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 face forms that transform the performer 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 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 Developing movement vocabulary through movement, rhythm, gesture and stillness. Explore a set of tools that help you communicate with your audience. WEEK 3 The larval mask in situations. From embodying a larval character through to creating the start of simple scenes. WEEK 4 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.