The second year of study focuses on group styles of theatre which expand students’ understanding and playing ability. The students develop a range of acting skills demanded by these extreme styles: Melodrama, Commedia Dell’Arté, Buffoon and Cabaret. Again students write and create material in these styles, which they perform for the public. The student performances are often invited to international festivals abroad. This experience reassures the students that people laugh the same in all languages. Also in the second year, they study acting classical texts, the heightened texts of Shakespeare and tragedy.
Throughout both years, classes continue in mime, movement and voice, acrobatics, and the basic exercises of the school, those necessary to make every moment on stage fresh and alive, the basic art of comedy.
Learn to perform the unique movement skills which characterize Melodrama. You will explore the dramatic territory that lies between farce and tragedy – touching both extremes.
Learn to perform the historically important Italian comedy style Commedia Dell’Arte. It is best described as circus with a plot. You will learn the level of play demanded and push your abilities to the level of fantastic discovery.
Learn the importance of the chorus and the tragic space. Tragedy dates back to the ancient greeks and focuses on human suffering. You will explore this special style of tragic space in movement, voice and text.
The theatrical study of Buffoon is a study of human folly touching both the tragic and comic extremes. You will learn to create performance level material in direct contact with the public – Buffoon style.
The study of Cabaret involves each student creating performing material personal in nature. You will write, compose, stage songs and push the limits of your creativity in areas like stand up comedy, magic and burlesque.
Movement training
The basis of all the study at The Commedia School is movement. This movement study is constantly transforming as new discoveries in bio-mechanics are made available particularly through The Axis Syllabus. This dynamic training system gives students knowledge of the body so they can have a long dynamic injury free career. Also the Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement training system adds to the foundation of the curriculum. This training is essential to develop the intuitive awareness of the body and correct habitual distortions, to release the voice, and set the performer in the best possible physical and mental condition to play.
