Class Type Online, 1-on-1 Experience
Dates Open
Times Open
Location Wherever you are!
Instructor David Bridel
Cost $499 (discounts for previous Clown School participants)

“I really enjoyed the readings and exercises…I now feel I have a solid foundation to begin my own clown teaching practice thanks to the breadth, depth and generosity of this course.” AS, Dublin

The Clown School is now offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the teaching of Commedia dell’Arte, the elusive and extraordinary masked discipline that provides the foundation for so much in the world of comedy, character, farce, satire, and improvisation. In a variety of carefully curated units, you will examine the history of the form, the archetypes and characters, and how to create original material using a Commedia platform. What is utterly unique about David’s approach is his understanding of the dynamics of improvisation, the geometry of the Commedia stage, and the channeling of energy, rhythm, and motif to create the wild and celebratory world of the Commedia. You will complete this course with a rich and rewarding understanding of the art form - and how to teach it - that you can’t find anywhere else. David is the winner of an Entertainment Weekly Award for his Commedia dell’Arte direction featured in The School of Night at the Mark Taper Forum.

There are 10 units total, plus the orientation, all of which are done at your own pace. You will meet virtually with the instructor at least 5 times during the course for private dedicated sessions. There will be some project and preparation work between meetings. It's super flexible, fun and personalized. At the end of the journey, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from us.

The Curriculum:

• Orientation - Commedia dell’Arte and You

• Unit 1 — Origins and History

• Unit 2 — The Secrets of Commedia Training

• Unit 3 — Initial Improvisations (without mask)

• Unit 4 — Mask “plunges”

• Unit 5 — Developing Commedia Characters

• Unit 6 — Integrating Character with Improvisation

• Unit 7 — Lazzi

• Unit 8 — Technique and Form

• Unit 9 — The Discipline Today

• Unit 10 — Create a Commedia show

Ages 18 and older.

Prerequisite: None. All experience levels welcome!