Theater Mask Design Project for Grades 6–12 – Creative, Hands-On Design Project
This flexible, ready-to-use Mask Design Project invites middle and high school students to explore identity, symbolism, and storytelling through theatrical mask-making. Whether you’re teaching a unit on the history of theater or simply looking for a meaningful, hands-on creative project, this resource is designed to meet you where you are.
Students can choose to create a mask inspired by classic theater traditions (Greek, Roman, Noh, or Kabuki) or design an original mask based on a character, emotion, or personal concept. Both structured options are included, allowing teachers to adapt the project to their curriculum and student needs.
This flexible, ready-to-use Mask Design Project invites middle and high school students to explore identity, symbolism, and storytelling through theatrical mask-making. Whether you’re teaching a unit on the history of theater or simply looking for a meaningful, hands-on creative project, this resource is designed to meet you where you are.
Students can choose to create a mask inspired by classic theater traditions (Greek, Roman, Noh, or Kabuki) or design an original mask based on a character, emotion, or personal concept. Both structured options are included, allowing teachers to adapt the project to their curriculum and student needs.
This flexible, ready-to-use Mask Design Project invites middle and high school students to explore identity, symbolism, and storytelling through theatrical mask-making. Whether you’re teaching a unit on the history of theater or simply looking for a meaningful, hands-on creative project, this resource is designed to meet you where you are.
Students can choose to create a mask inspired by classic theater traditions (Greek, Roman, Noh, or Kabuki) or design an original mask based on a character, emotion, or personal concept. Both structured options are included, allowing teachers to adapt the project to their curriculum and student needs.
Why Teachers Love It:
Designed specifically for Grades 6–12
Ideal for drama, visual art, or cross-curricular lessons
Encourages meaningful creative choices and student voice
Aligns well with historical, cultural, and personal expression goals
Low-prep, easy to implement — great for independent or sub use
Supports National Core Arts Standards
Learning Objectives:
Identify and apply key elements of theatrical mask design
Create a unique mask that communicates a character, emotion, or symbolic message
Make intentional artistic choices involving color, shape, pattern, and materials
Sketch and plan a visual concept before executing a final piece
Reflect on and explain their design process and choices
Offer and receive constructive peer feedback on creative work
Understand how masks have been used to tell stories across cultures and time periods (optional tie-in)
Timeframe: 3–5 class periods (45–60 mins each) depending upon your students and schedule
What’s Included:
A clear, student-friendly project overview
Two structured planning worksheets:
Option 1: Inspired by Theater Traditions (Greek, Roman, Noh, Kabuki)
Option 2: Original Character, Emotion, or Concept
Guiding questions and prompts for thoughtful design choices
Sketching space and artistic planning worksheets - one male, one female, and one blank
Teacher Grading Rubric
A fun, easy-to-use Peer Feedback rubric
Optional display plaque templates to showcase student work
Complete teacher materials: lesson summary, learning objectives, pacing guide, preparation tips, and adaptations
Who It’s For:
Middle and high school theater teachers looking for a creative, hands-on performance design activity
Visual art teachers seeking cross-curricular connections with symbolism and storytelling
Substitute-friendly lesson plans that are engaging and structured
Teachers with limited time who want to offer meaningful artistic exploration without needing an entire unit
Educators who teach mask history and want a culminating project — or those who prefer a purely creative approach with no prior history required
