The Mask Handbook A Practical Guide

nbsp; In an age of bland realism on TV and technological excess in film, masks have the ability to truly play the fundamental game of theatre - the suspension of disbelief. They ask the audience to participate in the theatrical process in the way children do, with a desire to believe in the simple transformation of actor into character, and to connect their imaginations to those of the actors. Full of simple explanations and written by a director with over 25 years of experience of writing for, directing and acting in masks, this book includes: an introduction to the origin of masks; advice on preparing, making and using masks; tips on writing, devising and directing maskwork; and lots of fun and effective practical exercises. This accessible and inspiring handbook will empower teachers, directors and actors to fully explore the world of the mask. nbsp; Toby Wilsher co-founded Trestle Theatre Company in 1981. For 23 years he was an actor, writer, maker, designer and director for Trestle, seeing his work performed in 31 countries. Since 2004 he is a freelance director, writer and corporate trainer. nbsp; Theatre Studies/Drama nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;This book, from Europe's leading Mask director and co-founder of the Trestle Theatre Company , provides a fascinating demystification of the process of using masks. Full of simple explanations, and collating over twenty-five years' experience of writing for, directing and acting in masks, The Mask Handbook examines how masks have the ability to play the fundamental game of theatre " the suspension of disbelief. The Handbook includes: an introduction to the origin of masks advice on preparing, making and using mask tips on writing, devising and directing maskwork lots of fun and effective practical exercises. This accessible and inspiring handbook will empower teachers, directors and actors to fully explore the world of the mask.Full of simple explanations, and collating over 25 years' experience of writing for, directing and acting in masks, 'The Mask Handbook' examines how masks have the ability to play the fundamental game of theatre - the suspension of disbelief.Full of simple explanations and written by a director with over 25 years' experience of writing for, directing and acting in masks, this volume includes an introduction to the origin of masks, advice on preparing, making and using masks, tips on writing, devising and directing mask work, and lots of fun, practical exercises."this is a wonderful textbook.... this book would work across the age ranges and is accessible to all."nbsp; -nbsp; Jonathan Goodwin, Head of Performing Arts, Central Sussex College "a very readable and useable book.... depending on the price I could see it becoming essential purchase... written by someone with comprehensive and respected experience as a writer, director and performer."nbsp;nbsp; -nbsp; Anne Fenton, LEA General Advisor, Drama nbsp; nbsp;"this is a wonderful textbook.... this book would work across the age ranges and is accessible to all." - Jonathan Goodwin, Head of Performing Arts, Central Sussex College "a very readable and useable book.... depending on the price I could see it becoming essential purchase... written by someone with comprehensive and respected experience as a writer, director and performer." - Anne Fenton, LEA General Advisor, DramaFull of simple explanations, fun and effective practical exercises and collating over twenty-five years' experience of writing for, directing and acting in masks, this handbook provides a fascinating demystification of the process of using masks."In The Mask Handbook: A practical guide, Europe's leading mask director and co-founder of the Trestle Theatre Company sets out to demystify the process of using masks. In an age of bland realism on television and technological excess in film, masks have the ability to truly play the fundamental game of theatre - the suspension of disbelief. They ask the audience to participate in the theatrical process in the way children do, with a desire to believe in the simple transformation of actor into character, and to connect their imaginations to those of the actors."--BOOK JACKET.