Strangeface Workshops
Exploring creativity with masks and puppets
Strangeface offers a series of ‘making’ and ‘using’ workshops focused on masks and puppets, designed to introduce their creative potential and playfulness to schools, colleges, and other groups. These courses offer a versatile experience, allowing participants to create a piece of devised mask or puppet theatre, generate new ideas, or craft a set of masks for future exploration.
Flexible and efficient mask creation
Workshops can take place in a venue of your choice. Masks are made on a tabletop vacuum former. The method is quick, clean and far faster than traditional techniques, such as papier-mâché. The result is a durable, lightweight mask with a smooth finish, perfect for repeated use and creative exploration.
Adaptable workshops tailored to your group
All of our workshops are ideally suited to groups of around 20 students but can be adapted to suit your specific requirements. Travel and accommodation costs may apply depending on your location. Please contact us for an exact quote tailored to your group.
Mask Performance Workshop
These drama-based workshops are adaptable to suit your needs and timetable. Popular sessions include Introduction to Mask Work, Commedia dell’Arte, Using Half Masks, and Devising with Masks.
Mask Making: One Day Workshop
This one day workshop provides an intensive introduction to masks. After a practical look at what makes a good mask, each member of the group goes on to make their own basic mask. The final part of the afternoon is spent exploring the masks using exercises and improvisation.
Mask Making: Two Day Workshop
Following a practical exploration of different types of mask, the group establishes some basic principles of mask practice and notions of what makes a ‘good’ mask. Each member of the group then makes and paints their own mask. The afternoon of the second day is spent practically exploring masks made.
Mask Making with Worbla: Three Day Workshop
Learn how to use Worbla to make a mask. Participants will learn the principles of designing a good mask, make their design from clay then use Worbla to realise their mask. After painting and adding detail (eyebrows etc) they will spend a fun day learning the principles of mask performance and bring their creations to life.
Mask Making Residencies
Residencies are tailored to the requirements of the group and can be based around specific themes, stories or issues. Groups may use the process to produce a finished piece for performance or as a solid platform to develop further work. A typical example would be a five day residency based on Grimm’s fairy tales, in which the group spends two days making masks going on to devise a piece for performance on the fifth day.
Cup Puppets: One Day Workshop
A workshop for 8-13 year olds. Using very basic materials (paper cups, polystyrene eggs, masking tape and tissue paper) students make a colourful puppet with moving arms and head of their own design. This is a wonderful workshop to encourage creativity, empathy and emotional intelligence. Once their puppet is finished, participants are encouraged to discover the voice and character of their puppet.
Cup Puppets: Two Day Workshop
A workshop for 12 years and up! Using basic materials (paper cups, polystyrene eggs, masking tape and tissue paper) participants have the opportunity to make a puppet with moving arms and head of their own design. The possibilities are endless – Vikings, ninjas, monsters or someone you know! This popular workshop has been used in a drama therapy context as well as with schools and as a holiday activity.
