Jennifer Foreman graduated in English and Drama from Hull University and went on to study at the Laban Art Of Movement Centre. She began her professional career as an actor/teacher in theatre and education in London. She became Head of Performing Arts and Assistant Head of an inner-city school until her retirement. Following this she took up a teacher training position in post-graduate Teacher Education, which she left in 2015. Maskwork springs from her experience working with professional theatre performers and students of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

• PrologueAcknowledgements of PhotographsIntroductionWhat are Masks?Masks as ResourcesPlanning a ProjectProject 1: First StepsExploring the medium, tools and skills before making a mask.An 'ice-breaker' or forerunner to paper maskmaking for all ages.Project 2: Shape-MasksImprovising with paper construction to create masks rangingfrom the simple to the spectacular.Project 3: Changing FacesMaking a plate mask as a lively 'way in' to character work andphysical theatre techniques.Project 4: Symmetry & CollageMaking symmetrical half-masks and full-face collage masks(built up from magazine images) with activities combiningdrama and the other arts.Project 5: Theatre, Mask & MythDevising drama productions based on myths and involvingthe construction of full-face (helmet-masks) and head-masks(crest-headdress masks) using traditional models.Project 6: Character & CommediaExploring paper gum-strip techniques to create masks ofprofessional standard on any theme or character (human, animalor fantasy). Commedia dell'arte is given as an example.Project 7: Gods, Dragons & DemonsA resource chapter of mask-making ideas and activities inspired bymythological archetypes, suitable for festivals, parades and plays.Project 8: MasqueradeSuggestions for mask-making techniques involving papier-mâché,clay, plaster of Paris and fibreglass.EpilogueNotesBibliographyIndex

One of the main strengths of this book lies in the author's ability to present complex philosophical issues in a very pragmatic way ... Practical advice is purposefully presented in the context of much wider and more complex issues relating to cultural identity, human expression and communication; the underlying issues that place masks in their social, cultural and spiritual context. It reminds us of the importance of critical appreciation, self-expression and a moving away from the all too familiar process-based approach to teaching art and design. These are the qualities that give Maskwork its heightened significance for art and design education.