The Neutral Mask

Purchase an inexpensive, expressionless, white, plastic mask.

This exercise is not about performance, it is purely experiential. Set aside thirty minutes to be alone to listen to the audio guide and experience the transformative nature of the mask.

There are two exercises. The first is a guided “rebirth” scenario and rediscovery of the senses.

During both exercises, physicalize the slightest impulse.

Act it out physically.

Don’t worry, no one is watching.

Pay particular attention to any remembered sensations, touch, taste, smell, sight, or sound as you participate in an ocean voyage on an old sailing ship.

Through the exercise, you should experience the basic principles used to sympathize with a character, sense-memory and emotional recall.

Write a response to the exercise that is at least 250-words in length and post your response for class comments.

Be sure to talk about your experience while wearing the mask.

Neutral mask lecture and Exercise 1: Birth

Exercise 2: The Voyage

Discussion Board Question: What is "Method" acting? Who are its best practitioners? How does it work?