The Zanni Sleep Machine is a great way to open and close your Commedia play. But how does it work?

Well, the idea is that the servants (zanni) are asleep outside in all sorts of positions but in one way or another, their movements work together to make a machine...a sleep machine that is.

Groups should be between 4-8 people. Each ensemble member should find an action and sound that they can repeat over and over again and that can be sped up to add to the chaos and hilarity.

Actions can include anything and everything from rolling, jumping, scratching, swinging arms and more. Sounds can include snoring in part with another ensemble member or in full, talking in your sleep, or making various shrieks and screams.

These short videos are from recent teacher professional development days. They are of the various groups rehearsing and trying out various ideas. Feel free to take a look and try to create your own sleep machine!