The Magic of Mask

A 4-hour workshop in mask, physical theatre, and expressive performance

Mask is a beautiful, expressive, and often-hilarious artform.

By hiding the face and limiting the voice, the mask invites us to drop into the body, stay rooted in the moment, and discover surprising new ways to connect with partners, audience, and the world of the scene.

This workshop is for performers of all kinds: actors, devisers, theatre-makers, improvisers, physical performers, and anyone curious about the power of mask. Whether you’re new to mask or already have performance experience, this workshop will help expand your stage presence, sharpen your physicality, and open the door to bold, playful, unforgettable choices.

In this workshop, we’ll explore:

Mask fundamentals

How the mask “lives,” meets the audience, and creates unexpected comedy, drama, and character.

Physical expressiveness

With no face or voice to rely on, you’ll discover more embodied ways of communicating story, emotion, status, and intention.

Presence and simplicity

Masks live in the here and now. We’ll explore how tiny actions, honest reactions, and simple discoveries can become rich, funny, strange, and beautiful.

Letting go

The safety of the mask can free performers to take bold risks — even shy or hesitant players often find themselves transformed.

Working with masked performers

We’ll also explore how unmasked performers can support, respond to, and enter the world of the mask.

Experience level

Open to performers of all kinds. No prior mask experience is needed.

About the facilitator

Jonathan Briden is an experienced performer, teacher, and theatre-maker based in Christchurch. He learned mask from Steve Jarand of Loose Moose Theatre, Pauline Calmé, and other international teachers, and has taught and performed throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.

His teaching is playful, practical, and supportive, with a focus on helping performers become more present, expressive, and bold.

Details

Date: Saturday 11 July

Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Venue: Drama Room, Ao Tawhiti
Ao Tawhiti is close to the city centre and just a 2-minute walk from the Christchurch Bus Interchange.

Cost: Koha on the day - $20 recommended

Where the money goes: All koha will go towards supporting the school.

What to bring

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
Bring a water bottle.
Masks will be provided as needed.

Group size

Places are limited so everyone gets time to play, explore, and receive individual attention.

Lisa Lynn (from London) - 7-9 August

Also, check out the full weekend of workshops with Lisa Lynn, all the way from the UK.
https://events.humanitix.com/workshops-with-lisa-lynn-2026

Contact the host of Workshop: The Magic of Mask

There were 0 errors found in the information you submitted: