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"We don't consider 'physical theatre' to be a particular style of performance, but rather as an approach to all theatre. In English, the work of the performer is called Acting; that is,  to act. To do something . Which transforms the actor's "what do I feel" to "what do I do?" The primary focus is no longer on the actor's personal experience, but on the audience's experience of the actor, which requires communication, rather than telepathy. Since we are dragging our bodies around the stage with us anyway - and like it or not, it always has an expression - we might as well train it, get to know it, engage it actively. In short, create physical theatre - because we are physical beings."

a præsentation of Theatret Thalias Tjenere

Article from Drama og Teater - i undervisningen,

the journal of Denmark's Drama Teachers' Association. No. 2 - June 98

Translation: Stephan Vernier

Our work is rooted in thirty years of Commedia dell'Arte performance for modern audiences, combined with continual training with as many different people and pedagogies as we can. We incorporate elements that feel true based on our experience, and reject pedagogies that are absolutist, authoritarian, or demagogic. 

We believe that Commedia dell'Arte is for every body, that it's built to punch up, and that it is political.

We believe that training should not be locked behind a paywall.

Below are our upcoming classes. Please reach out if you require financial assistance to attend.

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School and production training

We offer physical theatre, historical movement dramaturgy, dance and fight choreography to middle schools, high schools, universities, production companies, and community groups.

Our instructors have over thirty years of experience in teaching and choreographing with performers and scholars of all ages, around the world.

If you're wondering whether we can come to you, the answer is probably yes.

Shoot us an email and let's talk about what you need.

Commedia dell'Arte Overview

An overview of the history, stock characters, and movement vocabulary for Commedia dell'Arte. 

Minimum 1.5 hours

Commedia dell'Arte masterclass

A deeper dive into the evolution of Commedia characters and application to modern performance

Minimum 4 hours

mask work overview

An overview of mask work, including neutral, larval and character masks.

Minimum 2.5 hours

movement instructor retreat

Designed for teachers of movement, this three day workshop guides instructors in isolating their unique pedagogy.

Commedia dell'Arte and Shakespeare

Commedia dell'Arte stock characters and movement vocabulary for Early Modern theatre performance.

Minimum 1.5 hours

introduction to stage combat

An overview of safe strikes, kicks, chokes and other stage violence.

Minimum 1.5 hours

our instructors

Our instructors have decades of experience in the fields they teach.

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 This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department. 

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 This project is supported in part by a grant from the texas commission on the arts 

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