Workshop in the Culture at School Program – Directory of Culture-Education Resources.
This workshop introduces participants to the art of acting with masks in the Commedia dell’Arte tradition, a legendary theater style that is at the heart of theater in the West. After a brief history, participants discover, through various games and physical exercises, the main characters of this theatrical genre: Harlequin, Pantalone, Doctor, Capitan, Brighella and Tartaglia, without forgetting Pierrot and Colombine.
Follows then a work with the mask in an exploration of improvised scenes. To complete this workshop, the students design and present in small groups short sketches from canvas of the commedia dell’arte. A notebook on the commedia dell’arte and canvas are offered to the teacher to allow him to continue with his students the adventure of commedia dell’arte. As soon as the workshop is confirmed, a cardboard mask making kit will be available for teachers wishing to allow their students to work with their mask without risk of contamination.
True success with young people, the workshop was presented more than 1000 times through the Quebec school network. More than 30,000 students from across Quebec were able to participate in this introduction to Italian comedy.
Duration of the workshop: 2h30 (can be separated in 2 blocks of 1h15)
Number of participants maximum: 30
Workshop designed for high school and CÉGEP students
Available in all regions of Quebec (transportation or accommodation fees may apply)
A 1h30 workshop on Italian comedy and masked play is also available for elementary students.
A workshop on the clown is also available for elementary school.
Contact: Gabriel De Santis-Caron, workshop coordinator, 514-273-1313 #3