by

Commedia at WoW 2025

Commedia dell’ Arte activities at Atlantia’s War of the Wings event – October 17 & 18, 2025

Since 2012, i Firenzi has brought the art of Commedia dell’ Arte to Atlantia’s biggest event, War of the Wings! https://warofthewings.atlantia.sca.org/
This year, two opportunities to enjoy commedia are happening at WoW:

  1. Annual Naughty Show – Friday at 9:00pm Casa Firenzi camp (BRING CHAIRS!)
  2. Iron Commedia workshop for all comers – Saturday from 11:00am – 1:00pm with student graduation show at 1:00 – 1:30pm at Casa Firenzi camp

Casa Firenzi Camp is in block D – Bronze Trojan. Look for the bright orange flags.

Annual Naughty Show – Friday

The i Firenzi Annual Naughty Show is for adults only. If you would like to see the show and you’re under 18 years old, please have a serious conversation with the Director, Dame Sophia the Orange, before the show. Non adults are allowed to watch if they and their parent or guardian has made an informed decision to attend. Please email Sophia at orangesophie@gmail.com . The content of this show is for adults, but not overly raunchy. No one gets nekked, but we do refer to enemas, swear words, sex, and private body parts. The purpose of this adult-content show is to incorporate content from period commedia which is historically accurate but not family friendly.

For example, this show uses an enema prop inspired by this etching by Jacques Callot circa 1615-1635 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Two_Commedia_dell%27arte_street_entertainers_using_a_clyster_a_Wellcome_V0011652.jpg

File:Two Commedia dell’arte street entertainers using a clyster a Wellcome V0011652.jpg. (2020, September 26). Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved October 5, 2025, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Two_Commedia_dell%27arte_street_entertainers_using_a_clyster_a_Wellcome_V0011652.jpg&oldid=472446433.

Iron Commedia Workshop -Saturday

The Iron Commedia workshop is a class for any level of Commedia actor from beginner to advanced. Students gather at 11:00am to learn the basics of Commedia history and performance, then as a group we create a new commedia scenario based on the characters students want to play. We rehearse a little and perform the show at 1:00pm. Anyone is welcome to join in the workshop as an actor. Anyone is welcome to watch the student graduation performance at 1:00!

See you at Casa Firenzi at War of the Wings!

by

Commedia Classes at Cary Arts Center

The Cary Arts Center is hosting Commedia classes taught by the Director of i Firenzi!

Two classes are available in July:

Thursday July 17 and Tuesday July 22 – both classes run from 7:00 – 9:00pm. Same class – two sessions.

Students will enjoy some classic improv comedy skills building with an intro to 16th century Italian Commedia dell’ Arte! We’ll use commedia stock characters, classic half face masks, costume pieces, and play short scenes.

If you’re already on the Cary RecTrack platform, do a search for “improv” and you’ll find it.

Or go directly to these links to sign up!

Thursday:

https://nccaryweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=30822328&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac

Tuesday:

https://nccaryweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=30831901&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac

Raleigh Fringe Fest hosts i Firenzi Commedia!
by

Raleigh Fringe Fest hosts i Firenzi Commedia!

I Firenzi Commedia is performing at the Raleigh Fringe Festival!

TWO shows and a class!

As “busking” performers, you do NOT need a ticket to come see our show! Just show up and enjoy our laughter machine!

If you bring cash and can donate a few dollars to our troupe when we pass the hat at our show, THAT is how we’ll get paid! Then we can produce more commedia!

WHAT: i Firenzi improvised comedy show in the style of Commedia dell’ Arte!

WHEN: i Firenzi shows are on July 12, from 2:00 – 3:00, and from 4:00 – 5:00pm.

From 3:00 – 3:30, we will hold a mini-class/workshop for anyone who wants to try out Commedia characters, masks, and a little improvisation with the troupe!

WHERE: Theatre Raleigh – 6638 Old Wake Forest Rd.; Raleigh, NC 27616

Raleigh Fringe Festival 2025

July 10th-13th |Theatre Raleigh Arts Center

https://raleighfringefestival.squarespace.com/ 

The Raleigh Fringe Festival is a performing arts festival celebrating everything weird and wonderful in the Raleigh region!

This year’s event will feature: 14 ticketed shows in our primary lineup, street performers/buskers throughout the lobby and outside, as well as free community events like a Prop Swap, Fringe on Film, and more.

Get tickets for other amazing shows here: https://www.ticketleap.events/events/raleighfringe

 

by

International Commedia dell Arte Day 2025!

What: Comedy Improv Play in the style of 16th century Commedia dell’ Arte
Where: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
When: Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:30pm
How: FREE!!! No RSVP necessary!

Official Commedia Day Poster

Need to laugh? Want to laugh IRL with other people laughing? Need a screen break?

You’re in the right place!

Come join the merrymakers of i Firenzi as we present a comedy play in the style of 16th century improvised Italian Commedia dell’ Arte!

Commedia dell’ Arte is the 16the century version of modern day TV sitcoms. An ensemble cast of comedy improvisors present a story of love, challenges, adventure, and happy endings! This year’s play shares the story of Pantalone, Dottore, Capitano, Arlecchino, and their families, friends, and enemies!

International Commedia dell’ Arte Day is a celebration of Italian culture under the patronage of UNESCO. The official holiday is February 25 annually and commedia shows, classes, and other activities accepted by the organization are shared on their website here: https://www.commediadellarteday.org/default.asp?lin=eng

See the direct i Firenzi listing here: https://www.commediadellarteday.org/eventiDetail.asp?id=73&lin=eng

I Firenzi has been an approved part of this celebration for the past 11 years! We are excited to bring this laughter to the new Downtown Cary Park in Cary, North Carolina on February 23, 2025 starting at 2:30pm. The show will last about 45 minutes.

No cost to come see the play! No tickets needed! Just come on down to the Cary Downtown Park and laugh with us!

https://downtowncarypark.com
327 S. Academy St.
Cary, NC 27511
 

 

International Commedia dell’ Arte Day 2024!

In support of International Commedia dell’ Arte Day 2024, i Firenzi is presenting TWO CELEBRATIONS!

  1. Saturday, February 24, CLASS!
    1. A workshop in Commedia called “Iron Commedia!” where we will gather all enthusiastic participants at 12:00noon at the SCA Event called “Ymir”, teach a short intro class to Commedia, then write a scenario, rehearse it, and present it! Participants will get to pick which character they want to play and then play it!
    2. Find the location and admission info here: https://ymir.windmastershill.org
  2. Sunday, February 25, SHOW!
    1. FREE SHOW of our latest original commedia scenario presented at the Cary Arts Center in downtown Cary, NC!
    2. 4:00pm show! Free admission – just show up at the Cary Arts Center ( 101 Dry Avenue
      Cary, NC 27511       (919) 469-4069) and enjoy Commedia dell’ Arte Day!

 

International Commedia dell’ Arte Day is a celebration of Italian culture under the patronage of UNESCO. The official holiday is February 25 and commedia shows, classes, and other activities accepted by the organization are shared on their website here: https://www.commediadellarteday.org/default.asp?lin=eng

I Firenzi has been an approved part of this celebration for the past 10 years! This year’s activities are the show and workshop below:

FREE show: https://www.commediadellarteday.org/eventiDetail.asp?id=32&lin=eng
Workshop: https://www.commediadellarteday.org/eventiDetail.asp?id=33&lin=eng

See the whole events list here: https://www.commediadellarteday.org/eventi.asp?lin=eng

For specific questions, email capo@ifirenzi DOT com

 

by

Free Commedia Class

Free Commedia class – one night only!

NOV 30, 2023!

Lara Coutinho-Dean, AKA: “Dame Sophia the Orange, Order of the Laurel,” Director of i Firenzi, will teach an Introduction to Commedia class on November 30, 2023, starting at 7:00pm at the meeting place of the SCA’s Canton of Elvegast –> Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1500 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608  –  Please park behind the church.

Class is FREE of charge!  Lasting approximately 90 minutes, students will learn the history of where Commedia started in the middle 16th century, the core characters of Commedia’s Golden Age, common themes in the scenarios, and get to try on authentic Italian leather commedia character masks. Students will get the chance to act short scenes in these masks with costume pieces.

To sign up for this free class, please email the teacher via orangesophie AT Gmail.

Longer and more in depth classes are sometimes also offered for a price at the Town of Cary:  https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/programs-classes  Please contact them to let them know that you want classes to be offered!

by

Commedia dell’ Arte education resources in September!

Commedia dell’ Arte education resources in September! A rare surge in opportunities for learning and doing Commedia dell’ Arte!

1) Saturday, September 2, 4:00pm to 5:30pm Italy time / 10:00am to 11:30am US Eastern Time – 90 minute online interactive lesson from Fabrizio Paladin, internationally renown professional commedia actor and coach – https://fb.me/e/Yuwn81Fo
Pre-registration required.

2) Saturday, September 9, 6:00pm – 7:15pm US Eastern Time, FREE in person commedia class and skit as part of Carolina Circus Festival in Cary, NC at WakeMed Soccer Park. Taught by Nancy Kramer, member of i Firenzi Commedia Troupe. https://carolinacircusfestival.com/
No pre-registration necessary. Just show up!

3) Saturday, September 16, 10:00 – 5:00pm, Four separate FREE classes on various commedia topics as part of Atlantia University (Intro to Commedia, Scenarios, Improv skills, Put It Together Workshop) https://university.atlantia.sca.org//catalog.php?university_id=236
Location: Duke Memorial United Methodist Church in Durham, NC
No pre-registration necessary. Just show up!

4) October 5- November 2, Five week long commedia class sessions, weekly class of 90 minutes each, produced by the Town of Cary, NC “Cary Arts Center”
Link: https://mycary.org/s/programs?programId=a7g4u000000Toc7
Classes resulting in a student performance on November 2.
Class is designed for adults interested in doing commedia dell’ arte which usually just serves as an educational piece of theater history classes. This class will allow students to wear masks, dive into the archetypical characters, and create a short play based on their own favorite pieces of commedia.

Please reach out to me (via orangesophie AT gmail) if you have any questions about these resources and how to participate!
Sincerely,
Lara Coutinho-Dean, Capocomico of i Firenzi (www.ifirenzi.com)

by

WTF

i Firenzi performs at the National Women’s Theater Festival! June 23 & 30!

Midsummer Night’s Commedia
Co-Written by Lara Coutinho-Dean and Dr. Dina Ternullo

Historically informed commedia dell’ arte in sixteenth century Italian style with masks, improvisation, and classic stock characters makes Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream even more exciting and hilarious! Arlecchino replaces Puck as the servant to Capitano Oborono, and we find out who the child of the Votress of Titania’s Order really is.

Comic fights, off-label love potion use, and blackmail all lead to true love, but the course never did run smooth!

Who: i Firenzi, The Triangle’s only historically informed commedia dell’ arte troupe!
What: “Midsummer Night’s Commedia” a mash up of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream with 16th century Italian commedia dell’ arte
When: June 23 at 8:00pm and June 30 at 7:30pm show is approx. 90 minutes
Where: Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre 2241 Dunn Avenue Raleigh, NC 27695
Buy Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/midsummer-nights-commedia-tickets-625835760607

BUT WHAT IF I CAN’T COME IN PERSON ON THOSE DATES!?!

You can buy a ticket for the “livestream” option of our shows. You will receive a YouTube viewing link to watch the show’s recording starting July 1 at 12:00noon US Eastern time. Viewing links will remain active for 48 hours after that.

Buy tickets for the in-person or recorded shows at this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/midsummer-nights-commedia-at-wtfringe23-2250689?aff=odclrlmctfte

i Firenzi performs at the National Women’s Theater Festival

Content Warnings: Mentions/alludes to romantic or sexual intimacy and graphic violence. Characters are drugged without consent or knowledge, sexual attraction is displayed, and comic stage fights are loud.

Accessibility: Due to the improvisation used in this play, hearing impaired audience members may have some trouble following the story. Auto-captioning will be used.

This project by i Firenzi is part of the WTFringe 23 and the 2023 National Women’s Theatre Festival!

Below is the program for our show:

Commedia dell’ Arte is an Italian, improvised, street comedy theater style that began in the mid-16th century. I Firenzi creates historically informed theater in the style of 16th century commedia including archetypical stock characters, half face masks, and common story tropes. These common tropes, including young lovers rebelling against their parents for the sake of true love, magic, and everyone getting happily married in the end are concepts seen in early commedia that also happen to show up in Shakespeare’s works. I Firenzi mashes up Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream with commedia characters and concepts for tonight’s play.

For the National Women’s Theater Festival, we added gender fluidity to some characters, the option for same gender marriage, and a definite feminine empowerment theme throughout. These concepts would not have been seen in 16th century commedia. We hope you will enjoy the mix of historically informed theater and modern inclusivity.

For more information about commedia and i Firenzi, see our website at https://ifirenzi.com

Cast for Midsummer Night’s Commedia for the National Women’s Theater Festival FringeFest 2023!

Duke Pantalone – Brian Towey

Queen Hippolyta – Kacey Reynolds Schedler

 

Flavio – Nathan Violette

Flaminia, daughter of Dottore – Amanda Lee Anderson

Oratio – Lara Coutinho-Dean

Isabella, daughter of Pantalone – Ingrid Towey

 

Peaseblossom – a fairy – Kacey Reynolds Schedler

Capitano Oberono – Scott Vaughan

Queen Vittoria – Chris Keffer

Arlecchino, servant to Oberono – Nancy Kramer

Brighella, adopted child of Vittoria – Veronica Yoshida

 

Dottore, a physician and alchemist – Scott Dean

 

Forest Fairies: Diva Yoshida, Malcolm Schedler, Aidan Reading, Elodie Reading, Marigold Reading

Understudy: Ben Nichols

Scenario co-written by Lara Coutinho-Dean and Dr. Dina Ternullo

Directed by Lara Coutinho-Dean   Technical Director – Scott Dean

by

International Commedia dell’ Arte Day 2023!

Our local commedia troupe, i Firenzi, has had a thrilling time celebrating International Commedia dell’ Arte Day!

This year, we rented a room at a local community center and opened our audience up to the whole town of Cary, NC!

See more pictures in our Google Photos Album here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ySvSqC98dJD9Z3DQ6 

This is the 10th year i Firenzi has participated in International Commedia dell’ Arte Day celebrations. The cultural department of the Italian government sponsors this event annually. See this amazing website for the themes of each year: https://www.commediadellarteday.org/Annunci.asp?lin=eng 

 

i Firenzi is part of dozens of troupes around the world participating by producing performances and classes during February. The day of Commedia Day is February 25.

Our scenario this year was an original work written by Lara Coutinho-Dean and Dina Turnello mashing up commedia with Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Capitano is now King of the Fairies and fighting with his Queen of the Fairies, Vittoria. Arlecchino is trying to do the job of Puck and finding it challenging!

Check back here for an announcement when we get the video processed and posted!

by

International Commedia dell’ Arte Day 2022!

For the 7th year in a row, i Firenzi is thrilled to announce that we are performing a show as part of the international festival celebrating International Commedia dell’ Arte Day!!!

I Firenzi will perform IN PERSON for the 2022 International Commedia dell’ Arte Day!

 

An original scenario “The Dog Servant” written by Michael McAfee will take you on a ride of comic delight in the style of Italian 16th century improvised Commedia dell’ Arte!  Pantalone’s servant Arlecchino has decided to live life as a dog because they get table scraps and belly rubs – what could possibly go wrong?!

Show starts at 4:00pm (US Eastern Time) and lasts about 50 minutes.  Rated PG – enjoyable for most kids.

To see the show in person, please sign up here to get the address:

https://forms.gle/LjqHfjS3L2JwRufG6

 

No tickets necessary, but we need sign ups to ensure we don’t exceed the attendance cap for the room. So, please sign up at the link above.

We request that attendees wear a face mask for lowering the risk of spreading COVID. 

 

Sign up to subscribe to this blog for more updates via email on i Firenzi style Commedia dell’ Arte!

 

International Commedia dell’ Arte Day is a global celebration organized by SAT (The Italian government agency for culture) and recognized by the Italian UNESCO Commission, the various UNESCO Commissions in the world, the various Italian Cultural Institutes, the Embassies and the Italian Center of the ITI  (International Theater Institute).

Please click below for the official press release by SAT.

PressReleaseCdADAY2022

 

i Firenzi will also perform the same show again at the SCA’s Atlantia Kingdom Arts & Sciences Festival on March 5 at 11:30am US Eastern Time. See this link for details: https://kasf.atlantia.sca.org/