The Commedia Characters
COMMEDIA DELL'ARTE translates to what? (Hint: ________ of the ________- look back at what this term looks or sounds like)
What is COMEDY OF THE ARTS?
Improv is a type of acting done without a ______ or rehearsals. (hint- 6 letters, starts with an "s")
What is a SCRIPT?
Describe ONE rule or expectation in class that Ms. Pearce has.
IDEAS: No food/gum/phones, stay open-minded in class, maintain voice levels as shown, follow with call and responses, keep the class and others safe, come in prepared, etc.
THIS is the IMAGINARY wall in front of the audience that actors usually don't acknowledge (unless they are Narrators) that shouldn't be broken.
What is the FOURTH WALL?
Tell me ONE character in Commedia, and describe ONE characteristic of them.
IDEAS: Pantalone- Money hungry, Vecchi group; Arlecchino- Clown, Zanni group; Isabella/Flavio- Romantic/lover; Innamorati group
This is a method in improv that focuses on the importance of showing actions with movements over saying it with dialogue (HINT: ______ over ________)
What is SHOW OVER TELL?
What are TWO things you should never have in class, as discussed on the first days of school?
1. Gum/food (unless you talk with me about your circumstance)
2. PHONES (under NO circumstances)
THIS is described as a method in which you need to maintain your composure as a character (without laughing for example) to stay present in the scene.
WHAT IS NOT BREAKING CHARACTER?
DOUBLE JEOPARDY QUESTION!
THIS is a short, pre-made joke used in storylines for Commedia Dell'Arte performances.
What is a LAZZI?
THIS is a method in which you accept an offer/idea from your scene partner and add to it.
What is the "YES, AND" method?
What does RESPECT look like? What does respect NOT look like in the classroom?
- DOESN'T LOOK LIKE- Horseplay, talking while others talk/perform, being rude towards other's opinions, leaving the classroom in ruins and disrespecting the space, etc.
Define what "cheating out" your body means in theatre.
CHEATING OUT= A technique in which actors angle their bodies (shoulders, feet) towards the audience
There are THREE types Commedia Characters. What are all 3?
1. Zanni (Servants/Clowns), 2. Vecchi (Masters/Villains), 3. Innamorati (Lovers)
What is the best thing to do in this scenario: You start an improv scene and freeze/the scene goes quiet?
IDEAS: Make up a new thing to discuss, find a way to wrap up the scene, etc.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY QUESTION!
In order to leave the classroom (except for emergencies), you must write WHAT?
What is a SMARTPASS?
What has been your FAVORITE theatre game to play or learn about so far? WHY? (EVERYONE MUST ANSWER for points)
YOU ANSWER...
What is the difference between an archetype and stereotype?
ARCHETYPES are pre-made characters (like a king/queen) that describe a type of person without negative connotations, whereas STEREOTYPES are pre-made characters that have a harmful opinion or idea towards a person (like a "dumb" blonde stereotype).
Name ONE organization/group/show that conducts improvisation. (HINT- We watched a few videos from some of these groups)
WHAT IS: Whose Line is it Anyways?, Saturday Night Live, Key & Peele, Groundlings, etc.
(ANY are acceptable answers)
FREE SPACE- Thumbs up, middle, or down... How are you doing today?
YOU ANSWER...
What role would you MOST want to be in theatre? WHY? (Actor, Director, Designer)
YOU ANSWER... (You will receive points for the whole group as long as everyone says a response)