What It Is

Our new initiative is a digital mask resource centre that will share our 40 years of experience creating contemporary masked theatre through interactive tours of our extensive collection of hand-crafted theatre masks made by Canada’s top mask artists, workshops in mask-making, performing, designing and directing given by professionals, and an opportunity to explore a full range of resources for people who want to make a mask or bring their dream mask project to life.

Who It’s For

We will offer engaging programs for a wide community including youth, seniors, artists, students, educators and arts enthusiasts in the broader community. We also want to increase access to these arts for those in remote locations or challenging circumstances.

  

Why It Matters

Masks are a gateway to the imagination. They inspire people to tell the stories that are important to them. Working with masks stirs creativity, builds confidence, and engenders collaboration, ultimately leading to more dynamic and inventive communities. By connecting users in many locations with professional artists, we hope to build a rapport between those with a passion for the arts. For Odyssey, this is a way of sharing our expertise in masked performance with a wide public beyond our borders.

 

Our Progress and Plans

We have created digital archives of our over 350 masks and 40 shows in collaboration with the Public History Department at Carleton University and are in the process of consulting with potential users. We have secured funding for a significant portion of our new resource centre. In 2026, we will build the site and create initial video workshops and tours. In the summer of 2026, we will pilot the site in partnership with community organizations in Eastern Ontario. The centre will launch in the spring of 2027.

You can follow along here and on our social media platforms to receive updates on Odyssey’s World of Theatre Masks!