Acting Scenari
Shows All'improvviso
Scenari (related to the English word scenario, through Latin) are rough outlines for commedia dell'arte stories, which are meant to be performed all'improvviso by the actors. The actors are assigned their roles and they memorize the necessary actions for each scene -- but they have to make up the dialogue and details on the spot for each performance. Lazzi might be used to help fill out time and ensure steady moments of humor. This style of performance is often considered to be the true form of the commedia.
To encourage production of commedia shows, all of these scenari are free to be used for performance by anyone, without royalties. However, you must credit the author. Do not republish these scenari or redistribute these texts. Just because the scenario is old does not mean the translation is public domain; moreover many of these are original scenari that are on this site with permission of the author.*
for beginniner actors and those who are unfamiliar with commedia style improvisation vs. "improv" style
1500s
An early record of an improvised commedia show, in which the zanni gets the girl and it reads all in all like a Benny Hill skit.
1600s
In the enchanting city of Genoa, Cinthio's sister, Isabella, finds herself entangled in a web of promises and broken dreams as she embarks on a journey to Rome in pursuit of her unfaithful suitor, the Captain, only to discover a surprising twist of fate that leads her to a different path of love and fulfillment, much to her brother's delight.
Join the old merchant, his captivating wife, and a dashing young suitor as they weave a web of passion, jealousy, and unexpected generosity in the enchanting surroundings near Venice.
Lucinda is already pregnant, but tries to arrange an abortion before her father finds out. Her lover Valerio, and his friend Ottavio, discover this plan and send Cola to impersonate the false physician. Meanwhile, Leonora's father tries to marry her off to Capitano instead of her true love, Ottavio; while Ottavio has been engaged to Ardelia who also seems to be pregnant.
1700s
Pantalon's daughters, Victoria and Diana, want to be married to Cintio and Silvio; but their father has other plans. Meanwhile, Pantalon's ex-servant Brighella vows to have revenge on his former master by seeing the girls wed to their desired lovers in this side-splitting scenario.
Isabella secretly marries Orazio, who is soon after believed murdered. To find his killer, she disguises herself as a soldier. Join Isabella as she navigates a whirlwind of suitors, including the persistent Ottavio, while her true love Orazio finds himself caught in a web of misunderstandings and comical tricks in a series of uproarious scenes.
In a delightful tale of mistaken identities and mischievous pranks, follow the uproarious journey of Cola, Lucinda, and Valerio as they navigate a web of love, jealousy, and hilarious misunderstandings, all orchestrated by Cola's schemes and culminating in comedic chaos.
Everybody is marriage hungry in this story; and meanwhile old Pandolfo laments that his son Ottavio and his servant Colafronio were kidnapped by Turks.
1900s
A typical zanni romance of the early 20th century: Pierrot abandons his wife to chase Colombine. Intended to be performed in the mute pantomime style, there's no reason one can't run it as an improvised scenario, if one wishes.
2000s
In a hilarious tale of love and parental interference, Aurelia and Orazio navigate the absurdity of their fathers' demands, employing the cunning aid of their mischievous servants, Columbina and Arlecchino, in a series of comical letter exchanges that lead to a whirlwind of clever schemes and unexpected twists on the quest for true love.
In a hilarious tale of meddling fathers, forbidden love, and a mischievous schemer, follow the uproarious journey of Pantalone, Lavinia, Flavio, and Mezzetino as they navigate a haunted house, outrageous rumors, and clever ploys in their quest to overcome Pantalone's superstitions and bring a humorous twist to the world of love and real estate.
The elderly Gerontes seeks the hand of Isabella, and he enlists the help of his servant Harlequin -- but confusion arises when Harlequin's twin brother unexpectedly comes to town.
In a side-splitting tale of mistaken identities and outrageous schemes, follow the hilarious misadventures of Magnifico, Capitano, Aurelia, and Aurelio as they navigate a web of deception, reluctant engagements, and a daring plan involving a mock duel that promises to bring chaos and laughter to Magnifico's palace, all in the name of true love.
Lelio and Lelia have been secretly married at a villa in the mountains, where they have been snowed in. No one outside of the villa knows about their marriage, and Dottore wants to see the union broken before it ever gets announced. Will it still be a happy holiday despite the meddlesome vecchio?