Chalemie - Summer School Courses

The Chalemie Summer School

Courses

Students may select a primary study from one of the following:

In addition to these primary study areas, students are encouraged to try out one or more secondary studies, although it is not obligatory to do this! These are open to all (no experience necessary) and will be developed from a beginner’s level. There will be opportunities to try your hand (or foot!) in one or more of the following subjects:

Early dance for all.
Introduction to the commedia dell'arte (masks & mayhem).
Costume making/repairing
Voice for all (popular songs and simple catches from the eighteenth century).
Instrumental ensembles (including the option of taking a chance to further your skill on one of the more unusual instruments, such as pipe & tabor, hurdy-gurdy or bagpipes).

Courses will be arranged to suit both beginners and advanced students. We shall also be exploring some of the history of English 18th century theatre, including the origins of Pantomime and its links to the 16th century Italian Commedia dell' Arte and the French Commedie-Ballet.

Singing and vocal ensembles

Singers will explore the rich world of the Italian comedy madrigal along with theatre songs of the Restoration period and early eighteenth century. The course is suitable for any level or voice. A special session on lute song and vocal accompaniment for plucked strings (lute, guitar, harp, etc.) is included.

Baroque dance

The early dance course will explore the repertoire of baroque dance, particularly the so-called 'noble' style of dance that originated at the court of Louis XIV in France but spread throughout Europe in the early 18th century. All levels of ability may participate, but experience in some kind of dance is preferred.

Commedia dell'Arte

Our commedia workshops will provide students with the basics of the style, and acquaintance with the principal masks of the commedia dell'arte, an introduction to 'commedia games', improvisation in movement and dialogue, and to the use of masks.

Instrumental music

Instrumental music is now offered as a principal study, and performers on any early instruments - recorders, strings, shawms, sackbuts, etc. - will be very welcome. In collaboration with the singers, the course will focus on music that is associated with the Italian Commedia, such as the comedy madrigals of Bachieri and Vecchi, and related dance music, along with the later forms that developed from this genre throughout Europe.

Period costume making

In recognition of its importance in the recreation of period theatre, the course this year will again include costume design and making as part of the programme.