We're pleased to announce the launch of mask.ED, our new digital learning portal providing support for teaching mask, devised and physical theatre.

The resources within mask.ED combine practical, film-based teaching with comprehensive, easy-to-use notes and written lesson support to guide teachers through the essentials of mask and physical theatre. Immediately teachable, each module is presented in a series of building-block units that provide excellent clarity of connection between classroom workshops and exam board requirements, suitable for different year groups across KS3 and KS4. The intuitive, easy-to-use presentation provides a platform for more experienced teachers, but is easily followed by non-specialists.  

The first in the series, Module 1 Using Mask in Drama, is comprises 6 lesson units covering all the fundamental techniques of mask and non-verbal theatre. Further modules are due for release in 2022.

Vamos Theatre’s Creative Producer, Honor Hoskins, commented, “Vamos Theatre runs many workshops in schools with young people and the pandemic has made an obvious difference - after a year of working in little boxes online, drama students, young actors and early-career artists are not connected or confident in their bodies. An environment of social distancing, time in isolation, reduced physical connection and fear of physical proximity has had an impact on how young actors connect, and by streaming these workshops into classrooms, using practical, in-depth and engaging content, we hope that mask.ED will get our young actors confident and creative in their bodies once again.”

mask.ED has been developed in consultation with drama teachers and aims to provide content that thoroughly supports the delivery of lessons. Mel Dufty, a Worcester-based drama teacher who has been part of the advisory team for the portal’s development added, “Mask.ED is really accessible and the pitching of delivery and the example activities are just right. The support pack is exceptional - it is literally teachable lesson by lesson.”

We are offering teachers an introductory price of £45 for Module 1. For more information on mask.ED and how to purchase access, visit our Learning pages.