WinterFest 2011
a celebration of the commedia dell'arte

January 2 arrival– January 15, 2011 departure

Join us for two weeks this winter to explore the art, the craft and the power of the commedia dell'arte with master teachers in acting and mask sculpting. 

Each January Accademia dell'Arte sponsors workshops for participants to explore various elements of the physical actor under the guidance of masters in their field. In 2011 the Accademia will host two workshops that focus on Commedia dell'arte--Commedia dell'Arte and the Masked Actor with Fabio Mangolini and The Art of Mask Sculpting with Donato Sartori and Paola Pizzi.

Participants may choose from either of the two-week programs. 

Workshop One

Commedia dell'Arte and the Masked Actor with Fabio Mangolini
Discover the art of one of the great traditions of the professional actor in both Western and Eastern worlds--the masked actor, with an emphasis on Commedia dell'arte.

Beginning with exploration of rhythms, energy levels and vectors of a physical performer, workshop participants will then engage in a study of the body with a mask and the intricate relationship between the mask and the audience.

Survey of social groups with the masks of Commedia dell'arte, as well as character types, will guide improvisation exercises and lead to uncovering the structure of Commedia.

Applying techniques of improvisation, both with and without masks, as well as rhythm, contrast and intensity between characters, participants will understand the construction of classical Commedia dell'arte scenes and create a canovaccio (script) of Commedia.

Tuition €750

Workshop Two

The Art of Mask Sculpting with Donato Sartori and Paola Pizzi
Work in the heart of Tuscany under the guidance of internationally renowned pioneers in the art of the mask.

The two-week workshop will include:
  • Theoretical dissertation on the problematical aspects of the mask in its anthropological, ethnological and sociological reality, incorporating audiovisual materials such as films, slides and videos
  • Conception, planning and construction of the mask in paper-mâché
  • Practical methodology of its use in the theatre with an emphasis on the masks of the Commedia dell'arte

Tuition €870

Room and Board
The Accademia dell'Arte  offers  full room and board that includes the use of the Villa Godiola, internet point, library, lounge areas, refrigerator and microwave with administrative services and three meals each day.  Rooms are double occupancy with private bathrooms.
R & B January workshops: €750  



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