Title
The Weird and Wonderful World of Commedia

Workshop description
An introductory crash course for teachers looking for approaches to practically exploring this tradition. We will create character shapes, learn a little ‘bit’ about lazzis, and share some easily accessible resources that will support you in the classroom.

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

• gain an overview and understanding of the context and conventions of Commedia dell’arte
• practice approaches to creating stock characters through movement and voice
• explore working with multilingual performers
• share ideas for implementing in teaching practice

Target audience
All teachers of theatre and drama
Level: Introductory

Malina Patel

I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada but have been lucky to have lived in Thailand, Uzbekistan,Tanzania, Ukraine and India – working as a drama teacher while exploring new places and fascinating cultures. I completed a BFA in Acting and a B.Ed in Drama and English, and then worked as a professional stage manager for various Canadian theatre companies before my international adventures began.

I have been an IB DP Theatre teacher and examiner for many years; but as an artist, I see myself as a writer, director, performer, teacher, learner, and social justice advocate. Theatre allows me to explore and experiment in all of these roles. I am also currently a proud member of the ISTA Board of Trustees.

Commedia is a wonderful way into so many aspects of teaching theatre, from building character to improvisation, from freeing the body to freeing the voice. It’s because of this accessibility that I have been teaching units on Commedia dell’arte for many years, primarily to students from grades 9-12.

Event coordinator
Sophie Galton: sophie@ista.co.uk

Workshop timings

Region 1: Europe & Asia
Thursday 7th April 2022
10:00 am – 11:30 am British Summer Time (BST)
11:00 am – 12:30 pm Central European Summer Time (CEST)
4:00pm – 5:30pm Indo China Time (ICT)
5:00pm – 6:30pm Singapore Standard Time (SST)

Region 2 : Americas & Europe
Thursday 7th April 2022
7:00am – 8:30am Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
10:00am – 11:30 am Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
3:00pm – 4:30pm British Summer Time (BST)
4:00pm – 5:30pm Central European Summer Time (CEST)
9:00pm – 10:30 pm Indo China Time (ICT)

The workshop will take place on Zoom.
Joining instructions will be emailed to participants 24 hours before the event.
Some familiarity with Google Drive, Google Docs etc. would be helpful, but is not a requirement.

Places are limited to 25 participants

The cost of this/these sessions is GBP £35 per person for ISTA members and GBP £40 per person for non members.

Please note that once booked and invoiced the registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable as per our event terms and conditions.

Any materials shared with you prior to the workshop, such as the workbook. A notebook and pencil are always useful.

Space requirements
If possible, please try to have a small amount of space near to you for any practical work.