Commedia dell'arte: Workshop Series & Immersive Showcase

Commedia dell’arte Meets Immersive Theatre

Join us for an exhilarating 5-week Commedia dell’arte workshop series, culminating in a one-of-a-kind immersive theatre showcase! Whether you’re a seasoned actor, dancer, physical performer, or a curious beginner, this series offers a playful yet rigorous exploration of one of the most influential forms in theatre history, reimagined through an immersive lens.

Participants will delve into the essential techniques of Commedia dell’arte, including character embodiment, improvisation, and ensemble work, while also learning the unique mechanics of creating live, interactive experiences. The journey concludes with a fully realized immersive showcase, co-created and performed by workshop participants for a live audience.

What You’ll Learn

Over the course of five weeks, you will:

• Embody iconic Commedia archetypes such as Arlecchino, Pantalone, and Colombina

• Unlock expressive tools through voice, gesture, rhythm, and movement.

• Build improvisational agility and deepen ensemble cohesion through Viewpoints and physical theatre exercises.

• Explore mask work and character physicality.

• Learn how to construct Lazzi (comic bits), status play, and improvisation structures.

• Gain foundational knowledge in immersive theatre creation, audience interactivity, and spatial storytelling.

• Collaboratively devise an original immersive performance to be shared in a final showcase.

No prior experience is necessary - just bring your curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to move, play, and laugh.

About the Instructors

Elif Savaş is a seasoned performer and trainer who has studied and embodied Commedia dell’arte throughout the U.S. Her teaching blends classical technique with creative exploration, giving participants both a solid foundation and the freedom to experiment. Under her expert guidance, you’ll bring centuries-old archetypes to life with authenticity and boldness.

Rachel Adams is the founder of Immersive Art Collective (IAC) and The Count’s Den, and a director, writer, and producer of numerous immersive experiences. Rachel brings her expertise in interactive storytelling and audience engagement to the workshop, leading participants through the process of designing and live immersive experiences. Her sessions will cover audience flow, spatial logic, actor-audience dynamics, and the production logistics necessary to bring an immersive piece to life.

Workshop Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction & Foundations
An overview of Commedia dell’arte and immersive theatre principles. Introduction to ensemble building, physical awareness, and core archetypes.

Week 2: Technique Building I
Exploration of character physicality, mask work, improvisation, and Lazzi (comic bits).

Week 3: Technique Building II + Immersive Concepts
Advanced practice in status play, rhythm, spatial awareness, and immersive interaction.

Week 4: Collaborative Creation & Planning
Guided development of your original immersive showcase with group devising sessions and audience design strategies.

Week 5: Rehearsal & Final Prep
Final run-throughs, adjustments, and production elements in preparation for the public performance.

IMMERSIVE SHOWCASE:  Thursday, July 10th at 8:00 PM
Celebrate the culmination of your creative journey by presenting your co-created immersive theatre piece to a live audience!

Workshop Schedule

Tuesdays | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• June 10

• June 17

• June 24

• July 1

• July 8

Final Showcase: Thursday, July 10 at 8:00 PM

Participation Requirements

All participants must commit to attending all five workshop sessions and the final immersive showcase. This ensures the integrity of the ensemble process and final performance

Cost

$250 per participant. Max 10 spots. Tickets to the showcase for the public: $25
Waitlist available for future enrollment.