Trestle Mask Maker (Freelance)

Trestle Theatre; St Albans; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

Trestle Theatre is seeking a freelance Mask Maker to join their team for a temporary contract, 3 days a week for 6 months. The ideal candidate should have experience with machinery and a passion for the arts, supporting the production of mask sets critical to the company's mission of inspiring creativity. Responsibilities include mask production, quality control, and administrative support.

Qualifications

• Commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming work environment.
• Understanding of Health and Safety guidelines.
• Experience with hand painting.

Responsibilities

• Use vacuum-formers to pull masks.
• Support the Mask Department Manager with commissions.
• Pack and dispatch mask sets.

Skills

Good communication skills

Experience with machinery

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Education

Experience working in the Arts

Tools

Vacuum former

Pillar saw

Hand drills

Job description

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We are looking for a freelance Mask Maker to join our team on a temporary basis, 3 days a week, to support the cover of a 6 month part time sabbatical for existing staff.

Trestle is a mask and physical theatre company with a 40-year history. Our mission is to inspire creativity for all through participation and dialogue. We do this by approaching opportunities with an open mind and playful attitude, using masks and mask technique to unlock creativity. We open up opportunities for everyone to engage with the arts, unleash their creativity, and increase confidence and general wellbeing through participation. Working with our masks presents participants, especially those who may otherwise struggle to communicate their stories, feelings and thoughts, with

a liberating canvas to be creative, and join with others to build confidence and self-expression.

Our masks are a key part of our business; we make and ship around 600 handmade sets a year to organisations and individuals around the world. This role will work closely with the Mask Department Manager to ensure the smooth running of the Mask Department by making, packing and sending out mask sets. There may be scope for further work following the 6 month contract, should the candidate want to explore that option.

The ideal candidate would be interested in the arts and have some experience working with machinery and technical processes. The role involves working with a vacuum former and pillar saw, hand-painting and spraying. Their attitude to Trestle and aptitude to our working environment are of paramount importance as everyone in the Company supports the workings of Trestle Arts Base and contributes to the running of the office.

We welcome applications from all people regardless of race, ethnic or national origin, religious or political beliefs, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, social or marital status or personal circumstances. If you would like to discuss any requirements for application, please do contact us.

Process

Please download and fill in the application and equal opportunities forms (https://www.trestle.org.uk/opportunities) and email them to [e-mail] by midday on 16th June 2025. We will invite shortlisted candidates to an interview in the week commencing 23rd June. Please call Helen Barnett, Creative Director, on 01727 850950 if you would like to discuss the role.

• Purpose of Post: To make Trestle’s Basic, Intermediate, Half and Advanced mask sets and support the smooth running of the Mask Department.
• Responsible to: Mask Department Manager

This role is based in our Mask Workshop at Trestle Arts Base in St Albans. Trestle Arts Base is the home of Trestle Theatre Company and is run as a community arts venue providing space for arts groups. These include Trestle School of Drama, dance classes, and a café gallery exhibiting the work of local artists. We also to host professional theatre touring companies and provide a space for their growth and development.

Duties:

Mask Making

• To use the vacuum-former machines to pull the masks
• To cut out the masks using the pillar saw and hand drilling eye and elastic holes
• To spray base tone, hand paint and airbrush the features on to mask sets
• To pack and wrap mask sets ready for dispatch, and dispatching if necessary
• Supporting the Mask Dept Manager with commissions

Administration

• To ensure marketing materials are in stock
• Covering for the Mask Dept Manager when absent, carrying out admin duties such as emails, processing orders, creating invoices in Sage, taking payments

Other

• To organise the available work space to ensure an efficient and safe working environment
• To ensure the working area is kept clean and tidy and that waste is disposed of responsibly and in line with Trestle’s recycling policy
• To be aware of Trestle’s Health and Safety Policy, Risk Assessments and to adhere to working within safety guidelines
• To help train work experience placement students, volunteers and new members of staff to make masks
• To assist in implementing any marketing campaigns relating to the mask sets
• To pursue an active and continuing programme of training
• To abide by and ensure that all aspects of Trestle’s Mask Making work comply with the Company’s Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding and other policies
• To contribute ideas to the website and other marketing initiatives
• Any other duties as reasonable required. Depending on the aptitude and interest of the post holder, this may include an involvement with other aspects of the Company’s work such as the touring shows or Taking Part projects

Person Specification

• A commitment to the success of the Company and to its ongoing development.
• A demonstrable commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming work environment.
• Good communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Understanding of Health and Safety and implementing safe working practices.
• A positive attitude with a high level of self-motivation and the ability to work using your own initiative, taking personal responsibility and resolving issues independently.
• Happy to work on repetitive processes.
• An understanding of Equal Opportunity and Cultural Diversity issues in the delivery of our services, including an understanding of access and disability requirements.
• Commitment to and understanding of sustainability.
• An ability to problem solve.
• Experience of working within the Arts.
• A knowledge of the machinery used in the mask making process, i.e. vacuum former, pillar saw, hand drills.
• Experience with hand painting.
• Experience working in a practical workshop environment.

Terms and Conditions:A temporary freelance contract for 3 days a week for 6 months.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

• Industries

  Performing Arts

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