Direct Instruction: The Stock Characters of Commedia dellArte

Teachers: Dylan Prentis Subject: Theatre Arts I

Standards:

TH.CR.3.HS1c: Explore physical, vocal and psychological choices to develop a performance that
believable, authentic, and relevant to a theatrical work.
TH.PR.5.HS1a: Use a variety of acting techniques to expand skills in a rehearsal or theatrical
performance
TH.CN.10.HS1b: Explore how cultural, global, and historic belief systems affect creative choices in a
theatrical work
Objectives (Explicit):

Using the information given to the students about the Stock Characters of Commedia dellArte the
students will create a two to three-minute scene using the characters. The students will need to include
at least two characters into their scene. The scenes will also include the movements of the specific
characters as well as their status. The students will be to achieve 75% or more on the performance and
writing rubrics.
Evidence of Mastery (Measurable):

Performance Rubric and Writing Rubric

Sub-objectives, SWBAT (Sequenced from basic to complex):

Define what a stock character is (Day 1)

Classify the classes of the stock characters (Day 1)
Identify the stock characters (Day 1)
Examine the movements of each character (Day 1 and Day 2)
Determine which character(s) to focus on for a performance (Day 2)
Create a short two-three-minute scene using the characters (Day 2)
Key vocabulary: Materials/Technology Resources to be Used:

Vecchi, Pantalone, Dottore, Capitano, Zanni, Arlecchino, Computer, PowerPoint, YouTube

Columbina, Brighella, Pedrolino, Pulchinella, Inammorati

Opening (state objectives, connect to previous learning, and make relevant to real life)

Day 1: The lesson will begin with a short discussion summarizing what the students have already learned about
Commedia.

Day 2: Show the class a clip of the play One Man, Two Guvnor, a modern adaption of the play A Servant of Two
Masters, so they can see an example of Commedia in performance. Link:

Teacher Will: Student Will:

Instructional Input

Show a PowerPoint presentation about the stock
characters. Each slide will include information about
who the character is, their mask, their costume, other
names they can go by, modern day example of the
character. Show a video from the National Theatre in
London.
Be split into groups for the presentation. In the
groups, they will take now notes as well as have
discussions throughout the lesson. One of the
discussions will be about what they think the
characteristics of the character is before its
discussed.
 Link:

Co-Teaching Strategy/Differentiation

Print out of the PowerPoint presentation

Have Guided Notes ready for students

If groups are not responding to discussions call out groups to answer.

Teacher Will: Student Will:

Demonstrate how each character moves/ walks. Each After seeing the demonstration of character will be
of the character has a different style to their asked to move around the room as the character.
movement and helps to differentiate the characters in
Guided Practice

the story. Will work on one character at a time. Side

coaching will be used during students time walking
as the character.

Co-Teaching Strategy/Differentiation:

Allow students to work in hall if needed.

Spotlight students who are grasping the characters and their movements

Teacher Will: Student Will:

Independent Practice

Circulate the room helping the groups with their Be put back into their groups where they will need
scenes. to create a two or three-minute scene using at least
two characters of Commedia dellArte. The scenes
should show character, movements, and status.

Co-Teaching Strategy/Differentiation

Allow for more time on creating and rehearsing scenes if students are not ready.

Closing/Student Reflection/Real-life connections:

Day 1: The students will be asked to pull out a piece of paper and choose a character they liked the most and give a
reasoning, using vocabulary and examples from the PowerPoint, behind their choice. They will have 5 minutes to
complete this before it is collected.

Day 2: The students will be asked to pull out a piece of paper and reflect on their performance as well their peers
performances. They will have 5 minutes to complete this before it is collected.

Assessments:

Participation in discussions throughout PowerPoint

Day 1 Reflection: Favorite Character

Day 2 Reflection: Scene Performance