The Neutral Mask
Berlin 15 – 19 March, 2027
Awaken your essential presence and clarity of action on stage
Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
The Neutral Mask
"There are three masks: the one we think we are, the one we really are, and the one we have in common." — Jacques Lecoq (1921–1999)
Overview
Over the course of five days, we will dive into the core principles and techniques that form the foundation for all the theatrical styles in this workshop series. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced professional, working with the Neutral Mask has the power to bring you into a heightened state of presence—enriching both your work on stage and your experience of the world.
Note: This workshop can be taken on its own, or as a foundation for the Expressive Mask workshops taking place in the following weeks. Expressive masks offer the next step: exploring character, relationship, and story. → Learn more about the Expressive Masks workshops. We offer workshops in both expressive full masks (silent) and expressive half masks (with voice). Click on the links for more information.
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What happens when you put on a mask that is “neutral”—a mask without character?
On the face of the player, a neutral mask is never truly neutral. Because it has no built-in expression, it works like a magnifying glass, amplifying the natural dramatic expression already present in your body. This allows you to discover your own unique movement patterns, quiet the “noise” of unnecessary gestures, and refine your presence in time and space. The Neutral Mask invites you into silence and simplicity, revealing the essence of each movement and the poetry within every gesture.
We will be working with hand-crafted leather masks, made by three generations of the Sartori family in Padova, Italy.
In this workshop, we will use the Neutral Mask as a pedagogical tool to:
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Recognize and refine our movement habits
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Dissolve physical and creative blocks
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Unlock clarity of action and presence on stage
Workshop Focus
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Creating a world on stage
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Projecting and shaping space
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Making clear, expressive gestures
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Exploring silence and simplicity in movement
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Becoming aware of personal movement habits
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Moving together as a group or “chorus” in the Neutral Mask
About the teacher
Peter Sweet’s embodied approach to theater combines the madness of play with the rigour of technique. He shares the most effective tools that he has discovered and developed over 25 years of performing, teaching and directing. His unique pedagogy is grounded in his long practice of the Alexander Technique, Wu Tao breath work, and a wide range of somatic and martial arts.
Peter studied physical theatre at the Helikos School in Florence under Giovanni Fusetti and Matteo Destro, contemporary dance at SEAD in Salzburg, and circus at École du Cirque Zofy (CH). He certified as a teacher of the Alexander Technique at AZAT in Munich.
His solo and duo shows—including Meet Pete Sweet, Swinging High, BOOM!, and the current touring production Foolish Doom—have been performed in over 20 countries. He served as director of creation and performance in the circus department at Die Etage Berlin and is a thesis advisor and coach for the Master in Choreography at Fontys (NL). He has also taught at Stockholm University of the Arts, ZHdK in Zurich, and the Theaterakademie August Everding in Munich.
Peter is currently based in Berlin, where he directs professional companies, teaches workshops and throws his heart into every project that he dives into. In his free time he reads fantasy, plays the drums, and flies kites on the Tempelhofer Feld.
Workshop Logistics
Open to all levels
No prior experience is required.
Schedule:
15 - 19 March 2027 (Monday–Friday)
Daily, 10:00–18:00
Location:
ImprovWorks Berlin
Rudolfstraße 14
10245 Berlin
Our home base will be a large, bright studio located in a vibrant and central part of Berlin. The space has both indoor and outdoor break out spaces, and there are plenty of ammenities and transport options within short waking distance.
Language: English
The workshop will be taught in English. A basic understanding of English is required to participate. The teacher also speaks German, French, and Indonesian, and can provide translation when needed.
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 participants
Once 12 students are confirmed, the workshop is full. Additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
Attendance: Full-time attendance is required. The pedagogy is progressive, with each day building on the work of the previous days.
Sliding Scale Tuition: €360 – €780
We want this workshop to be accessible to people with a range of economic means, so we offer a sliding scale.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/TvWnkNuFcvbhNNFe7
Application Process:
Application deadline: 1 December 2026
1. Apply by the deadline using the application form.
2. After the deadline, Peter will review all applications together and make the selection. You will be notified of the outcome of your application by email within one week after the deadline.
3. If accepted, you will have seven days from the date you receive your acceptance email to pay the workshop fee in order to secure your place.
Please note that your fee includes a €140 non-refundable deposit (except in the case of workshop cancellation due to force majeure).
Tuition does not include food or lodging. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodations in Berlin.
If you are interested in continuing the journey, consider joining expressive full masks (silent) and expressive half masks (with voice). They take place in the weeks immediately following this workshop.
We look forward to seeing you in the studio!
Questions?
Wondering if this workshop is right for you, or have questions
about participating?
Questions about registration, payment, or logistics?
Would you like to connect with Peter directly or set up a call?
Feel free to reach out via email: info@petersweet.com