Larval Mask - Physical Theatre Workshops

EXPLORE THE LARVAL MASK IN A SERIES OF PHYSICAL WORKSHOPS

What can your body communicate when your face disappears?

Larval masks are oversized, simplified shapes that transform the actor into something not quite human.

Across four practical workshops, we’ll explore how larval masks can be used to develop physical character, stage presence, movement quality and non-verbal storytelling, while making space for play, curiosity and discovery.

BOOK ONE, SOME, OR ALL FOUR CLASSES

Participants can attend individual workshops or book the complete four-class series.

The full four classes are recommended, as each session builds your familiarity with the mask and gives you more opportunity to develop your physical vocabulary and apply what you've discovered to both masked and non-masked performance.

THE FOUR CLASSES

WEEK 1-TUESDAY 3rd Nov 4:30-6pm, Toi Aro

An introduction to the larval mask. Explore the relationship between mask, body and space. Begin to discover the physical language of the mask.

WEEK 2-TUESDAY 10th Nov 4:30-6pm, Toi Aro

Developing movement vocabulary through movement, rhythm, gesture and stillness. Explore a set of tools that help you communicate with your audience.

WEEK 3-TUESDAY 17th Nov 4:30-6pm, Toi Aro

The larval mask in situations. From embodying a larval character through to creating the start of simple scenes.

WEEK 4-24th Nov 4:30-6pm, Toi Aro

Putting the mask into performance. Develop short physical sequences and explore how the skills from the series can be used in performance.

WHAT YOU'LL TRAIN

Working with the larval mask will help you develop:

• Physical clarity — making movement and intention readable to an audience

• Presence — learning how stillness, focus and rhythm can hold attention

• Economy of movement — discovering how less can communicate more

• Physical character — creating a figure through the body rather than starting with psychology

• Non-verbal storytelling — communicating without relying on dialogue

• Play and imagination — approaching performance through curiosity rather than predetermined choices

FEE

$20 waged · $15 unwaged per workshop

Full four-class series: $70 waged · $50 unwaged

If cost is a barrier to attending, please get in touch. We may be able to help

ABOUT THE TUTOR

John Armstrong is a Wellington-based theatre-maker and educator whose practice centres on physical theatre, mask and academia.

John's physical theatre training includes residencies with Frantic Assembly in London, as well as a year of specialist mask training at Hagley Theatre School in Christchurch with Pedro Ilgenfritz. He has continually worked as an actor in professional companies, theatre-in-education programmes and as a teacher in tertiary settings.