Flying trapeze, Trampowall & Highline) require you to reserve a spot in advance. This can only be done on the day itself at the MAD Convention info desk in SPRK. You reserve max 1 spot/request. That reservation will be checked off on your admission wristband. This allows us to guarantee spots for participants who could not yet participate in the particular workshop. To attend the Highline workshop, you must first have completed the Slackline workshop + get approval from the trainer.
Also, there are some very special workshops/sessions you just have to know about!
7 workshops you shouldn’t miss
1. MORNING TRAINING
A splash in the ice bath to start the MAD day? Yes, please! This workshop takes place early in the morning, at 8 am. On an empty stomach, we combine light exercises, breathing techniques and a dip in the cold water. Not so familiar with ice baths? Just feeling it with your little toe is also an option. Together we go out of our comfort zone for a while, but all on our own pace. Ideal to start the day in a conscious way and ignite your Circus State of Mind. Be sure to bring a towel and a swimsuit.
When? On April 13 at 8:30 am
Where? Villa Stuivenberg
2. CIRQ’OLYMPICS
Welcome to the first edition of the Cirqu’Olympics! Put together a team of five athletic acrobats combining different skills. This way you are sure to have a delegate for each discipline. We will be climbing, weightlifting, high jump, and 4x100m run. All with a circus tweak. Laughter and prizes guaranteed!
When? On April 12 from 2:15 to 3:30 pm
Where? SPRK
3. RESEARCH LAB INNOVATION & SAFETY IN CIRCUS EQUIPMENT
Marion Cossin is a research engineer at the Centre de Recherche, d’Innovation et de Transfer en Arts du Cirque (CRITAC) in Montreal. She presents several projects around the design of acrobatic equipment and performance environments. But also projects around safety in circus arts.
When? On April 13 from 09:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Where? SPRK
4. CIRCLE SONG
In this workshop we use our bodies to create music. We start with a warm-up around percussion sounds, specific to the Human Beatbox or body percussion and a warm-up of the voice. Then we are ready to play with composition and collective improvisations in a circular setup.
When? On April 13 from 09:30 to 10:45 am
Where? Nova+
5. ACROBOT
Daniel Simu – who is programmed (haha) to feature on the MAD Generation Stage – gives an insight into his personal journey in developing his Acrobot. Daniel is an ‘Interdisciplinary artist, performer, creative technologist’… Plenty of designations to come and talk about, then!
When? On April 13, from 11:00 to 11:45 am
Where? Villa Stuivenberg
6. FLEXIBILITY & STRENGTH
Is your body stiff and tired on the last day of convention? So recognizable!!! During this workshop, we will focus on the control and stability of our joints. Then we will take the time to stretch extensively. Among other things, we’ll use a technique that acts on your reflexes to make the stretch feel deeper. Keep breathing calmly and enjoy the stretch pains!
When? On April 14 from 2:15 to 3:30 pm.
Where? SPRK
7. CLOWN
What is clowning? How do you get started? Is it something for me? If you ask yourself these questions, come to the workshop Clowning with Sven Verelst. You will get an in-depth introduction with fun exercises. Don’t hesitate, just do it!
When? On April 14 from 2:15 to 3:30 pm.
Where? Bredastraat
No ticket for MAD Convention yet? Hurry, because they’re almost sold out!
