The Commedia dell’ Arte: Traditional Training for Performers
Pre-requisite: None, open to Theatre and non-Theatre majors with instructor consent
Language requirement: None, as all courses will be taught in English. Any knowledge of Italian, however, will be useful.
Wintersession 2008: Trip to the Accademia dell’ Arte in Arezzo, Italy
Dates: December 30th- January 13th
Commedia dell’ Arte style and technique took European theatre by storm in the 16th century, and they continue to influence much of contemporary entertainment. Stock characters, farcical scenarios, and physical comedy can all be traced to Commedia innovations. Today, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, sits the Accademia Dell’ Arte, Italy’s leading performing arts academy specializing in actor training in the Commedia dell’ Arte style. The school’s international faculty has designed a comprehensive program designed to challenge and improve students in the areas of acting, voice, movement and singing. Daily workshops will include focused study in traditional Commedia performance style, scenario development, and characterizations, followed by nightly performance opportunities to reinforce and demonstrate the days’ work.
The Accademia sits atop a hill on the outskirts of Arezzo, Italy, a walled Roman-era city that retains the charm, architecture, and artistic vitality of times past. Home made Italian meals, weekend trips to top cultural sites in Florence (including a viewing of Michelangelo’s David at the The Gallery of the Accademia di Belle Arti), and high level performance training make this trip a can’t-miss opportunity for students interested in artistic and cultural growth.
The total cost of this trip will be approximately $ 2,500. This includes airfare and accommodations.
For more information, contact Professor David McDonald, Department of Theatre, dmcdonal@wagner.edu, Tel: (718) 390.3325.
Accompanying Staff: Letty Romero, Office of Residence Life
