Donkey Mask for a Midsummer Night's Dream

[phapboy]

Hi there!

I'm currently designing/acting in a local production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and I need to build the donkey mask for Bottom.

I'm thinking that I might make the mask out of chicken wire (or that 2" square wire mesh) and then sewing fake fur on top of that, as it would be lightweight and easei to breathe in. But I'm not sure if there is a better way to make it. I would like to avoid sculpting if out of clay or plaster if possible because I'm not that great with sculpting stuff.

Any suggestions? Has anyone ever done this show before?

~Josh T

[J Pearce]

Paper mache can work well for masks for a short run show.

Alternatively strips of plasticard can be stapled together in a dome tent sort of manner to create curved shapes.

[Brian]

Why do you want to completely cover it? Does it have to be fur? Where does fur get mentioned in the script?

 

Hint - don't think so literally.

[GaryM]

For our production (several years ago now) I soldered a frame together from fairly strong copper wire. This not only enabled me to make a tailor made comfortable fit for the actor, but allowed solid attachment of the ears (also soldered and braced). This, as you have suggested already, was then covered with fake grey fur, with lighter fur for the inner ears, and a black mane running from between the ears and down the back of the neck. The grey fur also formed an under chin strap with velcro to hold the donkey head on securely as the actor cavorted around. This is a matter of opinion, but I feel it is important not to cover the face of the actor in any way, to avoid masking the actors expressions and muffling the voice, so mine was effectively a hat with donkey ears. Worked a treat and easy to put on and take off!