Guided by international artist Elaine Foster-Gandey, renowned singer Emma Mansfield, and a Qigong teacher Angie Squires, this course offers a transformative blend of creativity, mythology, movement, and storytelling.

Daily Schedule (Monday to Friday)

9.30 - – 10.30 am: Qigong – Grounding, centering, energy flow

10.30 - 11.00 Tea break (tea’s, coffee, herbals teas, biscuits)

11.00 1pm First Mask Session – Creative exploration & techniques

1pm – 2:00 pm: Lunch (local cafes or bring your own)

2:00 – 3:15 pm: Afternoon Mask Session – Movement, group work, mirroring

3.15 - 3.30 pm short break

3:30 – 5:00 pm: Vocal & Singing Workshop with Emma Mansfield

Evenings: Free time for rest, reflection, or sketchbook work

Sunday – Arrival & Welcome

5:00 – 6:30 pm:

Arrival & Welcome at Studio

Overview of the week

Introductions & Intentions Circle

“What mask is waiting to emerge?” guided reflection

Creative Focus Throughout the Week

Finding the Inner Mask

Guided visualisation: "Meeting the Mask" (led by Elaine)

Journaling prompts:

What part of me wants to be seen?

What story is this mask here to tell?

Is this a creature, mythic being, animal, or inner archetype?

Sketching & mood boarding session

Character Development Exercises

Movement explorations (animal, element, or archetype based)

Mirror work in pairs & groups

Group improvisation: “Three Masks Enter a Room…”

Vocal embodiment: how does your character speak, breathe, sing?

Mask-Making Technique

Introduction to mud rock & clay sculpture

Sculpting facial forms from the imagination

Layering, drying, painting, sealing

Final mask finishing & fitting

Inspirational Sources

Singing & Voice with Emma Mansfield

Breath, resonance & improvisation

Vocal character development

Group soundscape creation

Songs for the final sharing

“Voice of the Mask” exploration

Final Performance – Friday Evening

An informal, celebratory sharing of character sketches, movement, and mask work.

Location: To be announced (nearby performance space)

Time: 7:30 pm (open to invited guests)

Saturday – Departure

Goodbyes, feedback, photo sharing

Departure by 11:00 am

What’s Included

All mask-making materials (clay, mud rock, paints, tools)

Daily tuition from expert facilitators

Singing, Qigong, and movement workshops

Studio access for personal work

What to Bring

Comfortable clothing for movement

A journal & sketchbook

Found objects or inspirations (shells, images, fabrics)

Packed lunch or plan for nearby cafés

Water bottle, apron/smock

Booking Details

Fee: £295

Reserve your space by emailing e.fostergandey@gmail.com

Spaces limited to ensure quality of attention and group intimacy