Scenarios
These are some quick Commedia scenarios using two or three
characters each, to get you started with your improvisation. Use
these sample scenarios to get used to the body and mask of your
character, and to find what it's like to act without a script, but with a
given character. Feel free to experiment and interact with the
audience, as classical Commedia actors did. When you are
comfortable with the characters and format, you might want to link a
couple of these scenes together so more characters can interact.
Pantalone enlists Arlecchino's help in getting a date with Columbina, who
doesn't know he exists. Arlecchino gives him a lot of bad advice about his
clothes and how he should act.
Capitano enters. This is a new town to him, and he has heard that a rich widow
lives here. He wishes to marry her, and asks Zanni for his help in meeting her.
Isabella has received a letter from her lover, Ottavio, and has taken all of his
compliments the wrong way. She sees him on the street, and sends her
servant, Arlecchino, to him with a verbal message. Arlecchino, of course,
gets the message wrong, and Ottavio sends a message back to Isabella.
Arlecchino is sent back and forth with messages, until the two lovers meet
face-to-face.
Isabella tries to get her father Pantalone's permission to marry Fabian.
Arlecchino has stolen some money from Pantalone. When Pantalone
realizes his money is gone, he asks Zanni to fetch Dottore for advice.
When Dottore finally arrives, he gives Pantalone several medical diagnoses. (Try
alphabetical medical list)
Columbina and Arlecchino decides to have a secret rendezvouz, just as they
are about to kiss in walks Pantelone who has plans to woo Columbina. (Think
in terms of the rule of three and comedy timing etc)
Capitano is confronted by Pulcinella regarding money for tax collection. Captino
is trying tosound macho, but is terrified of getting into a fight. A mouse
suddenly appears on stage and we see the Capinto for what he really is…A
Coward!
Scenario in Groups of six.
Pantalone wants something. He plots to get it with the help of Dottore. They hire
Capitano to carry out the plot. Arlecchino over hears the plot from a secret hiding spot.
He devises a counter plot to ruin Pantalone's plans. He enlists the help of either
Brighella or Columbina. They in turn enlist the help of Tartaglia who is left alone on
stage to mix it all up. Lazzis are essentially entrances and exits where your personal
signature is played out. Then the scene occurs. The scenes breakdown like this;
Pantalone enters talking about something he/she wants. (More money, power, etc.)
Arlecchino is hiding and spying on Pantalone. Pantalone tells us what it is and then
tries to think of a way to get it. He can't quite figure it out so he calls for Dottore who
enters. Pantalone tells Dottore what he wants and asks for help in getting it. Dottore
comes up with a plot to get it. (This should be a diabolical plot.) They call for Capitano
who enters. Pantalone explains what he wants and tells Capitano the plot. Capitano
boasts about how simple it will be. Pantalone and Dottore exit satisfied that they have
the perfect plan. Capitano continues to brag to the audience. Arlecchino distracts and
tricks Capitano into leaving. Arlecchino then comes out from hiding and is upset about
the plot. Arlecchino repeats the plot to the audience and tells them how horrible it is
and then comes up with a counter plot to foil Pantalone's plan. He needs help so he
calls Brighella or Columbina who enters. Arlecchino first explains Pantalone's plot
then his counter plot. The other servant is equally horrified at the plot and then happy
at the counter plot. They agree to help. They repeat the counter plot to Arlecchino who
then exits satisfied that he has the perfect plan. Brighella or Columbina then repeat the
counter plot to the audience but change it a little so that they get something for
themselves out of the deal. (More meals, better work position, etc.) They call Tartaglia
who enters nervously. Brighella or Columbina first tell Tartaglia the original plot and
then their version of the counter plot. After Tartaglia repeats the counter plot correctly
Brighella or Columbina exit satisfied that he/she has the perfect plot. Tartaglia is left
alone on stage and tries to remember the counter plot but can't. Tartaglia mixes both
plots together and then exits satisfied that he has the correct version.
1) Keep the plot and counter plot as simple as possible.
2) Listen and remember what you are told. Accept the plot and do not block the improv. This is key
to keeping it simple.
3) Remember that the comedy is in the characters' reactions and their physical play not necessarily
the dialogue.
4) If the student is stuck for a 'signature' then give them suggestions that are physical. For example;
Pantalone enters counting the money in his money bag by either singing or doing the 'money' dance.
He/she enters complaining of an ailment such as a trick knee, back pain, etc. Arlecchino enters
always announcing himself the same way or jumps through the door or cartwheels, or runs into the
room and passes the person who calls him forcing him to stop and look around thinking that no one is
there. Brighella enters always eating something. Each character has something that is based in their
personality.
All materials found and adapted from the world wide web
