The Masque launches insightful series of theatre workshops for the public
The iconic venue The Masque has launched a series of theatre workshops for people who are interested in theatre, giving them the opportunity to gain insight into the different aspects of theatre-making and running a theatre venue.
The programme starts in May, with monthly sessions covering different aspects of the theatre. Anyone can enjoy one or all the worskhops, which are scheduled to run into 2025. Entrance is R30 and pre-booking is recommended to secure a space.
Head of Operations and Front of House volunteer, Christine Kaye, says:
“We are proud to announce that, for the first time, we are offering people the chance to learn more about the workings of a theatre and mounting productions. Our workshop programme will provide insight into various areas of activity. The almost year-long season presents a different session each month, and each one will be led by an expert in the field. It is a wonderful and fun opportunity to get a feel of what the different roles involve.”
Example workshop sessions include: Onstage Basics, Sound and Lighting, Stage Management, Set Design and Build, Production Management, Directing, Wardrobe and Props.
The participation fee per workshop for non-members is R30. Participation for members is free.
The workshop session dates:
- Onstage Basics: 11 May
- Sound and Lighting: 22 June
- Backstage Crew & Stage Management: 06 July
- Front of House Operations: 27 July
- Set Design & Set Build: 15 September
- Production Secretary & Production Manager: 20 October
- Sound & Lighting Encore: 02 November
- Directing: 17 November
- Front of House Encore: 30 November
For further information about the workshops, email learn@themasque.co.za.
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About The Masque
More than 60 years old, The Masque is an iconic venue in the Cape Town cultural landscape. A unique and historic space, it has been home to many amateur theatre societies over the years and was established by local attorney Bertie Stern with the objective of encouraging voluntary participation in all forms of theatre by all people.
Stern had a vision to provide a platform for both amateur and professional performers regardless of their social or political situation at that time. When The Masque opened, it was one of the only theatres in Cape Town that was open to people of all ethnic backgrounds.
A registered Non-Profit Organisation, The Masque strives to make theatre accessible to all – onstage, backstage and for the audience. Run by volunteers with a focus on community, the theatre showcases all genres of performance and is as widely inclusive as possible. The Masque is wheelchair friendly, has a fully licensed bar and snacks are available before shows and during intervals.
In 1993 Bertie bequeathed The Masque into trust for the benefit and growth of community theatre. The theatre was totally destroyed by fire in 1997 and it took two years to rebuild (thanks largely to the generosity of the late Joan St Leger-Lindbergh). The Theatre is still owned by the Stern Masque Theatre Trust and is managed by a board of volunteers.
At the helm of the operation is a team with professional theatre experience. Continuing its work into the post-Covid-19 era, The Masque seeks to present high-quality amateur theatre productions, providing a service of artistic engagement with the local community, celebrating diversity and building on the Theatre’s reputation as a sought-after professional venue-for-hire.
