Unit

Commedia dell'Arte

Created by Todd Espeland

14 lessons commedia

Commedia dell’arte is a 16th century masked acting form. It is the basis of all comedy, including all tv sitcoms. This form is characterized by masked types and archetypical characters and a specific way of playing comedy. To that end, this unit is divided into two parts.

Part One focuses on the foundations of commedia - playing comedy. These principles will be important to learn when it comes to developing commedia characters, specifically the physicality of the characters. Part Two will cover lazzi.

Note: there are links to video demos in many of the lessons of this unit.

Start here

The overview lays out the unit into two parts; as well as describes and lists the video demonstrations and pacing guide for the unit.

1
Lesson 1

Status

This lesson introduces the first tool: status. Students will physically perform high and low status through status walks.
- Status Walks Video Demo
- Status Party Video Demo
2
Lesson 2

Status Games

In this lesson students further explore status and using status to communicate physically through a variety of games. Students are also introduced to the game “Do It Get It Done” which will be re-visited throughout the unit.
3
Lesson 3

Appetite

This lesson introduces the second tool: appetite. An appetite is a primal need that drives a character in a scene.
- Impulse Improv Video Demo
4
Lesson 4

Swing

be important later on when it comes to applying the Commedia Dell’arte style to characters and lazzi. This lesson introduces the third tool: swing. Swing is the idea that a comedic character can move between two emotions, or two needs,immediately.
- Laugh Cry Video Demo
- Do it Swing Video Demo
5
Lesson 5

Intention/Invention

This lesson introduces the fourth tool: intention/invention. Intention is what a character wants (it can also be called their need). Invention is the thing they need to invent to get their need.
- Do it Intention Video Demo
6

Lesson 6

Mid-Unit Assignment

The mid-unit assignment requires students to prepare, rehearse, and memorize a scene using the tools learned in Part One of the unit.
7
Lesson 7

History of Commedia

This lesson presents the history of Commedia; where it came from and introduces the main characters. It comes with a viewing quiz and reflection.
- History of Commedia Slide Presentation
8
Lesson 8

Commedia Characters

This lesson focuses on the characters of Commedia including who they are, what they’re like and places that we can see them in modern society.
- Character History
9
Lesson 9

Character Personality

In this lesson students will start to physicalize Commedia characters by introducing the Character Zero concept, the Character Hop, and the poses of Arlecchino.
- Hops Video Demo
- Poses Video Demo
10
Lesson 10

Character Walks

In this lesson, students will see a demonstration of two character walks and practice those walks.
- Arlecchino Video Demo
- Pantalone Video Demo
11
Lesson 11

Character Walks: Part Two

In this lesson, students will see a demonstration of three character walks and practice those walks.
12

Lesson 12

Lazzi

In this lesson, students will be introduced to lazzi. Lazzi are solo comic beats to show off a character and their needs. Students will then create and perform a solo lazzi.
13

Lesson 13

Status and Swing in Character

In this lesson, students apply previously learned comedy elements of status and swing to Commedia characters.
14

Lesson 14

Final Assignment

There are two possible assignments for this unit. One that will take a week of class time, including performances and one that can be completed in a class period.