Italy to International: Make A Scene Reinvents Itself
Rosa Campagnaro - the Director of Make A Scene Theatre Arts Education - is rebooting the traditional style of Commedia dell’Arte with a bold new on-line and on-demand resource.
Make a Scene believes in the transformative power of laughter — and Commedia dell’Arte with its universal language of slapstick, satire and sharp wit, belongs to everyone.
We’re on a mission to reboot this rich Italian theatrical tradition for modern audiences nation-wide!
The education co-ordinator of the Malthouse Theatre said recently that “Deconstructing the ‘traditional’ Commedia dell’Arte paradigm is essential to broadening access and inclusivity. Make A Scene shows Commedia can be owned by everyone and used to celebrate (divsersity).”
We had our humble beginnings in the early noughties, when I studied Commedia dell’Arte in its Italian heartland, Venice!
Inspired to share Commedia back in Australia, and armed with a suitcase of homemade plaster masks, I began teaching workshops in schools.
By 2010, Make A Scene was born — pairing exciting Commedia performances with engaging workshops (now with traditional leather masks). From metro Melbourne to regional towns, we began sharing this kooky style with all year levels across Drama and Italian, and for Carnevale!
We’ve notched up six shows, Currency Press publications, VCE Playlist selections (2016, 2019 and 2026), Drama Victoria Awards, toured with Regional Arts Victoria, and delighted audiences from La Mama Theatre to thousands of classrooms.
Commedia Rebooted: Online & On-Demand!
In 2025, we turned 15 — and like any teenager, this kid wants to go online! And ta-dah, we are, launching our unique online and on-demand suite, Commedia Rebooted.
This teaching resource includes full-length digital shows, comprehensive lesson plans, and instructional videos featuring professional physical theatre performers.
Drama Victoria described it as “Informative, fabulous and funny!”
It’s also perfect for teaching devised performance and playmaking techniques. We have a playlist of videos dedicated to the step-by-step process for creating an ensemble piece, heaps of exercises, ideas for performance-building, and Post-it Notes!
We’re also keeping it real with face-to-face workshops and shows, including our fresh VCE Playlist zinger, Bromance, which is playing at the Motley Bauhaus in Melbourne and later touring to schools. We’re also back on the road with a limited season of Pinocchio — starring original co-creator Jasper Foley. Get in touch before we book out!
“We have many students with neuro-diverse backgrounds. This show allowed them to forget everything on the outside and purely focus on the joy that was the moment!” — Sunshine Heights Primary School
Masterclasses & Professional Learning
Having recently graduated from NIDA with an MFA in Directing, I am looking forward to sharing my minestrone of skills in a four-day intensive Masterclass in April. Perfect for educators, directors and actors, this is a rare opportunity to simultaneously ‘bring your silly’ and be serious about your comedy!
Can’t join us? Zoom in for a free online session and screening of our newly revised and performed classic Venice in Love on 9 March. This is a great opportunity to sample Commedia Rebooted — no cash required!
Whether online or in person, start your Commedia adventure with Make A Scene today!
“Campagnaro’s credentials as theatre practitioner and expert in Commedia dell’Arte are impressive and the Australian theatre scene is reaping the benefits.”— Stage Whispers
Contact our website: www.makeascene.com.au with code word: StageWhispers2026 by end of March and receive a 15% discount on your subscription.
Think of us as your roadmap through this madcap world, where anyone, anywhere, anytime can:
SEE. PLAY. MAKE.