We're knee deep in the five week Commedia block and exploring the art of comedy. I'v compiled a top ten best practices list with only 8 categories and almost all of them start with C. Because let's face it top ten lists that have words all starting with the same letter are for schmucks. And I am not a schmuck. I am a young spring bird that was fed the meat of his fellow birds and has developed a mild mental disorder that allows me to type.
1. Communicate
The audience is your best friend in Commedia. They tell you what they want. When you enter the stage, take in the audience and react to what you feel in response. React big and react physically. When you have nothing, look to the audience and let them affect you. React to that. You will have something then. Also, my clown teacher told me to be open to communicate and listen to the creative energy behind the humor. I'm still exploring what he means by that. As soon as I get it, I'll write about that.
2. Cut
When devising a Commedia piece its going to be messy. Suffer through the messiness and find what works. Economize what works and cut the rest. Set up the story quickly to just ROLLwith it.
3. Contrast
Contrasto is the mother butt load lover of Commedia. When you've established a convention or expectation to one extreme, shift 180 degrees to the opposite. Pop it.
4. Coordinate
Sharp, well-timed, isolated physical movements are gifts from God.
5. Commit
Whatever you choose, choose big. Don't half ass this stuff.
6. Chaos
Commedia lives in the mistake and the improv. If you don't allow for the chaos in the play, you will have nothing.
7. Character
Character is god here. All action is motivated by the character. And these are extreme characters in extreme situations but the more real you can make them, the more the audience will be willing to play
8. Stakes
No middle ground here baby. All primary colors. Life or death. All motivation stems from a desire for sex, money or food.
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