Mask Performing

If you are interested in learning about performing in full mask, we have two workshop pathways for you to follow:

Revealing the Mask (Levels 1 and 2) is suitable for all professional actors, performers and theatre makers. 
Understanding the Mask  (Levels 1 and 2) is designed to give educators the skills they need to incorporate mask into their own teaching.

These workshops are available for organisations to book (contact learning[at]vamostheatre.co.uk): if you would like to attend a public workshop, please see our Next Public Workshop page to see if one is coming up.

We welcome deaf participants at all our workshops. If you are booking a workshop, it can be led by one of the deaf workshop leaders on the Vamos Theatre team, or can include a BSL interpreter. Just let us know when booking.

Revealing the Mask is suitable for all professional actors, performers and theatre makers.  We often find new professional performers for productions and Walkabout work through these workshops.

Revealing the Mask (Level 1) is a creative, high energy and inspiring session that gives participants a thorough introduction to full mask technique. Through games, exercises and shared exploration, the workshop introduces mask characterisation, mask physicality, and techniques such as clocking, stillness and isolation, helping to build confidence and understanding of mask performance.

Revealing the Mask (Level 2) is a chance for participants who have completed Level 1 to develop more advanced full mask skills and a deeper understanding of the form. As well as looking in more detail at characterisation and  physicality, participants will have chance to devise individually and as a mask ensemble,  and to learn the essentials of directing full mask. N.B Participants should complete Level 1 before attending Level 2. 

Learning outcomes:
Level 1
•    Familiarity with the basics of full mask performance, including characterisation and physicality
•    Increased confidence when performing in a mask
•    An understanding of some of the essential techniques of full mask
•    An understanding of the importance of focus whilst performing in full mask

Level 2
•    A developed understanding of characterisation and physicality in full mask
•    A detailed knowledge of techniques that make for excellent full mask performance
•    Increased confidence in the devising process
•    An understanding of the key essentials when directing mask

Booking details

Suitability: actors, performers and theatre makers
Course size: maximum 24 participants
To book a workshop: contact us on 01905 312921 or email learning[at]vamostheatre.co.uk

Understanding the Mask is designed to give teachers and educators the skills they need to incorporate full mask into their own teaching. No previous mask experience is necessary.

Understanding the Mask (Level 1) This energetic and creative full mask workshop, suitable for teachers, lecturers, and educators at any level,  introduces participants to full mask. Using games, exercises and shared exploration, the workshop carefully guides participants through the basics, including characterisation, physicality, and technique, building confidence and understanding of full mask.

Understanding the Mask (Level 2) is a chance for educators who have completed Level 1 to develop a deeper understanding of mask, and to learn effective ways of sharing these skills with students. Level 2 will look in more detail at mask characterisation and  physicality, and give participants the opportunity to practice and develop skills of devising and directing.  N.B Participants should complete Level 1 before attending Level 2. 

Learning outcomes:
Level 1
•    Familiarity with the basics of full mask, including characterisation and physicality
•    Increased confidence in using mask and passing these skills on to others
•    An understanding of some of the essential techniques of full mask
•    Familiarity with using games and exercises with students, such as hot-seating

Level 2
•    Increased confidence in using mask as part of your teaching
•    A deeper understanding of how to direct others in mask
•    Knowledge of how to create and work with a mask "script"
•    Familiarity with guiding students through the devising process
•    An understanding of the role of sound and music in your mask work

Booking details

Suitability: Teachers, lecturers, and educators (any level)
Course size: maximum 24 participants
To book a workshop: contact us on 01905 312921 or email learning[at]vamostheatre.co.uk