Masks are available for purchase by teachers. You can see samples in the Mask Gallery.

                                  Class Plan #1   Class Plan #2   Class Plan #3   Class Plan #4  Class Plan #5   

               Half Mask and Lazzis

From 1550 to 1750, commedia dell’arte dominated the stages of western Europe. Troupes of performers traveled from town to town entertaining audiences with their spirited, improvised comedies. 

A familiar scenario or running order of scenes pinned to the curtain backstage would suffice for a skilled commedia actor. Such characters as Arlecchino, Brighella, Pantalone, Dottore, Capitano and Columbina became household names. So popular did the commedia become that it moved beyond Italy’s borders to neighbouring countries influencing the work of Shakespeare and Moliere.

The workshop deals with six of the stock characters.  It is emphasized that the students should find a modern reference for themselves in order to understand the energy and stock personality.  For example;  some students often relate Pantalone with Mr. Burns from The Simpsons.  The female students are also encouraged to find the female counterpart rather than crossing sex and playing a male character.

The beginning warm-up involves the teaching of the seven levels of energy and vocal work.  We discuss which energy levels are essential for the Commedia work.

The students are then given a chance to experience the masks (which are made and brought by me) and then improvise a short scenario using various lazzis which the students make up for themselves.  Although some teachers prefer to use stock lazzi openings such as, an acrobatic entrance, I prefer to allow the students to find their own personal physical "signature" for each character.

This work prepares the students to work with a scenario called, "Plot/Counter Plot."  Pantalone wants something.  He conspires with Il Dottore to get it through an evil plot.  They commission El Capitano to carry it out.  Arlecchino overhears this from a secret hiding spot and devises a counter plot to thwart them.  He relates the plot and then counter plot to Brighella who then alters the counterplot to get what he wants out of the deal.  He then tells Tartaglia the plot and his counterplot.  Tartaglia then mixes the plot and counter plot up.

Although the workshop can be taught to a class with small numbers in one session, it is best taught over a two or three day period.  This allows the students to absorb the information and overcome their reluctance, or in some cases, fear of wearing the mask.

Commedia style half masks are available for purchase by teachers and should be ordered at least three weeks in advance of the workshop.

return to teacher's lounge

Return Home