Mark Donnell is a commedia dell’arte teacher, mask maker, comedian, director, and clown specializing in using physical comedy and timing to bring humor to characters through the actor’s skills and talents.

Mr. Donnell uses mask work, circus skills, storytelling, and comedy from classic comedians to help students discover real laughter and smiles in their theatrical work. He has directed more than 25 plays and his teaching credits include: high school theatre arts teacher/director, circus skills for children at Manhattan Movement Arts Center, NYC, and commedia dell’arte for University of North Carolina Acting Out, Triad Stage, Greensboro NC and Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory, Roanoke, VA.

Mark has studied with Stanley Allan Sherman – Classical Mask Maker, The Roving Commedia University, New York Goofs, the University of North Carolina Summer Drama Intensive, and master clown Dikki Ellis. He is the recipient of numerous grants including the Wells Fargo Teaching Artist Grant 2016-2022, and the Winston-Salem Regional Artist Grant.