Wed 29 January 2025
16:00-17:00 (GMT)
(11:00 New York/21:30 Mumbai) Check world times for this event by clicking here.
Cost: FREE
1 hour online CPD for drama teachers
BONUS: Detailed scheme of work included
Lifetime access to the replay
delivered in association with We Teach Drama
Booking: FULLY BOOKED - but you can get access to the replay by emailing We Teach Drama:
“I was blown away and am incredibly happy I signed up for the course. Very practical. Very clear. Very visual and engaging. So much useful information... I highly recommend!”
This FREE hour webinar will explore a range of Commedia characters through practical exercises, plus will include a bonus powerpoint with a scheme of work.
Cheryl will focus on the play text A Servant of Two Masters and the session ideas will be suitable for 13 years and upwards.
The session also has connections to:
Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing
Dario Fo’s Accidental Death of an Anarchist
Devising techniques
Slapstick comedy, silent comedy and mime
Suitable for beginner and experienced teachers to attend.
Top 3 Take Aways
Deepen your historical knowledge of this rich genre
Develop confidence to teach the movement and conventions of the form
Learn devices to help your students practically explore comedy and characterisation to enhance their written responses.
Commedia is brilliant for students and performers at any level. It is essential in every actor’s kit bag. In an educational setting, it is fantastically fun, engaging and confidence boosting.
Working with masks empowers students to stretch their abilities and take risks to be bold and comic. Commedia challenges students to explore physical and vocal extremes, fostering creativity and versatility. It provides a repertoire of gesture and movement that can allow an instant transformation into character that is invaluable for any character work - on stage or on screen.
Commedia dell’Arte is a cornerstone of global theatre. For 200 years, it was the most prevalent form of theatre throughout Europe and is as relevant today, as it was in the 16th century.
“A precise and detailed workshop infused with positive energy. Very inspiring!”
About Commedia dell’Arte:
Commedia dell’Arte is a 16th century comic style, born in Italy, featuring masked and unmasked characters. Known as the first ‘professional’ acting style, the influence of this important theatrical form can be traced through Elizabethan drama, French farce, opera, ballet, mime, silent movies and throughout the history of comedy. Commedia dell’Arte is taught in many drama schools as a movement foundation for all styles of acting. It is a brilliantly inclusive style that will stretch and challenge every student.
About the Workshop Leader:
Cheryl Stapleton is a performer, director, and theatre teacher with over 30 years of expertise in commedia dell'arte and physical comedy. Trained under John Rudlin at Centre Sèlavy, at École Philippe Gaulier and at Antonio Fava's Scuola Internazionale dell’Attore Comico. A Brunel University Drama graduate and trained dancer, Cheryl founded Learning Through Theatre in 2013, and is now internationally recognised for her performance-education to schools, universities, and institutions worldwide. She delivers text specific workshops on A Servant of Two Masters and Accidental Death of an Anarchist.