Ravenwood Studio Workshops
Workshops for the public

BOOKS: Making Masks
- The Prop Builder's Mask-Making Handbook by Thurston James
- The Prop Builder’s Molding & Casting Handbook by Thurston James
- The Artist's Complete Guide to Facial Expression by Gary Faigin

BOOKS: History of Masks and Commedia (A few favorites.)
- Harlequin Unmasked - by Meredith Chilton ( A book about Commedia porcelain figures but also includes a detailed history of Commedia and wonderful photos of original masks and costumes.)
- The Italian Comedy by Pierre Louis Duchartre (History of Commedia Dell'Arte. Includes period illustrations and detailed descriptions of the characters.)
- Carnival! by Barbara Mauldin
- Masks and the Art of Expression by John Mack

MATERIALS:
- Neoprene Casting Rubber - Chicago Latex and Critical Coatings
- Gypsona Brand Plaster Bandages - the best brand for mask making and life casting. Search locally at a medical supply co. or online at: The Complete Sculptor
- Sculpt or Coat Glue, Varnish, Primers and Paints - Sculptural Arts
- Veg Tanned Leather - Weaver Leather or Wickett and Craig
- E-6000 Epoxy - available at craft and hardware stores

 

BOOKS:
- The Mask Handbook by Toby Wilsher (An excellent book on mask performance.)
- The Italian Comedy by Pierre Louis Duchartre (Includes detailed descriptions of Commedia characters.)
- Chuck Amuck: The Life and Times of an Animated Cartoonist by Chuck Jones (Chuck Jones, the legendary cartoon director, shares many valuable techniques that are also useful for physical theatre and mask performers.)

FILMS:
- Physical Theater Video Playlist - videos of clown, puppet, mask, buffon, mime and other physical theater performances.

- Chuck Jones - Extremes and In-Betweens, a Life in Animation (Chuck Jones, the legendary cartoon director, shares many valuable techniques that are useful for physical theatre and mask performers.)
- Looney Tunes - Golden Collection, Volume One (Many great cartoons by Chuck Jones. Duck Amuk is an excellent example of matching the body to the character and emotional containment vrs explosion.)