WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
TANIA GHANDOUR
Workshop Leader
Each week I committed to teaching the actors about the Commedia technique, creating a masterclass-like environment to be able to work one on one with the actors and solidify their physical understanding of each character. Not only was I responsible to convey this information, but I was driven to support the actors in performing as the dynamics of each character in this technique does cause one to step out of their comfort zone. However, through portraying each character myself along side the group, each actor grew to a point of confidence where they proudly represented their chosen character in the final performance, which was my ultimate achievement.
AMY ZHONG
Teaching Assistant
As the Commedia dell'Arte Teaching Assistant, I have been assisting in the set up of the class alongside my workshop leader. I have also reviewed her lesson plans on facilitating collaboration between the students and building their confidence in exploring the different characters and concepts expressed by Commedia Dell’Arte. My biggest takeaway was how impressed I am by the energy and enthusiasm both the students and Tania have put into the movements for each character. Since Commedia Dell’Arte mostly does not use recognizable words, I appreciate how this form of theater makes the actors rely on their gestures to convey the plot.
JORDYN SALOW
Actor (Zanni)
I had no idea what to expect coming into this workshop, but I’m so glad that I stuck with it. Learning Commedia dell’Arte has been very fun and invigorating for me. None of my other courses here allow for such unique freedom of expression. I have found that each class brings me closer to my classmates and helps me connect deeper with myself as well, despite portraying ridiculously exaggerated and unrealistic characters. My character’s name is Zanni, a peasant whose role is to serve characters of higher class. He is driven by a love for food and basic survival instincts, and he often acts in a very mindless manner. I really appreciate how this workshop has helped me step out of my comfort zone and develop my improvisation skills.
JOSEPH YANG
Actor (Il Capitano)
My experience in Commedia so far has been pretty good, originally I was unsure of whether or not I’d like the workshop but it has grown on me over time. The class is pretty fun and acting out the different scenarios as the different characters provided a new interesting scene every class. The character I'm portraying is Il Capitano, who is a bossy hot shot on the outside but a ‘small’ scaredy on the inside. He commands the Zanni but when he sees something even the tiniest bit crawly, he’ll just curl up and run away. My takeaways are to try to read the others and adjust to fit what is going on.
ALEJANDRO FLORES-CHEVERE
Actor (Arlecchino)
Being in the Commedia dell’Arte has been such a wonderful experience. My previous acting experience has been in musical theater but I haven’t had much time chance to get involved recently. Being able to return to acting especially with something new like Commedia Dell’Arte was a lot of fun. I’m playing Arlecchino, a nimble acrobatic servant character who is equal parts foolish, dramatic, and distracted. My takeaways from the workshop have been to trust my gut and to rely on my classmates.
ISABELLA LANDRISCINA
Actor (Columbina)
MAX SAMUELS
Actor (Dottore)
My time in CDA has been an unexpected but valuable one. Going into CDA, I was a bit hesitant because it was not my first workshop choice. I am really glad that I stuck with it because I was able to make the best out of it. I got better at using my creativity and intuition to improvise. It was fun to mess around. My character is Il Dottore. He is an old man who thinks he is so intelligent, but actually is not. He is fat, old, and wants to impress young ladies. My key takeaways from this workshop is to always trust your intuition, be in the moment, and make the best out of the situation you are presented with.
ZOSIA NICHOLSON
Actor (Pantalone)
I’ve really enjoyed my experience in the Commedia workshop. I’d never had any experience with improv, so I was kind of nervous going in, but being able to go to class every week and get out some energy by embodying these wacky characters has been great. I’m portraying Pantalone. He is an old man driven mostly by his love for young women and money. He also enjoys telling the Zanni what to do. My biggest takeaways have been how move and use your center of gravity to completely change the kind of character you’re portraying and how to adjust to what’s happening in a scene quickly.
FREDERIK WOLFE
Actor (The Lovers)
My experience in the Commedia Dell’Arte workshop so far has been very rewarding. I’ve been able to get much more comfortable improvising and moving freely, and we’ve also been learning about some cool characters. My character is one of the two lovers. As the only unmasked characters, the lovers are a high status, self-centered, and dramatic pair - always making a huge deal of their disastrous relationship. My takeaways have been that opening yourself to something new and stepping out of your comfort zone can be rewarding.
SAMUEL JOHNSON
Actor (The Lovers)
I have enjoyed my time so far participating in the Commedia dell’Arte workshop. As an Arts Scholar student, my main background is in music and photography, so learning about Commedia and theater performance has brought many new experiences and expanded my knowledge of the arts. Coming to class, I could always expect to learn and try something new. In Commedia I play the character of the female lover, which is one of the most important and dramatic characters. The female lover is the Juliet to the male lover being Romeo. Their relationship is usually one of the central plot themes as they are higher in status. This past semester has brought lots of new experiences and has had me stepping out of my comfort zone at times, and has been overall very rewarding.
