Commedia Dell'Arte Scheme of Work
Commedia Dell'Arte Scheme Of Work

Commedia Dell'Arte Scheme of Work

6 Drama Lesson Plans for Year 8 (Ages 12-13yrs)

This unit of work introduces students to the methods, ideas and characters of Commedia dell‘Arte and helps them to appreciate the origins of modern day comedy. They are taught to understand the purpose of stock characters in improvised performances, along with their wonderful masks. An illustrated booklet is included with this scheme of work to help bring the characters and their traits to life.

Each lesson plan has clearly stated objectives and learning outcomes. They are structured to include introductory warm up, development and plenary sessions. A homework task is also included.

Commedia Dell'ArteTooltip

The scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to Commedia Dell'Arte

    Improvisation of life as a member of a travelling troupe of actors, along with the warm up game ‘Earth, Air or Water’.
  • Lesson 2: Stock Characters

    Playing the roles of Pantelone, Arlecchino and Il Capitano in student devised scenes.
  • Lesson 3: Character Traits

    Understanding and portraying the characteristics of Brighella, Il Dottore and Pulcinella.
  • Lesson 4: The Lazzo

    Mime and slapstick comedy, with reference to modern day comedians.
  • Lesson 5: Assessment Preparation

    Devising a scene about a commedia troupe to include a mask-wearing commedia sequence.
  • Lesson 6: Assessment

    Performance of an original piece based on Commedia Dell’Arte.

Supporting materials include

  • Overview of Commedia Dell'Arte
  • Commedia Dell'Arte Booklet (25 pages)

Additional resources are included in the appendices

  • Basic Drama Skills
  • End Of Unit Self-Assessment Form

The scheme of work is supplied as a ZIP file containing two PDF files, readable on most computers.