The mask is a creative channel into full physical freedom of the body and the imagination. It is about physicalizing a character from the outside in. In this class, with the LARVA and the CHARACTER mask, we gain insight into identity, personality, and the essential self. We come to know that an actor’s life is about remaking and informing the very nature of the self we carry into our work. Information on the anthropological, psychological, and theatrical application of mask work to actor process will be part of the discussion. The study of masks begins with the neutral mask. In this class, we will only briefly visit neutral masks. We will begin with full faced LARVA MASKS. These masks inspire silliness, wonder, fantasy and imagination. The masks draw our attention to the need for simple, singular thoughts that are focused on clear objectives and actions. After several weeks of LARVA masks we will then move to CHARACTER masks. Here we will stretch our imaginative selves to intuitively create a vast pantheon of varying characters and relationships. We will work from a large list of emotional and physical conditions that we will agree upon. Through the exploration process, you will learn how you are led to an imaginative and deeper understanding of character and the creative process. The integration of the mask to the body is incredibly freeing. It allows actors to bypass negative physical habits, unlock physical blocks, and to manifest a rich, fully integrated sense of bold body communication and expression. We will end our semester with a brief look at Commedia Del’Arte. Some previous mask work is recommended. This course fulfills the movement elective pre-requisite for advanced acting courses at the School of Drama.