Commedia

When we think of Commedia dell’arte, we often think “mask.” But before we get to mask, it’s important to establish the foundation. Knowing the technical elements of playing comedy are essential before adding on the layers of mask, archetypal characters, and Lazzi. This lesson plan looks at one of the cornerstone tools for playing comedy: status. Status is at the heart of Commedia dell’arte. Students will explore high and low status through the game called Status Walks.

Students begin their exploration of commedia dell’arte with some facts about the era and participate in some exercises that realize the concepts of the era.

Perfect for an Emergency Lesson Plan. Students will read and respond to a Commedia Dell’Arte Handout. They will then reflect on what it would be like to have been a Commedia actor, the similarities and differences between Commedia and modern acting, and which type of acting they would prefer.

Students learn about different commedia lazzi and create their own.

Students continue their exploration of commedia dell’arte by practicing the specific character walks of Arlecchino, Pantalone, and Capitano.

Students continue their exploration of commedia dell’arte with an introduction to “stock characters” and learning how to implement a character walk.

Students will be able to take everything they’ve explored about commedia and create a simple scene.