Comedy in Theatre: Commedia dell’Arte Workshop

The Audition process for Blackwood Players’ November 2026 production of Dario Fo’s Low Pay Don’t Pay kicks off with this workshop, led by Commedia dell’Arte expert, Dr Corrina Di Niro.
Date: Saturday 14 February 2026
Time: 12:00–3:00pm
Location: Blackwood Memorial Hall (21 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood)

 About the Workshop

This practical and high-energy workshop introduces actors to Commedia dell’Arte, a foundational comic form that continues to shape contemporary theatre and performance comedy. The workshop is designed specifically for performers interested in being involved in a Blackwood Players’ production scheduled for November 2026.

Led by Corrina Di Niro, the workshop draws directly on her current creative and teaching practice, including material from her newly released book, Commedia dell’Arte Reimagined: Contemporary Practice and Pedagogy for a New Generation (launching February 2026).

The workshop will feed directly into the development and casting of the November production, Low Pay Don’t Pay by Dario Fo, directed by Larry Waller, an experienced theatre director known for ensemble-led, physically driven productions and a strong focus on actor process and collaboration.

Participants will explore Commedia dell’Arte as a living, contemporary form—one that is playful, embodied, and responsive to modern performers and audiences.

Participants will explore:

• Physical comedy and expressive movement
• Archetypal characters and comic status
• Rhythm, timing, and ensemble play
• Improvisation techniques that support bold, playful character choices

The workshop functions as both a skills-based learning experience and an early development and exploration space for actors considering involvement in the upcoming production. It offers insight into the ensemble approach, performance style, and creative expectations that will inform rehearsals later in the year.

About Corrina Di Niro
Corrina Di Niro is a theatre-maker, performer, and facilitator with extensive experience in physical theatre, comedy, and ensemble-based practice. Her work combines classical Commedia dell’Arte techniques with contemporary performance-making and pedagogy. Corrina is known for creating inclusive, energising workshop environments that balance technical discipline with playfulness, supporting performers to take creative risks while strengthening ensemble awareness and comic precision.

The workshop leads into our formal auditions.

 Low Pay Don’t Pay: Auditions

Date: Saturday 28 February

Time: 1pm-3.30pm

Location: Blackwood Memorial Hall

 We invite anyone who’d like to explore Commedia dell’Arte and find out more about Low Pay Don’t Pay, to come along to the Workshop, then attend Auditions on 28 February. However, we understand life gets busy, hence we also welcome enquiries about participating in one or the other or a 1:1 conversation about your interest in getting involved.

To register interest or find out more, contact Larry via larrywaller1@icloud.com or 0401530628.