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Class Plan #4
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Exercise
#1
Plot / Counter Plot.
Use this class to play with
the following improv as a preview to having the students
write their own Commedia piece.
Objectives: (Including
the ones in Class #3 above.)
1) Develop and maintain good
listening skills.
2) To enjoy simplicity.
This is a variation on the
"instructions" improv from Class #2 and is played
in groups of six. Pantalone wants something. He
plots to get it with the help of Dottore. They hire
Capitano to carry out the plot. Arlecchino over hears
the plot from a secret hiding spot. He devises a
counter plot to ruin Pantalone's plans. He enlists the
help of either Brighella or Columbina. They in turn enlist
the help of Tartaglia who is left alone on stage to mix it
all up. Lazzis are essentially entrances and exits
where your personal signature is played out. Then the
scene occurs. The scenes breakdown like this;
Pantalone enters talking
about something he/she wants. (More
money, power, etc.) Arlecchino is hiding and
spying on Pantalone. Pantalone tells us what it
is and then tries to think of a way to get it. He
can't quite figure it out so he calls for Dottore who
enters. Pantalone tells Dottore what he wants and asks
for help in getting it. Dottore comes up with a plot
to get it. (This should be a
diabolical plot.) They
call for Capitano who enters. Pantalone explains what
he wants and tells Capitano the plot. Capitano boasts
about how simple it will be. Pantalone and Dottore
exit satisfied that they have the perfect plan.
Capitano continues to brag to the audience. Arlecchino
distracts and tricks Capitano into leaving. Arlecchino
then comes out from hiding and is upset about the
plot. Arlecchino repeats the plot to the audience and
tells them how horrible it is and then comes up with a
counter plot to foil Pantalone's plan. He needs help
so he calls Brighella or Columbina who enters.
Arlecchino first explains Pantalone's plot then his counter
plot. The other servant is equally horrified at the
plot and then happy at the counter plot. They agree to
help. They repeat the counter plot to Arlecchino who then
exits satisfied that he has the perfect plan.
Brighella or Columbina then repeat the counter plot to the
audience but change it a little so that they get something
for themselves out of the deal. (More
meals, better work position, etc.) They call
Tartaglia who enters nervously. Brighella or Columbina
first tell Tartaglia the original plot and then their
version of the counter plot. After Tartaglia repeats
the counter plot correctly Brighella or Columbina exit
satisfied that he/she has the perfect plot.
Tartaglia is left alone on stage and tries to remember the
counter plot but can't. Tartaglia mixes both plots
together and then exits satisfied that he has the correct
version.
Notes:
1)
Keep the plot and counter plot as simple as possible.
2)
Listen and remember what you are told. Accept the plot
and do not block the improv. This is key to keeping it
simple.
3)
Remember that the comedy is in the characters' reactions and
their physical play not necessarily the dialogue.
4)
If the student is stuck for a 'signature' then give them
suggestions that are physical. For example;
Pantalone enters counting the money in his money bag by
either singing or doing the 'money' dance. He/she
enters complaining of an ailment such as a trick knee, back
pain, etc. Arlecchino enters always announcing himself
the same way or jumps through the door or cartwheels, or
runs into the room and passes the person who calls him
forcing him to stop and look around thinking that no one is
there. Brighella enters always eating something.
Each character has something that is based in their
personality.
End of Class #4
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