EmberFest presents Masterclass with The WONDERHEADS
About The Event
A Weekend Intensive in Mask Performance with the WONDERHEADS
Join our Master class with award-winning physical theatre company WONDERHEADS. Over the course of three days participants will explore the body as a storytelling tool and learn to bring fully realized characters to life without words.
- explore fundamental mask and physical theatre techniques
- explore what it means to bring a fully realized character to life through dynamic and articulate physical investment
- explore what it means to bring the ‘other’ to life
- Stretch your creativity
This workshop is intended for Actors, Dancers, Directors, Writers, Teachers, and anyone with a curious spirit!
Workshop Schedule | Sat, Feb 14- Mon, Feb 16th 2026
10am – 4pm with breaks (includes a 15-minute morning break and 1-2 pm lunch break
Spaces are limited. Reserve your spot today!
What to Wear:
This is a physical workshop, so you’ll want to wear whatever is comfortable to move around in. We suggest no jeans or restrictive clothing. There will also be times that you’ll be sitting and observing, so bring a layer for warmth. If possible, we ask that you try to wear neutral clothing – avoid wildly bright colours and huge logos, etc. We recommend either going barefoot or using indoor athletic shoes (socks can be too slippery on the floor for movement work). Lastly, for those who wear glasses, please wear contacts if that’s an option for you, and/or be prepared to work without your glasses when wearing the masks.
Hygiene:
Masks will be shared among participants and cleaned between uses. In consideration of everyone’s health, we kindly ask that anyone experiencing symptoms of illness or any potentially transmissible condition refrain from participating.
About the Artists
WONDERHEADS is physical theatre company specializing in mask performance, puppetry and visual storytelling. Their work is performed in full-face mask, a wordless, whimsical form which has been described as “Utter magic” (CBC) and “Powerful, surprising and moving” (The Globe and Mail). The co-founding ‘heads’ of WONDERHEADS are Kate Braidwood and Andrew Phoenix, who came together in 2009 resolved to conjure a little magic and wonder into the world. Armed with their respective careers in the professional theatre and a shared background in the most curious of MFA degrees (Ensemble Based Physical Theatre, Dell’Arte International) they set out to create their first show, Grim and Fischer, the story of a feisty grandmother who battles it out with the Grim Reaper himself. This show served as a launchpad for the company and over the past fourteen years they have developed five original productions: Grim and Fischer, LOON, The Middle of Everywhere, The Wilds, and A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol, which have toured to festivals and performing arts centres throughout Canada and the United States. The WONDERHEADS also frequently engage in a variety of outreach and teaching activities including workshops, in-depth residencies, lecture demonstrations and master classes.
WONDERHEADS Theatre is committed to equity, accessibility, diversity, and fostering safe, inclusive community spaces. We strongly encourage participation from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including – but not limited to – those related to race, ethnicity, Indigeneity, physical ability, gender, and sexuality. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of every workshop participant and to creating a space that is equitable, accessible, and welcoming for all. This is a movement-based experience designed for all bodies, and you’ll have the opportunity to share your access needs when you register.
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Kicking Horse Culture presents about four dozen cultural events and activities throughout the year in Golden, B.C., the traditional unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc Nations which is also home to Métis Nation Columbia River.