Try out Mask-making

Masks have been used in theatre all over the world for centuries. Most people are familiar with the fact that masks were worn in theatre performances in Ancient Greece, but have you heard of Commedia Dell'Arte masks, or Japanese Noh Theatre masks? 

Masks are not just used in theatre from the past- several theatre companies use masks regularly in contemporary productions. Examples of these are Trestle Theatre Company and Vamos shown below

If you have been lucky enough to travel to Venice, Italy then you will also have seen examples of the Venetian Carnival masks which are highly decorated and often very beautiful.

Which characters would wear a mask?

Some plays or musicals which include scenes where characters wear masks, or fantasy/ animal characters who could be masked are:

• Romeo & Juliet- All the characters are in masks in the scene set at a masked ball

• The Lion King - most  of the actors in this musical wear some kind of mask to create the various animal characters

• Phantom of the Opera- the main character of the Phantom wears a mask to disguise his disfigured face. There is also a big scene set at a Masquerade Ball

• A Midsummer Night's Dream- there are fairy characters of Titania, Oberon, Puck, Peaseblossom, & Mustardseed who could be created with masks and Bottom is transformed into a donkey!

• The Wind in the Willows- characters of Mr Toad, Badger, Ratty, and Mole could all wear masks

Making masks

There are HUNDREDS of mask-making videos on YouTube. The ones shown below are just a small selection of ideas. The mask you choose to make will depend a great deal on what type of materials you have got at home or can easily get hold of, but don't be afraid to experiment! (Try using that stash of toilet roll for papier mâché for instance!!)

Have fun!

Simple eye masks and half-face masks

The most straight-forward type of mask to make is a 2D eye or half-face mask. You won't need much more than some paper or card, some coloured pens or paints to decorate, and some string or elastic to keep it in position.

Can you think of a character from a play who would wear your mask? Don't forget to take a photo!

More complex designs 

Once you know the basic shape you can go to town on decoration if you have a few more materials available.

The following examples use things like a hot glue gun, glitter, spray paint, nail varnish, and sequins, but you could also use feathers, braid trimmings, small beads, watercolour paints or anything else! Be creative and enjoy it!

Advanced mask making- 3D and full-face masks

If you really want to challenge yourself (and you are able to get hold of the extra materials) then you could have a go at these much trickier mask-making techniques using papier mâché or even Modroc. 

You might need some of the following materials for these techniques:

• PVA glue

• plasticine or modelling clay

• kitchen roll/ tissue paper

• Modroc (plaster of paris in a roll of bandage)

BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU ARE MODELLING DIRECTLY ONTO A FACE- LEAVE ROOM TO BREATHE!!!!