On December 10th, Rising Stars is holding a TWO WEEK Commedia dell'Arte mini session. Actors will receive four workshops (2 hours each) on this classic and beautiful style of theatre! We'll explore mask making, slap stick comedy, stock characters, clowning, makeup, and over the top performances to help actors understand how to effectively tackle a comedic role. There will be a Monday/Wednesday workshop, Tuesday/Thursday workshop, OR Choose ANY day of the week to couple with a Friday workshop from December 10th to December 21st.


Commedia dell'Arte is a form of theatre characterized by masked "types" which began in Italy in the 16th century and was responsible for the advent of the actress and improvised performances based on sketches or scenarios. The closest translation of the name is "comedy of craft"; it is shortened from commedia dell'arte all'improvviso, or "comedy of the craft of improvisation". Commedia dell'arte was performed by professional actors (comici) who perfected a specific role or mask. The performers played on outside, temporary stages, and relied on various props (robbe) in place of extensive scenery. The better troupes were patronized by nobility, and during carnival period might be funded by the various towns or cities, in which they played. The characters of the commedia usually represent fixed social types, stock characters, such as foolish old men, devious servants, or military officers full of false bravado.

*Understand and use body language to play a comedy role.
*Learn exaggeration, gesture, and movement.
*Explore use of stage space and new ways of getting into a role.