Mask - Commedia - Il Capitano

Il Capitano is an unwelcome military official in a conquered land. He brags, talks big and bullies when he can, but will always run from a fight.

Conservatory Masks

Mask - Commedia - Arlequino

The most recognized and successful character in Commedia, the servant Arlequino is motivated by food. He is both simple and quick witted, and will always come out on top without trying. He is not mischievous like Brighella.

Mask - Commedia - Brighella

Often plays an innkeeper or waiter. He is a Zanni like Arlequino but is more devious.

Mask - Commedia - Il Dottore

Having attended the first university in Italy, the doctor sees himself as very knowledgeable however, he actually knows next to nothing. He consistently uses Latin, or a language that sounds like Latin, and big words incorrectly.

Mask - Commedia - Truffaldino (or Tartaglia)

Another Zanni, but this one is a stuttering farmer or country bumpkin who always carries a rake.

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Recently completed a Commedia Dell' Arte residence at Columbia Heights Middle School

Mask Master classes at Escalate Dance and Theatre Studio in Maple Grove

Mask Classes and Instructional Play
Mask work is a great way to challenge actors into taking powerful risks and developing stronger tools for unmasked character development. Oh yeah, it's also a lot of fun playing someone who so clearly is not you. . . while still bringing your experience to the character.
If you are interested in being a part of any of the class descriptions below please contact Todd for details, and locations.
MASK - Training the body, using the mind. This class will be offered at the Sabes JCC as part of their Arts and Humanities Department and is open to working actors.
Please contact me and enroll by September 1st. Class times will be offered on multiple weekdays from 7-9pm.
Physical Theatre Training I - Using Neutral Masks, students will begin to identify, connect and expand physical triggers to emotional response.
Physical Theatre Training II - Students will begin using character masks to heighten and expand techniques used in Physical Theatre Training I class.
Creating Sculptural Masks for Acting –
Introduction to Mask Creation -
Participants will get to make a paper mache mask and begin the exploration of that character.
Mask Creation II
Plaster of paris and paper pulp are applied to a plaster bandage cast of student face. The resulting mask is sturdier and more face fitting than the paper mache mask described above. Participants will get hands on experience finishing their mask and learn a more detailed mask creation.
Advanced Mask Creation
Participants will be involved in the process of creating exact plaster replicas of their faces. These "Life Masks" will then be used to sculpt a face fitting character mask for paper mache. The resulting Life Mask is a great way to memorialize how you looked, and is an invaluable tool for creating comfortable masks.
Advanced Mask Creation II
Participants will sculpt a character mask on their Life Mask and make a negative impression of the sculpture for creating a 2 part cold process resin mask. The resulting mask will fit the face perfectly and is hard and durable.
Advanced Mask Creation III
Participants will follow the same technique outlined in Advance II, but will create a soft, flexible and durable mask that is far more comfortable than any of the others. This technique is also used in making various reusable prosthetics for characterization.

Please e-mail Todd with intent to participate, questions or suggestions.

Performance support:
Pinocchio - Mask Maker - STC

Using masks on stage is a fun and playful opportunity to work both inside out and outside in. Initially introduced to the art of mask making by Donald Forest of the Dell Arte' Player's Company, Todd has continued to develop the craft over the past 21 years.
Todd brings years of physical theatre experience and mask characterization study into his workshops. He leads students through a safe exploration and discovery process that is at once, a freeing and focusing tool for character creation.
The resulting sculpted and individually fitted character masks are always interesting and enjoyable to observe and use.

Artist, Craftsman, Director, Mask Maker, Mask-Maker, Other Performing Arts, Other Visual Arts, Paper Mache, Sculptor, Theatrical make-up

http://www.dellarte.com 

Director
Acting/Performance History
Actor's Mask Training Program
Acting Classes in Maple Grove
Acting Conservatory Instructor
Pinoke: Through a Man's Eyes
Seussical
Waking Virginia: Life is a Dream
Kill The Robot
Bootleg Minneapolis
Guthrie Instructing Artist
Acting/Performance History