Commedia Dell'arte is a blend of improv, mask work, and historical theatre and Chimera Theatre is bringing in an instructor from Vancouver to teach Kamloops performers this exciting acting style!

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Taught by Susan Bertoia, a Vancouver-based theatre artist who has studied Commedia Dell'arte in Italy and California, this six-hour workshop will introduce you to the world of masks and stock characters. Commedia has influenced our modern clowns from Charlie Chaplin to the Three Stooges to Sitcoms and Stand-up comedians. In this workshop we engage fully our body and voice finding connections to mask, scenario and physical lazzi. Performers will have a chance to learn with masks, create characters, and the workshop will conclude with a short performance. Be prepared to move in this exciting, demanding and invigorating workshop for anyone who relies on their creative intuition to play!

 

This is a hands-on workshop is suitable for beginners, no previous experience is required. The workshop is open to those aged 15 and up and costs $80 per participant.

 

We have a special deal this season for members of the Chimera Theatre Society! Purchasing a membership with a donation totally $25 or more will earn you a Snake Membership which will entitle you to a 10% discount off ALL the Chimera Theatre workshops and classes for the season! Check out our Membership Page for more information.

 

To register and find out about our payment options, email our Education Coordinator Melissa Thomas at info@chimeratheatre.com. Space is limited, we recommend registering as soon as possible to secure your spot in the workshop.

 

More on Commedia Dell'arte

 

Commedia was a theatre genre that emerged in Italy at the end of the Renaissance. It flourished as the popular entertainment of its time with its stylized personages becoming famous across Europe. The Stock Commedia characters, mainly masked can be categorized into:  Masters, Servants, Capitano and the Lovers.

 

Workshop Schedule

 

Morning: Masks and More

We will begin with several physical exercises and warm-ups working towards the fundamentals of mask technique, and PRISM. We then focus on the history and background of Commedia and physicalize the stock characters and their mask. I will have handouts, on the characters and other info on commedia, for those that wish them.

 

Afternoon: Character and Lazzi

Quick review of the characters - through rhythm of walks, posture and wants “gimme’s” ect.   We will look at entrances/exits and stage positions. We will improvise solo, duo and group lazzi based on tried and true guides. (Lazzi- physical stage business; slapstick kinda stuff!) My hope is that we can either string together a few lazzi or prepare a short scenario to perform at the end of the class. Lunch and breaks will be inserted when needed!!