Students are introduced to, analyze, and explore the history, characters, and style of Commedia dell’arte. Commedia Dell’Arte is a theatre history unit mixed with improvisation, physicalization, and exploring specific characters.
In this unit, we’re going to focus on three main aspects:
(1) Causes and Effects of Commedia (History), (2) Stock Characters, (3) Commedia Performance Practices.
The unit culminates in a commedia performance. A rubric is included for the project as long as journal prompts and exit slips. Please refer to the Pacing Guide for more details and ways to supplement with other DTA materials.
Standards Addressed
National Core Arts Standards
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Pr4.1.HSI.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade HS Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
TH:Pr5.1.6.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
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
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Common Core
Speaking and Listening
Language
Language
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cr1.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Pr4.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
Prof.TH:Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Pr5.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Cr2.b - Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3.b - Identify effective physical and vocal traits of characters in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
Prof.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Acc.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Historical & Global Connections
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
Skills, Techniques & Processes
TH.912.S.1.6 - Respond appropriately to directorial choices for improvised and scripted scenes.
TH.912.S.2.4 - Sustain a character or follow technical cues in a production piece to show focus.
TH.912.S.2.8 - Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
TH.912.S.3.3 - Develop acting skills and techniques in the rehearsal process.
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Creating
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Performing
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Connecting
North Carolina Essential Standards
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
B.C.1.2 - Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Analysis
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.1.2 - Use voice to create character dialects.
A.C.1.3 - Use constructive criticism to improve original works both written and read orally.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.D - develop an understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
C.1.E - identify theatrical vocabulary and terminology, including basic anatomy of theatre spaces.
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.B - imagine and clearly describe characters, their relationships, and their surroundings.
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.A - identify and apply audience etiquette at all performances.
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.B - develop and apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.C - create expressive and rhythmic movements.
B.1.D - develop an increased understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.C - select movements and dialogue to portray a character appropriately.
B.2.D - create stories collaboratively and individually that have dramatic structure.
B.2.E - apply knowledge of effective voice and diction techniques to express thoughts and feelings.
B.2.G - create improvised scenes that include setting, character, and plot.
MS 117.212 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.212 LII - Critical evaluation and response
B.5.A - understand and demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette at various types of performances.
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.B - explore preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.C - create expressive movement and mime to define space and characters.
B.1.D - demonstrate an increased understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.B - portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.
MS 117.213 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.B - develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
C.1.D - develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.B - relate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
C.2.B - explore creativity as it relates to self and ensemble.
HS 117.316 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - analyze historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.316 LII - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.A - evaluate and apply appropriate audience etiquette at various types of performances.
C.5.C - offer and receive constructive criticism of peer performances.
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - employ safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
HS 117.317 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.317 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
C.2.B - demonstrate creativity as it relates to self and ensemble and its effect on audience.
C.2.E - create individually or devise collaboratively imaginative scripts and scenarios.
HS 117.318 LIV - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
Alberta, Canada
Speech Drama 10
1 - demonstrate vocal relaxation and warmup techniques
10 - demonstrate safe and appropriate projection
13 - speak spontaneously within a given context
2 - apply effective breathing techniques
3 - recognize the effect of good posture on voice
5 - recognize how the jaw, lips, tongue, teeth and velum play an important role in articulation
Speech Drama 20
18 - demonstrate that spoken interpretation is affected by characterization
20 - apply movement and gesture to clarify and enhance spoken interpretation
21 - apply previously learned speech skills to characterization and presentation
Improvisation Drama 10
1 - use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
12 - create, relate and polish a story
15 - initiate a dramatic situation in response to a given stimulus
20 - critique the work of self and others through observation and expression of specific detail
23 - use varied stimuli for character development
25 - select and use language appropriate to character and situation
26 - use body language to add physical dimensions and depth to a character
29 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concept of status
3 - maintain concentration during exercises
30 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concepts of a character’s objectives and motivation
Improvisation Drama 20
33 - sustain a single character in a variety of situations
34 - demonstrate the techniques of sharing, giving and taking focus
36 - integrate improvisational skills learned, in planned and spontaneous improvisations
Acting Drama 30
18 - use various vocal skills to enhance characterization
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
21 - create appropriate stage business
22 - display appropriate character relationships with all other characters in a scene
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Movement Drama 10
10 - demonstrate focus, concentration and energy in all movement and gesture
15 - use basic locomotor movements (eg. walking, running, crawling) to explore space
16 - create and repeat patterns of movement
18 - appreciate that physical expression can enhance language
3 - recognize the necessity for physical warmups
5 - demonstrate effective breathing techniques
Playwriting - Drama 20
12 - construct a scene with two contrasting characters
13 - give and accept constructive criticism
6 - identify character types and their functions and attributes
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
33 - critique the work of self and others through observation of specific details
Junior Goal II Objectives
develop the body and voice as tools of communication
explore specific techniques demanded by various dramatic forms
Junior Orientation
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable, physically and emotionally, with others
focus concentration on one task at a time
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
investigate a variety of roles and situations
meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
recognize that there is an historical and cultural aspect of drama/theatre
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
share ideas confidently with others
show awareness of story sequence
speak, move, and generate ideas spontaneously
Movement Level I - Beginning
1 - demonstrate understanding of and apply appropriate safety procedures
11 - use directions and pathways
17 - use movement to communicate non-verbally
2 - demonstrate awareness of personal and shared space
4 - recognize the need for and demonstrate warmup activities
7 - demonstrate awareness of his or her own body and its movement potential
9 - travel through space in a variety of ways e.g., running, creeping and jumping
Movement Level II - Intermediate
21 - display clarity of movement and gesture
Movement Level III - Advanced
28 - coordinate movement and movement patterns with other students
Speech Level I - Beginning
2 - use vocal relaxation and warm-up techniques
3 - use effective breathing techniques
6 - use volume appropriate to situation
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
Speech Level II - Intermediate
14 - use a variety of character voices
9 - use volume, articulation and projection to achieve clarity
Speech Level III - Advanced
15 - demonstrate the effect of character on oral interpretation
16 - use movement and gesture to clarify and enhance speech and character
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
2 - respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
9 - communicate a clear beginning, middle and end in spontaneous and planned scenes
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
13 - recognize the techniques of offering, accepting, advancing and blocking
14 - use varied stimuli for character development
15 - use the body and body language to enhance characterization
17 - select and use language appropriate to a given character and situation
18 - use voice variety to enhance a character
20 - enter and exit in character
21 - sustain a character throughout an exercise or scene
22 - create business appropriate to character and situation
23 - demonstrate understanding of character motivation
24 - recognize that relationships exist between characters in given situations
Junior Goal I Objectives
develop a sense of responsibility and commitment
develop the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
develop the ability to interact effectively and constructively in a group process
develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
extend the ability to explore, control and express emotions
Theatre Studies Level 1 - Beginning (performance analysis)
1 - demonstrate understanding of the need for analysis of the work of self and others
Theatre Studies Level II - Intermediate (Theatre History)
Senior Goal I Objectives
apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations
demonstrate a sense of inquiry and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate the ability to considered decisions, act upon them and accept the results
demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
develop a positive and realistic self-image
extend physical and vocal capabilities
Senior Goal II Objectives
develop techniques that enhance vocal and physical communication
Senior Goal III Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
concentrate on the task at hand
cope with success and failure in positive ways
demonstrate behaviour appropriate to given circumstances
demonstrate effective use and management of time
demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable with others, physically and emotionally
display consideration and respect for self and others
make effective decisions or choices
offer and accept constructive criticism with a desire to progress
positively support the work of others
solve problems imaginatively and creatively
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through the arts
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through the arts
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Interpret works of art using knowledge and skills from various areas of learning
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists’ intentions
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
Collaborate through reciprocal relationships during creative processes
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
Develop performance skills in a variety of contexts
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Apply feedback to develop and refine ideas
Describe, analyze, and respond using drama-specific language
Examine the influences of social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal context on drama
Reflect on dramatic experiences and how they relate to a specific place, time, and context
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas
Reflect on aesthetic experiences and how they relate to a specific place, time, and context
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Evaluate the social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal contexts of dramatic works
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works
Reflect on aesthetic experiences and how they relate to a specific place, time, and context
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.1 - The student will create and write a monologue and/or scene.
TI.2 - The student will apply a creative process for theatre.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.12 - The student will refine physical and vocal techniques for theatre performance
TI.13 - The student will demonstrate techniques for actor preparation.
TI.14 - The student will demonstrate theatrical direction, including blocking and staging a scene.
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
TII.5 - The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
TII.6 - The student will explore historical and cultural aspects of theatrical works.
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
TII.12 - The student will refine physical and vocal techniques for theatre performance.