FULL FACE NON-VERBAL MASK THEATRE WORKSHOP
Venue: Drama Room, Hall, Theatre, Double Teaching Space 

Dive into the transformative art of Mask Theatre and unlock new ways to tell stories without words! Perfect for students eager to explore the world of physicality, expression, and creative storytelling.

Explore Diverse Mask Styles:

• Basel Masks – Experience the expressiveness and versatility of this classic style.
• Grotesque Masks – Bring exaggerated, outlandish characters to life.
• Trestle Masks – Discover the simplicity and physicality in character portrayal.
• Character Masks (Full & Half Face) – Create mysterious and captivating characters with unique expressive possibilities.

Workshop Focus

A practical exploration of storytelling without words, using full-face masks to develop physical expression and clarity in performance.

• Strengthens students’ ability to convey emotions, character, and narrative through gesture and movement.
• Enhances non-verbal communication skills, fostering awareness of body language.
• Encourages confidence, self-expression, and emotional intelligence.
• Highly inclusive and suitable for diverse learning needs, including ESL and students with communication challenges.

What You’ll Learn:

• Master the techniques of ensemble performance and collaboration
• Develop inner monologue skills to bring depth to your characters
• Hone your physical storytelling abilities, from comedy to drama
• Learn the art of devising and creating original stage moments
• Unlock the power of non-verbal communication to connect with audiences

Why Choose This Workshop?

This immersive experience is perfect for developing confidence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of physical theatre. Students will gain valuable skills in expression, collaboration, and performance that extend beyond the stage.

What Teachers Are Saying: 

“This workshop ignited a new passion in my students for physical storytelling. The techniques they learned were transformative—not only in drama but in their confidence and creativity!”

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES

Drama:

• Develop an understanding of non-verbal storytelling and physical theatre techniques.
• Learn how mask work enhances characterisation and audience engagement.

English:

• Examine body language and movement as a form of communication.
• Explore how non-verbal expression impacts storytelling and interaction.

Health & Wellbeing:

• Build confidence, self-awareness, and resilience through movement-based activities.
• Enhance emotional intelligence by understanding how physicality influences perception and communication.

Accessibility:

• This workshop is highly inclusive for students with diverse learning needs.
• No spoken language is required, making it suitable for ESL students and those with communication challenges.

Years 7-8 Drama (ACARA):

• Investigate the use of masks in performance and their historical and cultural significance.
• Develop expressive skills using body language, movement, and physical storytelling.
• Explore how silence and non-verbal communication impact dramatic meaning.
• Perform using full-face masks, focusing on clarity, precision, and audience engagement.

English (ACARA):

• Analyse the role of non-verbal cues in storytelling and communication.
• Examine how gestures, facial expressions, and physical movement convey meaning in drama and literature.

Health & Wellbeing (ACARA):

• Develop self-awareness and confidence through physical expression.
• Explore how body language affects social interactions and emotional intelligence.
• Encourage resilience and self-expression through movement-based activities.

Years 9-12 Drama (ACARA):

• Experiment with heightened physicality to enhance characterisation and meaning in non-verbal performance.
• Refine expressive movement to communicate complex emotions and relationships without speech.
• Analyse the use of mask work in theatre traditions worldwide.

Years 9-12 English (ACARA):

• Interpret and evaluate non-verbal elements in performance and multimedia storytelling.
• Analyse the impact of physical storytelling on audience interpretation and emotional engagement.

Years 9-12 Health & Wellbeing (ACARA):

• Develop an understanding of body language as a powerful form of communication.
• Increase social confidence and empathy by exploring emotional expression through movement.
• Recognise how physical presence and gesture influence perception and interaction.

General Capabilities:

• Personal and Social Capability: Encouraging confidence, self-expression, and teamwork through non-verbal performance.
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Developing problem-solving skills by conveying meaning without words.
• Intercultural Understanding: Exploring mask traditions from different cultures, such as Japanese Noh theatre, Greek tragedy, and Commedia dell’Arte.

Devised by: Clint Bolster