Expressive Half (Vocal) Masks
March 29 – April 2, 2027
Free your voice through the physicality and rhythmic play of half masks.
Overview
The form, rhythm, and presence of a mask awaken movement, imagination, and story that might otherwise remain hidden. When we meet a mask with our full body and attention, something unexpected begins to play through us. The task is not to invent or perform something clever, but to listen, to follow, and to be played.
Over six days, we will work with different families of masks, each offering its own world, structure, and poetic logic. Moving from simplicity to complexity, from silence to voice, we train the clarity, generosity, and courage needed to bring these masks fully to life.
Note: This workshop can be taken on its own, or as a continuation of the Neutral Mask & Full Expressive Mask training. The The workshops take place in the weeks immediately before and provide a powerful foundation for the mask work we explore here. → Learn more about the Neutral Mask and Expressive Full (Silent) Mask workshops by following the links.
Half Masks (Commedia Humana)
With the mouth uncovered, the voice enters the play. Half masks call us into heightened human behavior—where desire, flaw, impulse, and humor are alive in the body. We develop the voice of the mask, discovering how sound and language arise from physical rhythm.We will explore lazzi (physical improvisational games), and learn to create canovaccio—dramatic structures that hold a scene while still leaving space for improvisation, surprise, and play with the audience.
We'll be using Expressive Half Masks hand crafted by David Pozanter.
Workshop Focus
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Clarity and articulation of movement
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Expanding physical imagination
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Playing with emotional dynamics and theatrical presence
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Bringing voice and breath into character
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Improvising with structure and freedom
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Creating scenes in relationship with partners
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Building worlds and stories through the body and the 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.
However, The Neutral Mask & Expressive Full (Silent) Mask workshops held in the weeks immediately before this one offer core physical training that will support your work in this workshop. Click the links for more details.
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.
Schedule:
29 March - 2 April, 2027 (Monday–Friday)
Daily, 10:00–18:00
Location:
ImprovWorks Berlin
Rudolfstraße 14, 10245 Berlin
Our home base will be a large, bright studio for development work located in a vibrant and central part of Berlin. The space includes a kitchen, as well as both indoor and outdoor break out spaces. There are many ammenities and transport options within short waking distance.
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.
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.
Apply Here: https://forms.gle/hMVGqFWyHdgsr6MG9
Payment:
Once you register for the workshop, your workshop fees are due within 5 days to confirm your spot. If this presents a challenge, please contact us — payment in installments is available upon request.
Please note that your fee includes a €115 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 the Expressive Masks workshop the following week. (Details here)
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
