Using theater masks for actor training began in the western theater with Jacques Copeau in France in 1913. Copeau believed the solution to effective teaching for the actor was to emphasize physical training. To accomplish this effectively he reached for the theater mask. The foundation of mask training lay in the actor’s awareness of the […]
Masks continue to be a staple in contemporary theater. Modern playwrights are writing plays that require their use to create exciting and poetic commentary on modern society. Ann Washburn is one such author as concerns her play Mr. Burns, A Post Electric Play. Mr. Burns, a Post-electric Play won a 2014 Drama League Award. This […]
Often when writing about the use of masks in ancient Greek theater historians speak in broad general terms. Authors write that the ancient Greek theater masks featured “facial expressions” and “portrayed emotions” such as happiness or sadness. Although these statement s are not in and of themselves completely incorrect, they reflect a very superficial understanding […]
Theatre masks are expressive form. This means that they are designed in such a way as to animate the space around them through an interactive play of the rhythmic lines and planes of the mask. The successful mask will appear to change expression as the form moves through the space or as the actor moves […]
There has been a recent resurgence of interest in theater masks and masking as well as the use of masks in today’s theater practice. The importance of the mask throughout human history is significant and for our contemporary audiences it is a powerful tool in the telling of stories. The theatre mask inspires through the provoking […]
Devising Theatre through exploration of cultural masks of the world.
Happy Commedia Day!!! May it be filled with extravagant moments of idiocy.
Perhaps the mask can be part of the ever-changing cultural landscape in America and be an agent of change as we navigate a world increasing ruled by technology.
The profound place of expanding stillness that is neutral mask(the blank canvas for the performer) is what this discussion of principles will be based upon.
I feel extremely lucky to have found myself in places where I crossed paths with inspiring people, to have been afforded extraordinary opportunities and to have been gifted difficult failures that have propelled me forward.
Welcome!! Jonathan Becker offers on-site workshops in partnership with The North American Laboratory of the Performing Arts, a small institute dedicated to a broad cultural exploration of the performing arts, the creation of new works, the exploration of fundamental principles and inspiring artists to be agents of change.
The MansionA workshop for performers, students and teachers. Explore one of the most effective methods of actor training through Neutral, Larval and Character Half Mask. the mask tangibly reveals to the actor the intricacies of the art of performance, directing and an application of understandings to all styles of acting.
This workshop explores the entire process and understandings necessary to create an expressive form, a mask that appears to change expression as it moves through space.
