**How it works**

 

The first class is what we're calling a LAUNCH class. In this class we'll cover all the Commedia essentials: the masks and options for playing their physical and vocal articulations, the Commedia GAME, and mask-to-audience-to-actor technique.

 

The next 3 classes are PLAY sessions where we take those essentials for a spin and discover playing the masks and material galore!

 

To participate in a PLAY class, you must have attended a LAUNCH class or taken Commedia with Virginia before (having attended a Commedia Day event counts! If you remember some stuff...). This structure allows us to skip reviewing the basics in the PLAY classes, but gives you 3 chances to jump in with a LAUNCH class.

 

Sign up for as many classes as you like! Already know the 411? You could still take the LAUNCH class - brush up on the details and practice the essentials, and 'cause everybody gets under a mask in the class (if they want to) you can go go go just like you would in a PLAY class.

 

But wait, there's more! Commedia classes in 2025 now have more John! That's right! John joins us for this series to support your expression in rhythm and melody. This is an extra added boon!

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The big question, why? Why do this? Why Virginia do this? Why you do this? Why has Virginia successfully talked John into do this? 

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1. It's fun. It's just fun. SO fun! For some of us, the most fun you can have really. Why? Ok, I'm gonna write something and it's gonna maybe sound super chee-zee but I truly, madly, deeply mean it. (shout out to Alan Rickman fans everywhere). When you get going under one of these masks, it's like flying. I mean it. There is a kind of total openness and engagement of the mind and body playing in concert, as you make hilarious, inventive connections at an impossible speed and drive us into the hyper-real. It's a bit like suddenly becoming (literally) animated, and bringing with that all the possibilities of living in an animated world. Astonishing to experience from in the inside and out.

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2. Laughs. (Again cheeze warning!) Every time somebody in the audience laughs it's a minor miracle. We conjure laughter into the world, when, but for our gumption to do it, it would not even be. That's something! I take it seriously. I'm gonna push for the funny and lead you to a success and we're gonna laugh. Oh yes we will. 

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3. Get juicy! As a performer (a truly just as a person) it's a good idea to do something every week that activates your creativity, gets you in your body and your voice, opens your brain to new possibilities and connections, gets you in the flow. 

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4. Character Skills. Commedia supports your physical and vocal character building skills and provides an excellent base to be ready to discover physical comedy.

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5. John. All of a sudden you'll be singing your heart out and nailing the comic timing with percussion 'cause John is sneaking in there supporting you with rhythm and melody and genre. You don't need to be a good singer - don't worry, it's not musical improv - the music kicks your fun and expression up a notch and John is the maestro - no b.s.

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6. Virginia. You get a certain distillation of Commedia at Fizgig. Virginia has curated the essential elements to give you an immediate, clear and playable format to get to it! (and left out some of the things that might not be so helpful.) And this is the the place to practice the collaborative, playful, on-the-spot approach to content generation developed at Fizgig. Virginia will guide you to discover the structure in your proposal (even when you didn't know you had made a proposal!), and open your brain and body to start making connections and finding expression, play and comedy fast. Like cranking open a spigot, once you learn to turn it on in this way, astonishing quality material will flow like gangbusters. (And can be applied to non-mask activities like stand-up and comedy acting.)

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7. Bang for your buck!  We're pricing this super low, so we can spread the commedia hootenanny as far and wide as we can! **Now with more John!**

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Deets

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Oct 26, NO CLASS

Virginia is going to Boston to see Leanne Morgan and Jonathan Richman. But not together. Unless maybe?!

 

Nov 2 - 3-6pm - LAUNCH class

Nov 9- 3-6pm - PLAY class

Nov 16 - 3-6pm - PLAY class

Nov 23 - 3-6pm - PLAY class

 

Nov 30 - 3-6pm - LAUNCH class, different location: Gibney @ 280 Broadway (Enter at 53A Chambers Street)

Dec 7 - 3-6pm - PLAY class

Dec 14 - 3-6pm - PLAY class

Dec 21 - 3-6pm - PLAY class

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One class: $35

​4 pack  $120

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Wanna pay cash at the door? email fizgigstudio@gmail.com to make your reservation!