From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Mathieu_Ren=E9?= <creaturiste-AT-magma.ca>
To: <puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2005 05:18:08 -0400
Subject: [Puptcrit] commedia masks links and tips


2) This is a touch off topic.  What is the best place to order stock
commedia dell'arte masks (the typical brighellas and pantalones) that are 
useful  for
production and rehearsal?  I'm concerned with comfort and  budget.  I bought
a set of 9 from Jonathan Becker (_www.theater-masks.com_
(http://www.theater-masks.com) ) - $530 for the  bunch.  They have served my 
college well, but they
have  caused some discomfort for some of my actors (which we have used extra
padding  to help limit, but the padding does not hold well on the kind of
material the  masks are made from).  I was wondering if someone had found a 
set
for an equal/similarly reasonable price that was a little more  genuinely 
"one
size fits all."

Feel free to reply on or off list. My thanks in advance.

Yours,
Ben Fisler
Otero Junior College
_______________________________________________




Hi Ben.
Many good mask sites on the web.
Start with this great source for everything maks-related.
www.maskmakersweb.org


I have met someone who took some acting courses from the studio of  Antonia 
Fava.
She said the masks were comfortable.
I personally like the designs, which can be daring.
http://www.commediabyfava.it/english.htm


Not commedia-tradition, but here's masks by nina Barlow.
I love the expression and textures!
http://www.ninabarlow.com/




I find that there is no real one size fits all mask. But a better fit can 
easily be arranged. small squares of sponge or foam can be attached 
temporarily above and below the eyes. Another piece can add support on the 
forehead. Some models require padding on the cheeks alone.
If you are worried about sweat(masks used by many different people), use 
hard foam (closed cell) instead of soft, but you'll need to carve the shapes 
more precisely.
Depends on the shape of the wearer's face and the inside of the mask.


My own masks are all comfortable. They are either semi flexible with 
oversized eyes and no complex shapes in contact with the skin, or are hard 
masks with an attached inner mask which provides the comfort. a simple inner 
mask can be a neutral eyemask.
the more I try, the more they get comfortable.

I attach my padding with hot glue, if the finish on the inside if the mask 
is smooth, non--porous and sturdy.



Mathieu René Créaturiste
Marionnettes, Masques, Etcetera...
Puppets, Masks, Etcetera...
creaturiste-AT-magma.ca
www.creaturiste.com
(514) 274-8027 

_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
Archives: http://www.driftline.org