Commedia Dell'Arte: With Fabio and Budi

Service Description

Commedia Weekend with Fabio Motta and Dr. Budi Miller ‘Commedia Dell’Arte’ is a humorous theatrical performance that originated and traveled all over Italy and beyond throughout the 16th century. The roots of Commedia dell’Arte have influenced most of the world’s theatrical forms, from Shakespeare to many characters and scenarios found in film and television today. The stock characters of Commedia are still present is many sitcoms, plays and movies today. The work lays the foundation for character sketch comedy and improvisation. It is a theatre that has actors at its centre and the audience as its target. Through the use of masks, songs, and lazzi (physical gags), the Commedia troupes were able to break down all barriers in order to impact audiences from all different countries. It is a universal performance style, that speaks to all social classes. Over the course of 2 and 1/2 days we will be exploring the stock characters, the development of lazzi and comic routines, as well as building an ensemble for the creation of a short commedia sketch at the end of the workshop. This workshop provides the essential development tools for actors: • The use of mask in performance and movement analysis • Learning about the stock characters of Commedia • Improvisation and play • Developing complicite' with an ensemble • How to better connect with and impact an audience by breaking the 4th wall • A deeper understanding of actions, rhythm, comic timing, physicality and storytelling • Developing a deeper vocal and physical connection in your work • The ability to create a Canovaccio (story outline) and perform it before an audience as an ensemble in a short period of time The participants will be provided with learning resources to further their understanding of the performance style. We will also be using authentic leather masks in this workshop. Dates: November 27th, 28th and 29th. Friday evening: 6:30pm-9:30pm Saturday and Sunday: 10am - 5pm