Dell'Arte School

Dell'Arte School (The Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre) is located in Northern California in the town of Blue Lake, California in Humboldt County, California near the major population centers of Eureka and Arcata. Founded in 1971 by Carlo Mazzone-Clementi and Jane Hill, it offers a three-year MFA in Ensemble Based Physical Theatre and a one year Professional Training Program. This school of the actor-creator and physical theatre encompasses training in acting, voice, movement, and related physical skills, with specific attention to the areas of mask, commedia dell'arte, tragedy, and clown. The Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre is associated with the Dell'Arte Company, an ensemble of artists who are known internationally for their unique style. Since 1991 Dell'Arte has hosted the Mad River Festival in late June concurrent with their summer workshops. The festival draws participants from all over the world, and includes "The Blue Lake Pageant" featuring giant puppets, musicians, dancers and performers. Dell'Arte also has a Youth Academy which works with local schools as well as a teen program to develop ensemble productions.