On completion of the first rep season in London, towards the end of the first year of the course, the company of actors will then travel to Italy for an intensive residential training programme. Working with the leading Commedia dell’arte practitioner and mask maker in the world, Antonio Fava they will work on all aspects of the commedia art.

This residential training experience will conclude the first year of training.

Living and working in Italy as a company for four weeks, working with Antonio intensively for the duration of the residential period, the company will cover all aspects of Commedia from history through to performance, culminating in a delivery of work at the end of the intensive residential course.

This is a truly unique opportunity, an experience you will receive nowhere else and one that whilst not only developing additional skills, enable the company to form an even more profound ensemble bond prior to their return to the UK.

ANTONIO FAVA is an Actor, Author, Theatre Director, maestro of Commedia dell'Arte and of Comedy.

He directs the International School of the Comic Actor in Reggio Emilia, Italy (where you will be studying with him). He designs and makes leather masks for use in his School and professional productions.

He teaches Commedia dell'Arte in schools, universities and drama academies throughout the world.

His masks are on show in museums and cultural institutions throughout the world.

Antonio is also an international Director of some repute and is also author of the book entitled La Maschera Comica nella Commedia dell'Arte, published by Andromeda, English version, The Comic Mask in the Commedia dell’Arte, published by Northwestern University Press.