Commedia dell'Arte is a form of Italian theater that emerged in the 16th century and became popular throughout Europe. It is known for its improvisational style and the use of stock characters, each with distinct costumes, masks, and personalities. The performances were typically unscripted, with actors relying on a general plot outline and improvising the dialogue and action. The characters would find themselves in humorous, often exaggerated situations, leading to physical comedy and slapstick. 

This class will introduce students to this classic form of theatre. They will learn what it is, learn some of the common stock characters in knowledge and practice, create their own masks, and eventually run circuits or scenes with all these crazy characters and see how they interact with one another. 

Students will be walking away from the workshop with: 

1. A firm basis of understanding of what Commedia is, where it came from, and a recognizable idea of the stock characters presented. 

2. The understanding that there’s power in the body! Your body is your instrument and your friend. Stop being in your head so much. Put it into the space! 

3. The basis of a Commedia mask of a character the student has interest in and can finish at home at a later time. A project to show their friends and family and a tool to use to become the character again if desired