Susan Bertoia is teaching this interactive masterclass which will take participants on a journey through scenarios, physical lazzo, and the stock characters (Arlecchino, Pulcinella, Columbina, Pantalone, Dottore. Il Capitano, and the Young Lovers) using improvisation, movement, and ensemble play. The two weeks will culminate in an imaginative, live, outdoor performance on Granville Island for those brave enough to accept. Traditionally Commedia troupes relied on stereotypical characters, masks, broad gestures, and clowning to play to large, diverse crowds; this will be the starting point for exploration.

CREATIVE PROCESS:
Part 1 - The Physical Practice; The Mask Techniques and Skills
Part 2 - The Commedia Lecture; The Masked Characters; The Lazzi
Part 3 - The Improvised Playing; The Devising; The Scenario
Part 4 - The Rehearsal and Performance

Participants Requirements: This is a masterclass so having some background in physical theatre, movement, dance, circus arts or mask work will elevate your experience. Suitable for performers, theatre designers (props, costume, set, lights, sound); choreographers; drama specialists – basically anyone who has a desire to move, to play, and to have fun with like-minded creatives!

Susan Bertoia
Masterclass Instructor

Susan Bertoia is a professional theatre artist, performer, director, divisor, writer, passionate drama teacher and mom to three amazing humans. Susan’s invigorating artistic style with specialization in physical theatre and mask performance make her a well sought-out teaching artist and performer throughout Canada. Her work explores transposing the poetry of life into comedic and dramatic moments for the stage.

She is Adjunct Professor at UBC teaching acting and mask performance. She conducts numerous creative initiatives in schools. She has facilitated many professional development workshops for teachers with the Association of BC Drama Teachers (ABCDE) who recently awarded her the ‘Excellence in Drama Education’, recognizing her years of dedication and innovative work with youth. Last summer she wrangled, molded, wrote, and directed Juggle Me Not, a commedia extravaganza that performed in outdoor Vancouver venues. She holds a BFA in Theatre Acting from UBC and has trained abroad at schools that specialize in Italian mask theatre (Il Piccolo Teatro di Milan and Donato Sartori International Mask Workshop). She has trained in physical, devised theatre with One Yellow Rabbit; Jeremy James and the UK’s Frantic Assembly. 

To know more about the force that is Susan Bertoia visit: www.susanbertoia.ca