Mask Performance Workshop: Level One

Monday May 27th

6PM-9PM

This beginner level mask workshop focuses on the primary skills to activate a mask: the precision of movement; the natural consequences of an action; the mask’s gaze; the essential audience; the use of breath and sound; and the tapping into of one’s Imagination. Engage in a physically charged and fun workshop that embraces non-verbal storytelling through mask.

Performers are expertly guided by professional artist Susan Bertoia in discovering the nuanced non-verbal body cues and gestures we inherently use to communicate. We then use these findings to explore the world of animating mask. Mask performance is a heightened, dynamic and immediate form of theatre and storytelling.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in.

About Susan Bertoia:

Susan Bertoia is a professional theatre artist. Her dynamic artistic practice with specialization in physical theatre and mask performance, make her a well-respected and sought out artist in Canada. Her many creative facets include Jessie award-winning actor; Adjunct Professor in UBC’s Theatre Department; artist in residence at many local schools; film director; theatre director; playwright; physical dramaturg and creative director for large scale theatre productions. Recently Susan was awarded the ‘Excellence in Drama Education’ through ABCDE. Her training includes: BFA (UBC Theatre), Commedia (Piccolo Teatro di Milano and Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre); Mask making (Donato Sartori) and physical theatre practice (Jeremy James); Devised Theatre (with Frantic Assembly and One Yellow Rabbit, Calgary). www.susanbertoia.ca

Tightrope Impro Theatre strives to advance the art form of improvisation.

We are committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces while inspiring compassion and connection in our community in Vancouver and internationally.

Tightrope Studio is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded Indigenous territories belonging to the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We hold this space as a home for artistic exploration and community building, and welcome BIPOC, LGBTQ2+ folks, as well as allies and settlers.

Accessibility info:

The main entrance is the ground floor. The door is wide enough to accommodate a standardized wheelchair and electric wheelchair. Our main lobby, bar and theatre are wheelchair accessible. Our stage is not as it is raised about 4inches off the ground.

Our bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible. The closest wheelchair accessible washroom is at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre, across the street from the theatre. Their hours of operations are Monday-Friday, 6 am-10 pm, Saturday, 8 am-6 pm, and Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm.

If you have further concerns or questions regarding accessibility during workshops, please email education@tightropetheatre.com.