Creating Grotesque Characters for Physical Theatre and Comedy
Discover your comedic potential and create bold characters in a dynamic weekend workshop led by internationally acclaimed actress, director, and teacher Dr Chiara D'Anna.
Friday–Sunday, 20–22 June 2025
Theater Alte Wursterei, Cologne
What's In Store?
Expressive Characters: Quickly embody exaggerated, grotesque figures through dynamic physicality and voice.
Physical Presence: Master movement, rhythm, and status to create compelling, hilarious scenes.
Spontaneity & Confidence: Embrace improvisation, break out of routines, and perform fearlessly.
Comic Timing: Develop your rhythm and audience interaction skills for maximum comedic effect.
Creative Inspiration: Reinvent classic Commedia archetypes with fresh, contemporary flair.
Workshop Highlights:
Friday 20 June 2025 (16:30–20:00): Build original, grotesque characters through engaging ensemble exercises.
Saturday 21 June 2025 (10:00–17:00): Develop and improvise comic scenes inspired by your personal stories and current events.
Sunday 22 June 2025 (10:00–17:00): Refine your character work with Commedia archetypes and mask techniques, inspired by Chiara's acclaimed show, DON'T YOU DARE
Who Should Join?
Actors, improvisers, theatre-makers, and performers at any level—no prior experience necessary! Bring your curiosity, creativity, and playful spirit.
Meet Your Instructor: Dr Chiara D'Anna
Chiara is a celebrated international actor, director, and specialist in physical theatre, particularly renowned for her expertise in Commedia dell'Arte. Recognised for her outstanding performances on both stage and screen.Chiara teaches at prestigious institutions including RADA, Rose Bruford College, and Italy's Accademia dell'Arte.
Pricing Options:
Friday Only (3 hrs): €79
Saturday Only (7 hrs): €129
Sunday Only (7 hrs): €129
Full Weekend Experience: €279 (Best Value!)
Spaces are limited—book your spot now and unlock your comedic creativity!
Registration & Payment
Option 1: Book online now → Pay in the online shop (Credit card, debit card, Google and Apple Pay).
Option 2: Receive an invoice via email → Write to albert@expatimprov.com (Bank transfer and PayPal)
Details
Friday (16:30–20:00) – Grotesque Character Creation – Warm-Up: Trust-building and playful movement games – Character Work: Use animals, elements, and observation for comic characters
Saturday (10:00–17:00) – Developing Original Characters – Improvisation: Personal stories and current events into comic scenes – Devised Scenes: Short pieces using Commedia frameworks (canovacci) – Sharing & Feedback: Present, test timing, explore audience engagement
Sunday (10:00–17:00) – Commedia dell'Arte Archetypes – Creating Original Characters: Develop unique characters and stories inspired by, but not bound to, Commedia traditions. Drawing from Chiara's solo show Don't You Dare!, explore how masks and physical techniques can fuel contemporary performance. – Scene Sharing & Play: Short scenes experimenting with audience interaction, comedic motifs, entrances/exits, rhythm, and spontaneity.
