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Unit in Theatre History Curriculum

Unit 4: Commedia Dell'Arte

Created by Drama Teacher Academy

4 lessons theatre history commedia

We take a side trip to Italy to discover a secular comedic form: Commedia Dell’arte.
Students will be introduced to the form, explore the characters and themes, and put their knowledge to practical application by creating a commedia character.

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The overview lays out structure of this unit, provides essential questions, time management tips, and reference to SEL, Distance Learning, and assessment strategies.
  1. 1
    Lesson 1
    Set the Stage for Commedia Dell'Arte
    In this lesson, students will be introduced to the commedia dell’arte form and start their exploration of stock characters.
  2. 2
    Lesson 2
    Creating a Commedia Character
    Students will work through a process to create a commedia character.
  3. 3
    Lesson 3
    Lazzi
    Students will add to their commedia character by exploring Lazzi, practiced and predetermined comic bits.
  4. 4
    Lesson 4
    Culminating Activity
    Students will take everything they’ve learned and put together a commedia troupe, create a commedia character complete with lazzi, and present a scene based on one of the three main commedia themes.

Standards Addressed

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Proficient

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 6

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 6

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Proficient

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Proficient

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