Los Angeles Intensive

Commedia dell'Arte

Whether you are encountering Commedia for the first time or returning to deepen your practice, this intensive offers a rigorous and playful exploration of one of theatre's oldest living traditions.

Overview

An intensive workshop exploring the masks, characters, and physical language of Commedia dell'Arte. Rooted in the Lecoq pedagogy, this five-day immersion covers character analysis, improvisation, rhythm, and the foundational principles of masked performance.

Who this is for

Actors and performers seeking physical theatre training rooted in a living tradition
Returning students who want to deepen their Commedia dell'Arte practice
Theatre-makers curious about masked performance and the Lecoq approach

What you leave with

Understanding of key Commedia dell'Arte characters and their physical signatures
Practical skills in masked improvisation, rhythm, and ensemble play
A deeper relationship with the body as the primary instrument of performance

Session flow

Physical preparation

Each day opens with body work -- breath, rhythm, and spatial awareness to prepare the instrument.

Character and mask work

Progressive exploration of Commedia characters through the mask, from first encounters to improvised scenes.

Ensemble play and integration

Group improvisations that weave the day's discoveries into shared theatrical play.

Bring this workshop to your space

This workshop can be adapted for studios, conservatories, festivals, and training programs. I regularly teach as a guest internationally.

Inquire about guest teaching

Focus Areas

What we explore.

The mechanics of Commedia characters

Improvisation and canovacci

Rhythm, timing, and comic precision

Vocal play and physical instinct