The Art of Comedy - Commedia dell’Arte
Course Leader: Cheryl Parmenter
One Day Course: Saturday 16th January 2015
10.30am-5.30pm
Venue: ‘The Sewing Room’, The Rag Factory, 16-18 Heneage St, off Brick Lane, London E1
5LJ
About the Course: The Art of Comedy was mastered many years ago, in Renaissance Italy,
by the actors of the Commedia dell’Arte. This is an opportunity to explore the influence and
comic techniques of this classic masked theatre style through an intense physical day of
play with the archetypal characters and comic slapstick routines. The workshop covers:
 the movement, mannerisms and behaviours of the stock characters
 origins and development of characters and the form
 the key principles of mask work
 audience interaction
 comic techniques
 devising scenarios using spontaneous improvisation
This one day course will involve intensive physical theatre. It is an entirely practical day. All
participants should have a good basic level of fitness as mask work requires high energy for
extended lengths of time. The emphasis will be on creating a relaxed atmosphere where you
can work at your own pace. Come with an open mind, a sense of humour and you will leave
inspired, refreshed and equipped with a new skill set.
Certificates of attendance will be provided for CPD purposes.
About the Course Leader: Cheryl Parmenter has been working with Commedia dell’Arte for
over 20 years and has worked internationally wi th the form as an actress, director and
teacher. Cheryl trained with leading experts including Antonio Fava, Philippe Gaulier, John
Rudlin, Michael Chase and Olly Crick. She is a qualified secondary teacher and holds a BA
Hons degree in Drama from Brunel. Cheryl’s passion for teaching physical theatre and
comedy led her to set up Learning Through Theatre through which she delivers workshops
nationwide.
What to bring: Water, comfortable clothes to move in and soft movement shoes or light
trainers. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day but you will need to provide
your own lunch. The venue is just off Brick Lane so in close proximity to a number of places
to get food.
Timings: Please arrive between 10am and 10.15am to warm up independently.
Lunch will be 1.30pm-2.30pm. We will take a short break mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Location: Heneage Street is just off the Whitechapel end of Brick Lane. The nearest tube is
Aldgate East. It’s about a five minute walk from there.
www.learningthroughtheatre.co.uk
BOOKING FORM
The Art of Comedy: Commedia dell’Arte
Sat 16th Jan, 10.30am-5.30pm
First Name:
Occupation:
Address:
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Tel:
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What would you like to get from this course?
I would like to book _______ place(s) for this one-day course
Course Fee: The fee is £75 per participant. Concessions (students, over 60, disabled) £65.
20% Early Bird Booking discount on full price (by 30th Nov 2015) - £60.
Payment: Please complete and return this booking form with your purchase order, cheque or
BACS confirmation. An official invoice will be dispatched, if required. Your booking will be
fully confirmed on receipt of the payment and booking form. Receipts will be issued.
BOOKING DECLARATION
(Complete/delete as appropriate)
I enclose a cheque payment for the course of £
I will pay by BACS £
payable to Cheryl Parmenter
Lloyds Bank
Cheryl Parmenter
Sort: 30-98-29
Acc: 69 89 40 60
Ref: Your initial and surname
The Purchase Order Number (if relevant) is
/ No
Invoice required? Yes
PHOTOGRAPHIC CONSENT
I am in the process of developing my freelance business and I would like to take pictures during the
workshop for me to use for publicity purposes.
I consent to being photographed on 16th Jan while taking part in the workshop. I further authorise
that the photographs may be used by Learning Through Theatre for publicity purposes online and in
print
Signature ……….…………………...………….................. Date .………………………..
(typed name is acceptable if emailing)
www.learningthroughtheatre.co.uk
CANCELLATION AGREEMENT
A cancellation of your booking must be made in writing or by email to Cheryl Parmenter
at Learning Through Theatre to be received as soon as possible.
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If you make a cancellation 8 or more days before the start of the course any fees paid will be
returned minus an administration fee of £5.
If you make a cancellation 7 days (or less) before the start of the course, or if you fail to attend
on the day, the full course fees will be payable and are non-refundable.
Cancellation fees apply regardless of whether any payments have yet been received.
In the unlikely event that Learning Through Theatre needs to cancel the course, we reserve the
right to do so and any course fees will be returned in full.
Please return this booking form to:
cheryl@learningthroughtheatre.co.uk
Learning Through Theatre,
6 Fairview Close, Watledge,
Nailsworth, GL6 0AX
Telephone: 07932 067585
www.learningthroughtheatre.co.uk