Video Collections
Free Videos!
These FREE 20 minute mini-masterclasses are ideal introductions to studying Commedia dell’Arte, Expressionist Theatre/Steven Berkoff and Shakespeare & The Humors (The Four Temperaments). These short films were recorded in July 2020 as part of a lockdown learning programme, created in collaboration with The Actors’ Institute & Shoebox Theatre. This programme was made possible with thanks to emergency response funding from Arts Council England. Simply click on the image to watch immediately.
“The video on Expressionist Characterisation is phenomenal - thank you so much for this resource!”
An Introduction to Commedia dell’Arte
Providing a brief overview of the genre and introducing the stock characters of Commedia Dell’Arte, with performance demonstration of the movement and mannerisms, touching on some of the techniques needed for mask performance.
The Four Temperaments: Shakespeare & The Humors
Introducing the masks of the Four Temperaments, created by Mike Chase. Inspired by Shakespearian descriptions of the ‘four humors’ - blood, yellow bile, black bile and phlegm - this mini masterclass demonstrates the power of the mask as a way into characterisation and text work. A powerful tool for drama therapy, these masks draw on the four elements and archetypes, and can mirror emotions and unlock self-discovery.
Expressionist Characterisation: An Introduction to the Theatre of Steven Berkoff
An introduction to Expressionism as a theatrical style, with a focus on how Steven Berkoff utilises aspects of this form in creating his wonderfully grotesque characters. Useful exercises included here as a way into exploring the style.
Purchase Online Access
These are the current video collections we have available to view online. They feature short videos that are ideal resources for teaching or for revision. We also have longer instructional workshop videos.
You can purchase a Licence to View and gain access for 12 months.
Once payment has been received, you will receive an email within 24 hours with your licence and passwords to access to the videos you have chosen to view. Reductions are available for multiple purchases. Sending you access and resources is a manual process, so it will be quick, but not instantaneous, so please bear with us!
“Cheryl is incredibly knowledgeable and skilful. Her session on Accidental Death of an Anarchist and Commedia was fantastic and I would highly recommend the company, for both staff and students.”
Video Collection A:
A Servant of Two Masters
(by Carlo Goldoni, adaptation by Lee Hall) (AQA, WJEC)
Click the image to view a taster video.
Collection A1:
Servant Character set
Cost: £30
What you get: 9 demonstration videos covering performance of all the characters and linking them to commedia dell’arte characters.
Video Collection B:
Accidental Death of an Anarchist
(by Dario Fo, adaptation by Gavin Richards) (AQA, Edexcel, Eduqas)
Click the image to view a taster video.
Collection B1:
ADOAA History & Character Set
Cost: £40
What you get: 13 detailed videos covering the historical context and all characters in the play, and drawing ideas for characterisation from commedia dell’arte.
Click the image to view a taster video.
Collection B2:
Comic Techniques
Cost: £20
What you get: 6 videos demonstrating key comic techniques that can be used to create comedy (Tension states, double takes, slapstick, lazzi & grummelot, timing, clocking the audience, rhythms and the grotesque).
*This collection makes specific reference to Accident Death of an Anarchist, but the videos could be used generically to teach, train in or study comedy.
Collection B3:
Access to both B1 (ADOAA) & B2 (Comic Techniques) collections
Cost: £55
What you get: access to all 19 videos in the Accidental Death of an Anarchist series covering historical context, characters and comedy.
Video Collection C:
Puppetry Online Toolkit
led by Bee Daws
Cost: £40
What you get: Almost 4 hours of guidance in making and performing puppets from animating found objects to bunraku-style puppetry, plus two PowerPoints: a detailed history of bunraku puppets and a guide to making and performing with puppets. There are two pre-recorded videos in this collection showing a workshop from 2022.