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PD Course

Commedia II: Style

Created by Todd Espeland

11 modules 2 hours, 31 minutes 7 Credit Hours commedia acting

Commedia dell’arte is a 16th Century masked acting form. It’s the basis of all comedy and it’s a form that many teachers want to include in their curriculum.

Instructor Todd Espeland has designed two courses that work hand-in-hand with teaching this fantastic physical form.

In Commedia II: Style - Todd moves on to the specific style of Commedia dell’arte. This includes a history of commedia, the stock characters and how to physicalize them, sample lazzi and a capstone assignment. The course includes video demonstrations so you can see the exercises and activities in action.

Link to Commedia Unit

  1. 1
    Lesson 1
    Introduction
    2:23 FREE PREVIEW
  2. 2
    Lesson 2
    History and Style of Commedia
    21:33 FREE PREVIEW
    In lesson two you’ll learn about the roots of Commedia Dell’Arte as originating from Carnevale and how it’s relationship ship with the Church and Culture of the time helped to shape the characters we know today.
  3. 3
    Lesson 3
    Character History
    24:38
    Each character in Commedia Dell’Arte has a specific and unique history. By exploring the history of main characters in commedia, you’ll have a better understanding of their behaviors and how they are played on stage.
  4. 4
    Lesson 4
    Warm Ups
    20:31
    In this lesson you’ll learn warm ups that will really help you and your students begin to understand the physicalization of the characters of Commedia.
  5. 5
    Lesson 5
    Poses of Arlecchino
    19:35
    Focusing on the character of Arlecchino, you’ll learn some movement exercises that will give you a sense of the crisp, specific physicalization that is required in Commedia Dell’Arte.
  6. 6
    Lesson 6
    Character Walks
    13:49
    In lesson six you’ll learn the specific physicalities and body language of the character Arlecchino and you’ll understand how that affects the character’s psychology. Through descriptions and example videos you’ll learn how to guide your students in an Arlecchino character walk.
  7. 7
    Lesson 7
    Character Walks
    14:58
    You’ll continue to explore the physicalities of Pantalone, Capitano, The Lovers, and Dottore. Todd will guide you through the posture and walks of these various characters through explanation and demonstration videos.
  8. 8
    Lesson 8
    Lazzi
    9:27
    Lazzi is a comic bit based on character. Lazzis spring out of and reveal the essence of the character. In lesson eight, you’ll learn some examples of character-based lazzi and how you can coach your students to perform existing lazzi and develop their own based specifically on character.
  9. 9
    Lesson 9
    Intention/Invention
    6:38
    In lesson nine, you’ll apply what you’ve learned so far to specific scenarios/scenes. With a focus on intention/invention, Todd will guide you through some scenarios incorporating various Commedia characters.
  10. 10
    Lesson 10
    Bringing it all Together
    12:54
    In lesson ten you’ll explore the various Commedia resources that are available to you to help with your continued exploration of Commedia Dell’Arte. You’ll also review how to combine the important information in Commedia II - Style with what you learned in Commedia I - Playing Comedy.
  11. 11
    Lesson 11
    Wrap Up
    4:57

Standards Addressed

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

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

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6

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

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8

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