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"He delivers the message of Laughter. A dynamo of an instructor who holds the group spellbound. A joy to listen to and watch. The pixie has comedy's healing powers. A tremendous privilege to have been in his class. One of a kind."

"I was so excited about the layers, textures and depth we could add to our performance in The Love For Three Oranges. So much of our opera chorus work depends on gesture to communicate meaning, and experiencing how those actions, given intention (and connected to the purpose of the scene) can make the "magic" of theatre happen, was a joy. The time just flew by, and I was amazed at how much we accomplished in the two afternoons."

Upon These Boards is dedicated to professional training for the emerging theatre artist. We offer a variety of workshops, and have helped place students in well-regarded professional training programs and conservatories. Our teachers (regional theatre artists of note) work across the nation. UTB offers a rehearsal environment where the actor is empowered to explore the ‘finer lines’. -

With its roots in ancient Roman comedy, the commedia dell 'arte form happily exploded onto the scene in Europe during the Renaissance, and lives on today in the work of the best comedy writers and clowns – as well as serving as an extremely valuable set of acting tools for the facile actor who must caper between classical and contemporary material.

Here then is a master class which immerses the student of theatre in the grand styles and hidden wisdoms of the mask, the 'lazzi' and the ensemble ethic.

Level One - Lecture & Practicum
The commedia dell' arte prototypes are presented in historical context, explained in hysterical manner, and given life through actualizing them physically. The actors work with gesture and mask to awaken these fools.

Level Two – Fortune’s Fools
The menagerie of fools, clowns & jesters from Shakespeare's canon are defined, explored and rehearsed.

Level Three - Lazzi & Scenario Lab
Practical tools will give rise to the ensemble's imagination in creating original clowns and improvised scenario, inspired by both classical and modern comedy.

This workshop curriculum can be adapted in length.

To book Mr. Stuart's time, and/or questions regarding fee schedule, contact us at:Enroll@UponTheseBoards.org

Randall Stuart is the Artistic Director of Upon These Boards (UTB). Based in the Pacific Northwest, and trained at the American Conservatory Theatre, Randall directs and teaches regionally and abroad, and has worked extensively at regional repertory & Shakespeare theatres. [full biography]