The role of maskmakers and mask performance research have been part of Dell’Arte’s pedagogical approach as well as its formal theatrical explorations. Copeau and Lecoq’s mask studies, as well as research into the mask traditions of Bali and other traditional cultures have influenced the work of the Company and School.  The Dell’Arte pedagogy approaches mask as a embracing metaphor for the work of the actor, not just as the object worn on the face.

Some maskmakers have come to study the performing arts at the School in order to expand their own relationship to the art, and a number of artists who began as students of acting-- or as faculty in the School-- found their true passion in the work of crafting masks and are now part of the number of professional maskmakers who are part of the Dell’Arte legacy.

Dell’Arte alumni working as professional maskmakers:
Torbjorn Alstrom www.artmask.com
Suzanne Bakker  www.clownnosefactory.com
Dean Bareham
Doug Berky
Kate Braidwood Phoenix www.wonderheadsmasks.com
Tara Cariaso www.waxingmoonmasks.com/
Xistine Cook animatedobjects.ca/
Aaron Cromie  www.aaroncromie.com
Joe & Minna Dieffenbacher www.nakupelle.com
Mimi Doyka
Todd Espeland
Tony Fuemmler
Barbara Geary
Wendy Gough   www.arlymasks.com
Newman  www.commediamask.com
Alyssa Ravenwood www.ravenwoodmasks.com
Kirby Soderberg
Stefan Vernier  www.thalia1.dk
Deven Sisler www.devensisler.com
Tara Cariaso
Nick Trotter www.nicktrotter.com

Faculty:
Bruce Marrs www.marzillamask.com

Some of the maskmaking instructors at the School in the early years were: Jon’Paul Cook, Alain Schons, Tony Pellegrino, Robert Ernsthal.

Mask performance has been taught by by a number of instructors over the years; primary mask performance instructors have been Mazzone-Clementi, Joan Schirle, Jon’Paul Cook, Bruce Marrs,  Joe Dieffenbacher, Stephen Buescher, Alicia Martinez-Alvarez, and Ronlin Foreman, with shorter workshops from Leonard Pitt, Arne Zaslove, Ole Brekke, Michael Fields, Julie Goell, Kaf Warman, Torbjorn Alstrom.

In addition, many students have developed their own interest in the work of the maskmaker, making masks for their own projects or others’ projects, without creating fulltime professional careers for themselves.