Mask Handbook A Practical Guide

"A very readable and usable book, it will be useful for students and teachers, not only in training for the use of mask but for developing skills in devising and performance skills. The book demystifies much which has become the province of the initiated and reserved for those in the know and is written by someone with comprehensive and respected experience as a writer, director and performer" - Anne Fenton, General Adviser Drama, West Sussex LEA 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 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. 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. Theatre Studies/DramaWilsher, Toby is the author of 'Mask Handbook A Practical Guide', published 2006 under ISBN 9780415414371 and ISBN 0415414377.