AQUiLA MAGAZINE
SHOWSTOPPERS
Make a Theatrical Mask !
POLLY ’ S mISSION
Masks can be a very important part of a theatrical costume !
They ’ ve been used since the beginning of theatre itself , all those thousands of years ago in ancient Greece . Back then , masks were made of wood , leather or painted canvas and helped to amplify the actors ’ voices so they could be heard in vast Greek amphitheatres . In the Middle Ages , actors in ‘ Mystery Plays ’ used them for playing devils , demons and dragons . The use of masks continued into the Elizabethan and Restoration periods ( 15th and 16th centuries ). The Italian form of comedy called commedia dell ’ arte still uses masks today ! Polly wants you to make a double-sided theatrical mask to illustrate comedy and tragedy . The mask will be reversible so that a quick swivel of a ruler ( this will make sense shortly !) means you can portray both genres instantly !
ACTIVITY SKILLS
1-2 HOURS
DIFFICULTY
GET STARTED
STEP 1 :
Firstly , decide if your mask will be a human , animal , or perhaps even a mythical being ! Have this design in mind and grab two identically-sized paper plates . Place them eating-side down and , using a round object or compass , draw the eyes in the correct place on both plates . Cut out the eye holes carefully with scissors ; adult supervision is recommended for this . Use another paper plate to cut out shapes for the ears and glue them in place . Remember , if you want your masks to be animals , the ears may need to be fixed to the top of the plate , not the side . o o o o o o o o o o o o
YOU WILL NEED
Paper plates Plastic ruler Scissors Stapler Sticky tape Glue Paints Pencils or pens Tissue paper Wool Cotton wool A helpful adult
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