US Theatre Shares Mask Workshop

Upper School Theatre students participated in a Mask Theatre Workshop during Community Time when other members of the Upper School could be an audience. A collection of different types of masks was placed around the room. Some were neutral masks - white with no features or mouths, some were half-masks, where the actor's mouth was still showing, and some were full masks - occasionally including hair and props.

The students in the class were already familiar with the masks, their names, the technique, and mask care. 

Each exercise started with relaxation. Actors were talked through relaxing themselves and removing themselves from the present environment by teacher Bill Leavengood. They were asked to "be born as their mask" by opening their eyes after relaxing while immediately looking in a mirror with their mask on. 

 

Some masked characters interacted with the audience, and some presented a "talk show" skit in character.