Casting and costume Flashcards
What is the costume of Truffaldino?
Motley jacket and trousers in bright, clashing colours and patches (diamond shape pattern)
Simple dark cap
Worn leather boots or shoes
loose baggy clothing, shows his social standing. Brightly coloured patches cut from other rags
Why is this costume appropriate for Truffaldino?
Reflects his role as a comedic, lower-class servant
Bright colors support his chaotic, high-energy movement
18th-century influence from Commedia dell’Arte’s traditional servant costumes
Built for slapstick and agility (acrobatics) per production needs
What is the costume of Beatrice (disguised as Frederico)?
Doublet in navy/charcoal (silk/velvet) - tight clothes to show she has breasts to create comedy as she is trying to be a man
White linen shirt and dark breeches
Polished black leather boots
White cravat
Masculine silhouette
Why is this costume appropriate for Beatrice?
Reflects her upper-class status and disguise as her brother
Follows 18th-century theatrical cross-dressing norms
Costume allows for freedom of movement and gender disguise
Created to blend in with male characters and hide her identity
What is the costume of Florindo?
Velvet or brocade jacket in deep red or dark blue
White linen shirt
Dark silk or wool trousers
Polished brown leather boots
White silk cravat
Why is this costume appropriate for Florindo?
Embodies a romantic nobleman — dramatic and passionate
Rich fabrics and colors reflect his upper class
Built to match traditional Commedia “Lover” characters
Maintains mobility and theatrical flair for dramatic entrances
What is the costume of Smeraldina?
Light blue or yellow wool/linen dress
White linen apron and headscarf
Simple leather shoes
Earthy, faded tones
May wear breeches under skirt for acrobatics
old, tattered cloths to show low social standing as she is a servant
Why is this costume appropriate for Smeraldina?
Blends practicality with a hint of flirtatious charm
Costume nods to servant class while highlighting agility
Reflects her clever, spirited nature within Commedia traditions
Built to allow for physical comedy and movement
What is the costume of Pantalone?
Red suit with white ruffled collar
Red breeches and striped stockings
Black cape (exaggerated and flowing)
Polished buckled shoes
Matching hat
Cane with gold/silver accent and money pouch
Why is this costume appropriate for Pantalone?
Red signifies his wealth and self-importance
Based on traditional Venetian merchant from Commedia
Exaggerated look enhances comedic effect
Visual contrast between his wealth and foolishness
What is the costume of Clarice?
Soft pink or blue silk dress
White linen bodice
Voluminous silk skirt
Delicate satin shoes
Lace scarf and pearls
Soft pastel color palette
Why is this costume appropriate for Clarice?
Embodies youthful innocence and upper-class femininity
Based on 18th-century Rococo fashion
Romantic style fits her role as a lover in the play
Contrasts with the Zanni and comedic characters visually
What is the costume of Dr. Lombardi?
Black wool academic overcoat
White linen shirt and ruffle collar
Dark wool trousers
Polished leather shoes
White handkerchief, pocket watch, spectacles
Dottore-style mask (round cheeks, bulbous nose)
Why is this costume appropriate for Dr. Lombardi?
Reflects his pompous academic persona
Based on Commedia’s Dottore — always in black
Academic robe signals scholarly (and satirical) identity
Costume and mask enhance his exaggerated self-importance
What is the costume of Brighella?
Loosely fitting white smock and trousers
Green trim and detailing
Soft leather shoes or boots
Often wears a short cloak or sash
Why is this costume appropriate for Brighella?
physically fit
Reflects his role as a clever, scheming servant — higher rank than Truffaldino
Green trim ties into Commedia tradition (green = trickery, cunning)
Loose fit allows for physical comedy and fast movement
Costume aligns with historical Commedia styles, updated for this production’s bold palette
Distinct from Truffaldino’s motley but still playful and functional
Who would you cast as Truffaldino?
A young (early 20s), slim, agile actor with sharp, expressive features and wide, lively eyes, scruffy short hair.
Must excel in exaggerated physical comedy and rapid changes in movement and expression.
Why is this actor suitable for Truffaldino?
His chaotic energy, awkwardness, and agility are central to Truffaldino’s comedic physicality. A youthful appearance enhances the mischievous, underdog charm.
Who would you cast as Beatrice?
Tall (5’8”–5’10”), slender, and athletic actor with angular features, strong jawline, and confident posture. Must transition convincingly between feminine grace and masculine disguise.
Why is this actor suitable for Beatrice?
Beatrice’s strength, elegance, and disguise rely on a balance of noble beauty and assertive masculinity — the actor must navigate gender performance with charisma.
Who would you cast as Florindo?
Tall (6’0”), broad-shouldered, with chiseled, romantic looks. A handsome, charismatic actor with an athletic build and polished, noble air.
Why is this actor suitable for Florindo?
Florindo must exude romantic intensity and noble charm. His commanding physicality and dashing looks elevate him as the play’s idealized romantic lead.
Who would you cast as Smeraldina?
Petite (5’0”–5’3”), small but strong woman with long scruffy hair, bright eyes, and a wide, mischievous smile. Agile and energetic, able to deliver sharp wit through movement and expression.
Why is this actor suitable for Smeraldina?
Her size and strength give her power in unexpected ways. She brings spunk, intelligence, and comic timing, delivering independence and fiery charm.
Who would you cast as Silvio?
Short, thin young man whose small frame adds physical humor, especially in romantic scenes with a taller or larger Clarice.
Why is this actor suitable for Silvio?
Silvio’s height difference with Clarice creates visual comedy. His over-the-top romanticism and fragile masculinity add to the absurdity and farce.
Who would you cast as Pantalone?
Short (5’2”–5’5”), elderly (60s–70s) actor with a hunched posture, balding or graying hair, and wrinkled features.
Why is this actor suitable for Pantalone?
His frailty, age, and miserly look highlight his stinginess and old-world authority. Sharp eyes add menace and greed, playing into the commedia stereotype.
Who would you cast as Clarice?
Tall (5’6”–5’8”), elegant, possibly large or awkward-looking woman to exaggerate physical contrast with Silvio. Should have soft features and a reserved manner.
Why is this actor suitable for Clarice?
A humorous casting twist where Clarice’s size creates comedy in romantic scenes. Her graceful but comically miscast elegance contrasts with Silvio’s passion.
Who would you cast as Dr. Lombardi?
Middle-aged (40s–50s), broad or padded figure, with heavy-set facial features (jowls, nose), graying beard, and deep-set eyes. Strong, booming voice and excellent command of grammelot.
Why is this actor suitable for Dr. Lombardi?
His imposing form supports his academic arrogance. A booming, fast-paced voice and flexible facial expressions bring humor to his pedantic frustrations.
