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Commedia Dell'Arte

We have studied Improvisational Theatre and Theatre History. Commedia Dell'Arte was a form of professional improvisational theatre during the Italian Renaissance. You will apply your prior knowledge and research skills to developing Commedia characters in a Commedia scene from the Italian Renaissance.

Your group consists of 4 people, each group member should select a Commedia character, develop the movements and voice of the stock character, and create the mask appropriate for the character. Characters available are:

Arlecchino

Il Capitano

Colombina

Il Dottore

Innamorati

Pantalone

Pedrolino

Pulcinella

Scaramuccia

Tartaglia

1. Each individual chooses his/her character. Only one person will be able to use each character, so you will have to negotiate among yourselves if more than one person wants to use the same character.

2. Once each person has chosen his/her character, decide, as a group,which scenario you will be performing.

3. After you research the character, take the information you have found, and apply your characters characteristics (voice, movement, mask) to a group rehearsal exercises provided.

4. Finally, you will come together as a group and prepare a 10-20 minute Commedia scenario including at least 2 Lazzi.

5. You will present your scenes, paying close attention to the scene rubric.

Websites for researching Commedia Dell'Arte - You may use, but are not limited to these websites.

Evaluation will be done in three parts.

Part 1: Each individual must complete a character analysis outline of the chosen character, and document where the information came from. This will count as a quiz grade.

Part 2: The group will make a 10-20 minute presentation that will be evaluated using the scene rubric. This will count as a test grade.

Part 3: At the conclusion of the presentation, each member of the group will fill out an critique sheet of each group scene. It will count as a quiz grade.

Congratulations! You have just created your own Commedia Dell'Arte troupe. Use all of the research and rehearsal that you have used in this process for future character development. Break a leg!

TIII.2 The student will exhibit independence, discipline, and commitment to the theatre process through work on assigned projects and productions.

TIII.3 The student will integrate acting skills and techniques incorporating voice, movement, and analysis in the rehearsal process and performance by1. creating and sustaining multi-dimensional characters;2. initiating artistic choices to enhance performance;3. enhancing characterizations, dialogue, and action;4. exercising artistic discipline to achieve an ensemble in rehearsal and performance;5. listening to other actors and responding internally as well as externally; and6. demonstrating self-confidence and self-expression.

TIII.8 The student will research multiple acting styles from a variety of historical periods by1. comparing and contrasting decorum, environments, and manners; and2. interpreting characters, situations, and themes.

TIV.1 The student will work independently and collaboratively to raise the standards of formal and informal performance and production work.

TIV.3 The student will demonstrate vocal performance skills—articulation, projection, volume, pitch, tone, vocal placement, rhythm, and dialect.

TIV.4 The student will demonstrate movement skills—use of facial expression, posture, control of gesture, leading center, balance, poise, timing, and breath control.

TIV.8 The student will use cultural and historical research to justify choices in directing and acting projects.