Mask Making Intensive

Schedule
98 Hours of Instruction time, plus extra studio time outside of class. A sample day runs from 9am–6pm with a 90 minute lunch.

The Study

Learn to make professional quality theater performance masks that have a sustained life on the stage!  This workshop is great for designers, actors, teachers, artisans, cosplayers and mask lovers.

We will explore the elements that help bring a mask to life in three dimensions. How is a character mask different from a disguise mask? What materials can I use that are safe in my home? How does making a mask help me understand how to perform in it?

Participants will make plaster positives of their faces and create at least two full-faced and/or ¾ faced character masks. We will concentrate on human characters, but the techniques and considerations will be transferable to animal and fantasy characters.

Supplies are included in the registration cost. We will use paper mache and explore both positive and negative casting processes. Significant attention will be given to the interplay of design and performance.

NOTE: This program runs at the same time as the Effort-Risk-Momentum-Joy Physical Theater Intensive.

PAYMENT & LOGISTICS

Tuition & Fees: $1700         

A full payment will be required to secure your spot in the intensive. Links for all payments will be emailed to you after you’ve completed our admission survey.

Some partial scholarships are available for students of the global majority. You indicate your intention to apply for one in the admission survey.

Payment plans are negotiated on a case by case basis. Full tuition must be paid by June 10.

Please email our School Coordinator at schooladmin@dellarte.com if you have further questions before proceeding.

REFUND POLICY

Your full tuition for the Mask Making Intensive can be refunded (minus a $25.00 processing fee) before June 10. A cancellation occurring after June 10 will only be eligible for a 25% refund of the tuition cost. 

No refunds are made after the intensive begins.

FAQs 

For information regarding appropriate attire, school policies, and other logistics, see our frequently asked questions PDF.

Still have questions? Contact the School Coordinator at schooladmin@dellarte.com or by phone at +1 707-502-2276.

HOUSING

Dell’Arte does not have a campus with student housing. Upon request, the School Administrator can connect you to a list of local landlords and housing resources to help you find my housing for the duration of your training. We also recommend searching on Airbnb or similar sites for housing. UPDATE: We have negotiated a limited number of  additional housing possibilities nearby at Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata. A small booking fee and a refundable security deposit  will apply if you select this option. Note your housing interest on your admissions survey.

Students will have the option to join a private Facebook group where they can connect with other students regarding  the sharing and coordination of housing and transportation. 

TRAVEL INFO

Location

This intensive takes place at our campus in Blue Lake, California. We are situated in beautiful Humboldt County, approximately 5 hours north of San Francisco by car.

Our physical address is 131 H. Street, Blue Lake, CA, 95525
Our mailing address is:  PO Box 816, Blue Lake, CA 95535

Flights and Airports:

Direct flights to the Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) are served by several major cities:

San Francisco, California (SFO)
Denver, Colorado (DEN)
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)
Los Angeles, California (LAX)
Phoenix, Arizona (PHX)
Burbank, California (BUR)

ACV is located in McKinleyville, about a 20-minute drive away from Blue Lake. The airlines that serve the airport are United and Avelo.

Ground Transportation from Airports

From Arcata/Eureka airport (ACV)
We are in a rural area, and popular rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber do not have reliable coverage here. You can take a shuttle service called Door-to-Door Airporter at 707-839-4186. You’ll want to arrange it ahead of time, once you have your flight information.  Prices for 2024 are $28.00 if you are a Dell’Arte Student,or $30.00 regular- so be sure to mention that you are a student when you book.

From San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK)
You can take the Greyhound Bus to Arcata. To reach the Greyhound bus station from the airport, use the local transit called BART (the schedule for the BART trains is here: http://www.bart.gov/). 

The Greyhound bus station in San Francisco is located at 200 Folsom St. Bus tickets can be purchased online or at the station. Be sure to take the bus to Arcata, CA. The bus doesn’t run every day, so look into Greyhound ahead of time if planning this route.