In conjunction with his StoryFaces performances and the Before Cave Walls… lecture program, Christopher Agostino presents a variety of workshops. A wide range of programs are available, including:

• classroom sessions to follow-up performances with Mask Arts and Writing Projects

• special programs for Theatre and Art Students

• arts-in-education facepainting for cultural arts events

• professional makeup artists for school theatrical productions

— scroll down for descriptions or click here for a pdf flyer: StoryFaces_ArtsInEducationPrograms_agostinoarts

 

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Arts-In-Education

All of Christopher’s programs incorporate Visual Arts in direct support of Language Arts and Cultural Studies. Fundamental to his unique hybrid performance art style is its exemplification of the power of art — both Visual and Spoken Word — to convey social information, to retain and synthesize traditional wisdom, and to inspire the viewer/listener. The multidisciplinary example of a visual artist who tells stories through his art is a natural vehicle for generating student Mask Art Projects that also cross disciplines with Language Arts and Social Studies.

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Follow-up Art and Writing Projects

StoryFaces —Mask Art Programs

An interdisciplinary program developing Language Arts through Visual Arts, designed to generate student writing projects that are then brought into the art room as the genesis of mask art projects — following the methodology Christopher presents in his performance and in follow-up classroom demonstrations.

From Totem Masks to Modern Art – designing masks

This project gives students an experiential understanding of the traditional approach to art in tribal cultures as they create an animal mask design using symbols to signify the animal. This “mask-concept” approach moves the design process away from realism and into exploration of symbolic art and abstraction—foundations of an understanding of modern art.

Creating Your Personal Hero

Christopher’s storytelling programs for school aged students include many Hero Tales, a traditional vehicle for inspiring positive action and character building through larger than life role models. Students design a “Superhero Mask” by defining the attributes of their personal heroes and depicting those attributes through colors, iconography and symbols.

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Transformational Makeup — Programs for Theater and Art Students

From the very beginning of human culture we have used makeup and masks to transform our appearance and create a new identity. As ancient ritual evolved into theater, makeup remained as the way for an actor to present an identity beyond their normal self. It is especially evident in non-western theater, such as the Chinese Opera or Japanese Kabuki in which fantastically painted faces transform performers into gods, demons, heroes and all kinds of creatures to bring myths to life. Today, traditional designs are a source for creating theatrical magic in productions like Julie Taymor’s Lion King (with makeup based on Maasai body art) and in the fantastic special effects makeup that brings aliens and superheroes to life in Hollywood movies. Christopher Agostino uses makeup and mask art from world cultures to present the story of this fundamental art from ancient origins to modern theatre in this fascinating performance/lecture illustrated by his amazing facepainting on audience volunteers.

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Transformation Facepainting for Arts-In-Education Events

Our professional company of artists present facepainting in an educational context using styles based on World Masks, Tribal Faces, Native American Totem concepts or cultural traditions from regions around the world, such as Dia De Los Muertes or Amazon Indians. The same artists seen at the Bronx Zoo and Tri-State area events can facepaint students to create a uniquely memorable cultural experience that goes far beyond how much fun they will have. Events can be tied into assembly programs and to specific cultural regions or areas of Social Studies.

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Makeup Artists for School Theatrical Productions

Our artists are also available to paint the faces of student performers for theatre productions and other special events. Bringing in professional artists is a thrilling experience for a young actor and a great confidence boost that makes a school production extra special.

 

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