Video Collections
Free Videos!
These FREE 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 Actor Rebellion. 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.
The Four Temperaments: Shakespeare & The Humors
Introducing 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.
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 On Demand Videos
*DECEMBER 2024 DEALS - order before Dec 31st 2024*
B: Accidental Death of an Anarchist
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 to Two Masters
(by Carlo Goldoni, adaptation by Lee Hall) (AQA, WJEC)
Collection A1:
Servant Character set
Cost: £30 £25
What you get: 9 demonstration videos covering performance of all the characters and linking them to commedia dell’arte characters.
Click the image for a tasterVideo Collection B:
Accidental Death of an Anarchist
(by Dario Fo, adaptation by Gavin Richards) (AQA, Edexcel, Eduqas)
Collection B1:
ADOAA History & Character Set
Cost: £40 £35
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 for a tasterCollection B2:
Comic Techniques
Cost: £20 £15
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.
Click the image for a tasterCollection B3:
Access to both B1 (ADOAA) & B2 (Comic Techniques) collections
Cost: £55 £45
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 £25
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.
Video Collection D:
Berkoff Teacher’s Toolkit
led by Cheryl Stapleton
Cost: £40 £30
What you get: 4.5 hours of pre-recorded online CPD on Berkoff’s Expressionist style, ideal for teaching Metamorphosis or for practitioner study. Your purchase includes access to the recordings for 1 year and is accompanied by a detailed PowerPoint for your use in class and an extensive resource pack for research and teaching, detailing the exercises carried out in the videos.
Video Collection E:
Devising Toolkit
led by Luke Marquez, Wrong Shoes Theatre Company
Cost: £50 £40
What you get:
7.5 hours of pre-recorded Professional Development in Devising Theatre for Educators and Theatre Makers recorded across 5 sessions. Your purchase includes access to the recordings for 1 year and is accompanied by a 20 page workbook that takes you through the steps of a devising process.
This workshop series takes you through the process from concept to realisation with strategies for stimulating, structuring, rehearsing and refining material.