Workshops (Edmonton): Neutral Mask – Fool Moon/Small Matters Productions, Theater News

Fool Moon/Small Matters Productions presents:
NEUTRAL MASK
JUNE 18 – 21, 2026

“There are 3 masks: The one we think we are, the one we really are, and the one we have in common.“ Jacques Lecoq, The Moving Body

The Neutral or Universal Mask was originally developed by Mask and Clown teacher, Jacques Lecoq, as a diagnostic tool for actors. Like all masks, it acts as an intuitive non-verbal ‘script’, instantly integrating body, mind and emotion.

The Neutral state is one of absolute self acceptance – physically, mentally and emotionally – “warts and all”. This empowers performers, allowing them to let go of crippling self-doubt, freeing them from a tendency to second guess their creative choices, and taking them to a place of great strength, power and presence.

This makes it perfect training for students of Clown. Neutral and Clown are parallel opposites. Neutral is the embodiment of economy. Clown is the embodiment of excess. Both can feel great emotion without either repressing it, or holding onto it past its lifespan. Both live completely in the moment, which allows them to truly see what’s happening around them, and results in powerful engagement with audience.

Dates: June 18 – 21, 2026

Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
1 hour lunch
(32 hours of instruction)

Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

Investment: $650
Includes a $200 deposit

Early Bird: $600 ‘til May 1st

Min class size: 10
Max class size: 14

For more info, and to register, contact Jan at [email protected]

Jan Henderson is one of North America’s leading teachers and directors of Mask and Clown. Through her company, Fool Moon Productions, she has devoted the last 40 years to helping people get in touch with their most authentic, playful and creative aspect – their inner Wise Fool – and use it to enrich their personal and professional lives.

Jan studied and performed extensively with master clown teacher, Richard Pochinko, and co-founded with him what is now the Theatre Resource Centre, Toronto. As co-artistic director and performer with internationally acclaimed Small Change Theatre, she literally clowned her way around the world, discovering first hand that laughter is the universal language. Jan’s teaching credits include Grant MacEwan University, Opera Nuova, and the University of Alberta, where she has received four awards for excellence in teaching. She is a recipient of Global Television’s Woman of Vision Award, and the Elizabeth Haynes Stirling Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre. Jan is Senior Artistic Associate of Small Matters Productions, where she has co-created and directed shows that enjoy critical acclaim on international stages. Her lifetime of work is celebrated in the documentary, The Wise Fool, available from director, Geraldine Carr.