ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR TEACHING COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE
How to Introduce Masks, Movement, Lazzi & Physical Theatre in the Drama Classroom
If you’re teaching Commedia dell’Arte for the first time, this video gives you the essential tools to start your unit effectively — without overwhelming your students or falling into common teaching pitfalls.
Many teachers begin with theory or character research, but the most powerful place to begin is the mask itself. Students learn Commedia best through physicality, improvisation, lazzi, and embodied exploration, not through memorising stock character descriptions.
⭐ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS VIDEO
✔️ Why you should start with the mask instead of research
✔️ How to introduce Commedia masks respectfully
✔️ Why shy students sometimes excel in mask work
✔️ Which students may prefer unmasked characters
✔️ How to structure short Commedia skits using lazzi
✔️ The importance of audience interaction (no fourth wall!)
✔️ Why simple dialogue works best for beginners
✔️ How to create an engaging, physical Commedia classroom
These tips come directly from Tony Kishawi, author of Teaching Commedia dell’Arte in Schools and founder of Commedia Unmasked, Australia’s leading supplier of Commedia masks and training resources.
⭐ RESOURCES MENTIONED
📖 Tony Kishawi’s Book
Teaching Commedia dell’Arte in Schools
➡️ https://commediaunmasked.com/shop/
🎭 Professional Commedia Masks (Australian-Made)
Durable, classroom-ready masks by Steve Novac
➡️ https://commediaunmasked.com/shop/
🌐 Website
📧 Contact Tony Kishawi
Workshops, school incursions & PD for teachers:
➡️ info@commediaunmasked.com
