Jim Calder holding Commedia dell'Arte masks.
Photo by MaryAnn Talavera
Jim Calder, Master Teacher and Head of Movement in Tisch Grad Acting, hosted a workshop in acting techniques from the Commedia dell'Arte program in Florence for undergraduates last Tuesday, March 6.
Jim combined physicality, psychology, and character development, challenging the participants to consider how their movements and the intentions behind them work to establish and bring characters to life, whether on stage or in an audition room.
Students participating in the Commedia workshop with Jim Calder.
Photo by MaryAnn Talavera
In many of the exercises, Jim used two character masks from the Commedia dell'Arte tradition: Arlecchino and Colombina. Wearing the masks requires the actors to open their mouths and eyes wider, translating their expressions to the audience. Through his instructions to the actors, they made improvised decisions as they wore the masks, resulting in comedy and engagement with the audience.
Jim Calder training a student in mask work and movement
Photo by MaryAnn Talavera
Casting director Devin Shacket (House of Cards) was a guest instructor at the workshop. She gave audition tips and explained how actors can approach on-screen auditions using Commedia techniques. Devin encouraged the students to bring a full presence to the characters they inhabit in auditions and not to be afraid to go "big" on camera.
Casting director Devin Shacket discusses audition techniques with two students.
Photo by MaryAnn Talavera
Jim Calder and Devin Shacket are holding a second Commedia dell'Arte workshop next Wednesday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP here.
The summer 2018 application for Commedia dell'Arte in Florence is open through Thursday, March 30, 2018. Visit the Tisch Special Programs website for admissions information.