Over the next few weeks we’ll be featuring all five of our lovely touring company in a special questionnaire, finding out a little about what inspires them, what they enjoy about mask theatre, and advice for aspiring actors and technicians.First in line for the Vamos-grilling is touring technician Chris Marsh-Hilfiker.
How did you get started as a technician, and who were your main influences?
Originally it was a love of live music and spectacles that got me into entertainment and lighting, which then through university and exposure to a wider variety of performance art brought my interest to working for theatre companies which incorporate puppetry, mime and movement.
What is your most exciting performance experience to date?
Working with an opera company that took a cast of 14 singers to perform in the living room of a private house to an audience of about 60 people. The power of their voices in such a small and intimate setting was an experience I’ll never forget.
In your opinion, what does mask theatre offer audiences that they cannot gain from other forms of theatre?
It gives the audience more of an insight into how the body and mime is used to narrate and convey emotion without the use of facial expression. It can however also be used with a sense of emotional detachment and symbolism, which like puppetry allows much more breadth to what can be shown on the stage.
What tips would you give a technician whose just starting to explore mask/visual theatre?
Get to know the companies working in the field, see their work, and try to talk to them. Knowing your contemporaries is absolutely essential in theatre.
What do you enjoy most about the rehearsal process?
Being able to watch how the piece evolves throughout my time in the room, along with seeing how different approaches from different companies in the rehearsal room can really contrast how a show is formed.
What is the most useful piece of advice you have been given in your own career and by who?
Don’t say no to a job. Say yes to everything, and if you’re over your head on a skill, take extra care researching and preparing so that you are ready. At the same time, don’t take on too much. The job should still be enjoyable.
Have you a question for Chris? Ask it via the comments box below…