Foundations of Commedia dell’Arte Workshop at the KC Fringe Festival

Foundations of Commedia dell’Arte Workshop
July 19, 2026 11:00 am
at The Bird Comedy Theater
103 W. 19th Street
KCMO 64108
Producer: KC Fringe Festival
The workshop is scheduled for 3 hours: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Registration cost $25/person
Register at: https://square.link/u/b4VGhA2p
“Have you heard the buzz about Commedia dell’Arte — the classic masked theatre style that inspired generations of comedy and was popular during Shakespeare’s time? Commedia Kansas City invites you to dive into this lively and influential art form in an engaging 3-hour workshop led by Artistic Director Patrick Rippeto.
Participants will explore the five core masks of Commedia dell’Arte through movement, posture, character work, and improvisation. You’ll learn how these iconic characters think, move, and interact while gaining a strong foundation in the traditions of this timeless comic style. Whether you’re an actor, improviser, clown, Renaissance Festival performer, or simply curious about physical theatre, this workshop offers an energetic and welcoming introduction. Be prepared to move, laugh, and learn — and bring water, comfortable clothing, and flat shoes!
The workshop features an impressive team of instructors. Patrick Rippeto studied Commedia dell’Arte in Reggio Emilia, Italy with renowned Maestro Antonio Fava after earning his Theatre degree from UMKC. Joining him is longtime Kansas City mime advocate Beth Byrd-Lonski, whose performance credits include KC Fringe, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Art in the Loop, and mentorship under legends including Marcel Marceau. Also teaching is Ashton Barlow, director and founder of Home Again Productions, whose Commedia performance at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival was recognized as one of the best new acts of 2024.
Come experience the masks, mischief, and mayhem of Commedia dell’Arte — and maybe even discover your next stage adventure!”