Renaissance Theater and Commedia dell'Arte

What was a key difference in focus between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance?

• The Middle Ages focused on feudalism, while the Renaissance focused on crusades.

• The Middle Ages focused on God, while the Renaissance focused on human potential.

• The Middle Ages focused on the plague, while the Renaissance focused on itchy clothing.

• The Middle Ages focused on innovation, while the Renaissance focused on tradition.

What type of plays became popular in Italy during the late 1300s, inspired by Roman drama?

• Tragedies with moral lessons

• Comedies featuring twins and mix-ups

• Mystery plays about religious stories

• Plays written exclusively in Greek

Who were the primary producers and audience members for "Commedia Erudita" plays in Renaissance Italy?

• Public theaters for all social classes

• Traveling acting groups for common people

• Royal courts and academic institutions for nobles

• Religious organizations for church congregations

What artistic technique greatly influenced the design of theater sets during the Italian Renaissance, making them appear three-dimensional?

• Elaborate costuming

• Single-point perspective painting

• Use of trapdoor mechanisms

• Shifting wing panels

What was primarily used to light the stage in Renaissance Italian theaters?

• Electric lights

• Candles and oil lamps

• Gas lamps

• Spotlights

When were women first allowed to perform on stage in Italy?

• Before the Renaissance

• Around 1560

• In the 18th century

• After the invention of electricity

What is a key characteristic of Commedia dell'Arte performances?

• Actors followed a fully written script with no improvisation.

• Performances relied on elaborate stage machinery and special effects.

• Actors used stock characters and improvised scenes based on pre-arranged comedic bits.

• Only male actors were allowed on stage, even for female roles.

Which of the following are the three main types of stock characters in Commedia dell'Arte?

• Kings, Queens, and Knights

• Heroes, Villains, and Sidekicks

• Masters, Servants, and Lovers

• Tragedians, Comedians, and Dancers