1. Form of theatre begun in 1560 in Italy
2. Commedia developed as a response to the political and
economic crisis of the 16th century, and, as a consequence, became
the first entirely professional form of theatre and is commonly
referred to as the origin of comedy
3. At times performers were called "mountebanks"
4. Some advanced performers performed in front of Kings or
nobility
5. Various characters evolved outside Italy, such as Hanswurst
(Germany), Pierrot (France), Petrushka (Russia), and Clown
(England)