Commedia Dell'arte research

Commedia Dell'arte is a type of theatre art that originated in Italy. Commedia Dell'arte is also known as Italian comedy. Groups of professional people that are specialized in theatre travel in groups to perform. The commonly perform on the streets and occasionally at special places. The better groups became famous when they travelled abroad and performed abroad. Commedia Dell'arte began in the 16th century and started becoming well known all over Europe. Using masks was really important because it made it seem a lot more funnier and interesting.  Improvisation was a huge part in Commedia. The actors only worked from a basic outline of what they had to do, and improvised the rest, I think that is what made it more funnier and it showed the audience that they interact and have a real connection with the other actors.
The main characters used in Commedia Dell'arte are:
1.) Magnifico
2.) The first actor and/or actress
3.) Pantalone the doctor
4.) Comlubina Brighella
5.) Harlequino the captain
6.) Zanni

Sources:
http://www.humanracetheatre.org/commedia_dell'arte_AUG_7_SCREEN.pdf
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/comm/hd_comm.htm
http://italian.about.com/library/weekly/aa110800a.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commedia_dell'arte
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_0TAXWt8hY