Szpirglas – ADA 3OI
Commedia Connections
Small Group Seminar and Scene Creation
Why Are We Doing This?
The Stock Characters of Commedia dell’Arte travelled throughout European cultures influencing artists
in all mediums. As examples of archetypes, similar characters can also be found in cultures from all over
the world. By finding works from different cultures, mediums and time periods, we can compare the
interpretations of these archetypal characters and better understand how they affect us today.
Learning Goals
I can…
-
Identify archetypal characters
Compare/Contrast them to characters from specific texts
Design a character performance to reflect an archetype
Use the Creative Process and Critical Analysis Process to refine my work
Instructions:
During the Winter Break:
1. Find a character from a published, scripted source (play, film, or television script) that is an
update of one of the Commedia dell’Arte Stock Characters – refer to our Commedia Characters
document and/or World of Commedia video to review your options).
2. Choose an excerpt from a script that highlights the similarities between the character and
Commedia dell’Arte Stock Character.
3. Create a Character Design (costume, props, acting choices) for the character. Consider how you
will present it (powerpoint, prezi, scanned document, etc.)
Januaray 5, 6, and 7
1. Working with a small group, create an entertaining scene using your characters together. Write
a scenario to guide your performance.
2. Rehearse your scene, noting choices, improvements, and changes to the scenario in your logs.
3. Assemble your costumes, props, and tech effects (sound, music, lights, etc.)
January 8 and 9
4. Present your character design and Commedia Comparison to the class (5 minute maximum)
5. Present your group’s scene to the class (10 minute maximum)
MY GROUP MEMBERS:
Szpirglas – ADA 3OI
Success Criteria/Checklist
-
-
Completed Commedia Comparison Chart (3 – 8 traits per column)
Completed Character Design Sheet
Copy of a Script Excerpt (at least 1 page) with a summary of information necessary to
understand it (what kind of script is it – play, film, television -, who are the characters, what has
happened so far, why is that important or interesting?)
Presentation of your design and Commedia Comparison that engages the audience – consider
using powerpoint, presi, or a document camera to share your work.
An entertaining performance showing off the similarities between your group’s characters and
their Commedia dell’Arte ancestors with an introduction, rising action, crisis, and conclusion.
A scenario outline of your group’s scene
3 completed rehearsal logs (January 5, 6, and 7)
REMINDER: Performances are ESSENTIAL LEARNINGS in this course. If you are absent for any reason,
you must make arrangements with your group and teacher for an alternative performance date. Any
absences must be validated with a doctor’s note or equivalent document.
WHERE TO FIND SCRIPTS (other than the Library)
http://www.imsdb.com/ - Star Wars, Frozen (Disney), Mean Girls, Napoleon Dynamite
http://www.simplyscripts.com/ - Big Bang Theory, The Simpsons, The Office
More movie and tv scripts: http://www.script-o-rama.com/
http://shakespeare.mit.edu/ - A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Tempest
Suggested Playwrights:
Bretholt Brecht (Mother Courage and Her Children, St. Joan of the Stockyards), Throton Wilder (Our
Town), Daniel MacIvor (This is a Play), Tomson Highway (Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing)
Szpirglas – ADA 3OI
Commedia Character
Your Chosen Character
Szpirglas – ADA 3OI
CHARACTER PLAN
Character Name:
Dominant Traits:
Goals and Motivation (What does my character want to happen in this scene? 1-2 Sentences):
Props & Costumes (List or sketch, 3 notes minimum):
Acting Notes (Movement, voice, relationship to other characters, Signature move – 3 notes minimum):
Szpirglas – ADA 3OI
Rehearsal Log
Name:
Date:
Instructions: Record what you did in rehearsal under the appropriate category. You should have at least
one entry for each category.
RISK
COMMITMENT
Trying something new or doing something in a
new way
Taking on responsibilities or tasks
SUPPORT
Helping others to be successful
FOCUS
Staying on-task and using time
effectively
Szpirglas – ADA 3OI
Rehearsal Log
Name:
Date:
Instructions: Record what you did in rehearsal under the appropriate category. You should have at least
one entry for each category.
RISK
COMMITMENT
Trying something new or doing something in a
new way
Taking on responsibilities or tasks
SUPPORT
FOCUS
Helping others to be successful
Staying on-task and using time
effectively
Szpirglas – ADA 3OI
Rehearsal Log
Name:
Date:
Instructions: Record what you did in rehearsal under the appropriate category. You should have at least
one entry for each category.
RISK
COMMITMENT
Trying something new or doing something in a
new way
Taking on responsibilities or tasks
SUPPORT
Helping others to be successful
FOCUS
Staying on-task and using time
effectively
Szpirglas – ADA 3OI
Commedia Connections - Drama Rubric – WRITTEN COMPONENT
Categories
Theory/
Understanding
- performance
- rehearsal logs
and observation
- Comparison
Chart
- Character
Design
-Scenario
Expectations
-Demonstrates an understanding of their own and others’
respective functions in collaborative work on a drama (SAFETY
and COLLABORATION – performance and rehearsal).
Achievement
4 3 2 1 R
-always adapts stage position, gestures and actions to
movement and actions of other players (BLOCKING –
rehearsal)
-demonstrates knowledge and understanding of drama
concepts being explored (ARCHETYPAL CHARACTERS –
Comparison Chart and Script Excerpt)
-demonstrates knowledge and understanding of drama
concepts being explored (CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT –
Character Design Sheet)
Thinking/
Inquiry
- Rehearsal logs
- Observation
-demonstrates knowledge and understanding of drama
concepts being explored (SCENARIO – Group Scenario)
-always creates an appropriate response to input from other
characters
-uses the rehearsal process effectively (RISK, COMMITMENT,
SUPPORT, FOCUS)
-contributes significant aspects to the collaborative creation
and rehearsal process (COLLABORATION - Rehearsal logs,
observation)
- stage and blocking is thoroughly explored throughout the
rehearsal process (Rehearsal logs, observation, scenario)
Overall Comments:
4 3 2 1 R
Szpirglas – ADA 3OI
Commedia Connections - Drama Rubric – PERFORMANCE COMPONENT
Communication
- performance
-Communicates by using the principles and elements of
movement, facial expressions, vocal clarity and stylized body
expressions (ARCHETYPAL CHARACTER - performance).
4 3 2 1 R
-captivates the audience and clarifies ideas consistently
through the management of both stage position/use and
movement/blocking (STAGE USE AND BLOCKING – Scenario
and performance)
Application
- performance
-Proper execution of Scenario (plot points, gags, signature
move) (EXECUTION – performance)
-performs the role with concentration and focus (e.g., not
talking to peer, speaking or acting out of character, fidgeting)
(FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION)
-enhances the expression of the character’s feelings, thoughts
and attitudes by using body movement, facial expressions and
vocal choices (EXECUTION - performance)
-enhances character through the use of costumes and props
(COSTUMES/PROPS)
Overall Comments:
4 3 2 1 R