Introduction to the Commedia dell'Arte

Stock Characters and Comic Relationships

A fast-paced, practical workshop, starting from the physicality of the stock characters leading into how comedy is created in partnerships and scenarios.

This workshop is an ideal introduction to Commedia dell’Arte, physical theatre or devising. Can be delivered in conjunction with Performing Commedia as a full day workshop.

“Informative, fun and relevant. Delivered with warmth, wit, generosity and expertise”
— D. Wakelin, Chichester College

Level:

KS3 to Degree level

Duration:

1.5-6 hours

Workshops can also be delivered online as active participatory sessions of 1 hour / 2 hours / 5 x 1 hour workshop series

Participants will learn:

  • the historical context of Commedia dell’Arte, the origins and theatrical relevance of each character;

  • specific exaggerated movement, voice and mannerisms for the characters, using the breath, grammelot (gibberish language that imitates dialects), masks and props;

  • the key principles of mask work and how to control the actor-audience relationship;

  • the relationships between the characters, exploring classic lazzi (comic gags), burle or meccanismi (rehearsed comic sequences between two or more characters).

We will provide one workshop leader (for up to 30 students), masks (plastic, cleaned thoroughly before use and between uses**), props, toy swords, slapsticks, hats and basic costume pieces. For full day workshops, we can provide a range of costumes and a simple backdrop that can be set up in any space.

We require a large space sufficient for the size of the group and one large table to place masks on. If a simple backdrop is available, this is useful.

“The perfect workshop to introduce Commedia ... superbly interactive and inspiring with high quality demos and the ability to hold the space while enabling freedom of expression”
— J. Lukas, Wynstones School

1.5 - 2 hour Workshop

In one-two hours, we will dive into commedia for an action packed session, covering:

  • The origins of the Commedia characters, learning a specific movement repertoire for five stock characters (movement, voice, behaviour and mannerisms);

  • Key principles of performing with masks, working as an ensemble and interacting with an audience;

  • Relationships between groups of servants, a master and servant, a doctor and patient or a pair of romantic leads;

  • Classic lazzi and comic techniques with short scenes being developed.

3 - 4 hour Workshop (half day)

In addition to the above, in three to four hours, we will cover:

  • More characters in greater detail;

  • Developing the voice of the mask using the breath, grummelot (gibberish language) and stock speeches;

  • Relationships are explored with classic pairings and short scenes are created in order to deepen the understanding of the masks;

  • Staging and comic devices are incorporated to heighten the comedy and understand the stage dynamics;

  • Ways into devising and creating scenarios are discussed and explored.

5 - 6 hour Workshop (full day)

In addition to the above, in five to six hours, we will cover:

  • A range of characters, including different zanni (e.g. Arlecchino, Brighella, Columbina, Pulcinella) are explored in detail;

  • Working as small ensembles on a canavaccio (scenario) to apply all the skills learnt and performing these to the group;

  • Post performance discussions about how and why the masks work to deepen student understanding of the skills and techniques.

All workshops can be tailored to meet your needs, whether to support a production, a set text or a devising project.

**Clients can choose to either:

  • use our plastic masks that are cleaned and prepared vigilantly by us before the workshop to ensure infection control, or

  • to combine with a cardboard mask making activity using four commedia dell’arte mask templates that have been specifically designed for teaching purposes by mask makers Wintercroft.