Introduction to Commedia dell'Arte

This class will explore the deep improvisational history of Europe's first professional performers, and the ancestors of modern improv, sketch comedy, circus and Vaudeville. We start with fundamentals of Mask technique and movement, then translate this into exploring the character archetypes and character games, and develop short scenes through improv that could turn into sketches or scenarios, but which will enhance any player's sense of character and how characters create structure onstage.