Noh Training Project - Mask Carving Workshop

Noh Mask Carving Intensive Workshop
6-8 & 10-12 April 2026 inclusive (9 April is a rest day)

Venue: Department of Drama, Theatre & Dance, Royal Holloway, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK.

The Department of Drama, Theatre & Dance at Royal Holloway, in association with Theatre Nohgaku Europe and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, is pleased to announce its second noh mask carving workshop with celebrated mask maker Kitazawa Hideta.

Kitazawa Hideta is a traditional Japanese master craftsman, Shinto-temple carver and mask maker for both classical noh and kyogen theatre. His work is held in museum collections globally, and his work was documented in Noh and Kyogen Masks: Tradition and Modernity in the Art of Kitazawa Hideta published by Prestell in 2024.

During this unique six-day workshop (the only such workshop in Europe), Kitazawa will guide participants through all processes of the design and carving of a traditional noh mask. Previous experience of carving, sculpture, or working with wood is not necessary. It is anticipated that all participants will leave the workshop having carved and painted a traditional noh mask that they can take home.

This workshop has been made possible by generous support from the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.