Somatic Jam
A Monthly Mask Practice for Artists, Seekers, and the Curious
About the Series
The Somatic Jam is an every second Sunday monthly jam for actors and artists curious about deepening their relationship to embodiment, permission, exploration, and mask! Predominantly geared towards folks who’ve already completed an intro workshop most Jams will be 2–3 hour session with a different focus - some open and playful, some thematic and targeted, but all rooted in the spirit of inquiry, sensation, and freedom. We WILL be hosting our traditional 4 hour intro workshops very few months so keep an eye out!
You can expect:
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A Boundary practice and check in at the start of every session
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A short grounding and framing of the day
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A 30–45 minute movement warm-up (drawing from 5 Rhythms, breath, and guided somatic work)
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Mask explorations, solo, group, or ensemble
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Carved time to journal, reflect, and process
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A closing practice to end the day.
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About the Teacher
Benjamin Bass is a queer multi-disciplinary artist living in Philadelphia and the founder of Broken Mirror Studio. ​ They hold a B.F.A. in acting from S.U.N.Y. Purchase and have been fortunate enough to work and continue training worldwide. Notable works include "We Own This City," "Audrey's Children," The Obie award-winning hit "The Woodsman", Trey Lyford's "The Accountant," and the Chinese national tour of "One Starry Night." Benjamin is a proud member of both the Actor's Equity Association and the Screen Actor's Guild​
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As an educator, Benjamin is privileged to be an acting professor for the B.F.A students the University of the Arts. They are also the founder and head instructor at Broken Mirror Studio. They have taught master classes for N.Y.U., S.U.N.Y. Purchase, University of the Arts, UPENN, Drexel University, and various other studios throughout NY and Philadelphia.
NEXT JAM: Nov. 9th
INTRO TO MASK
AND THE SOMATIC ACTOR
This month’s Somatic Jam is a special introductory session designed for both newcomers and seasoned artists alike.
Rooted in the Brahe Mask Method — inspired by the Michael Chekhov technique and grounded in the use of Balinese masks, hand-carved specifically for this work — this approach isn’t about doing what’s “right,” performing well, or chasing approval. It’s about honoring your body’s wisdom and giving yourself the dignity of expressing what is actually being experienced without judgment, without agenda.
The practice began in the 1980s, when Danish theatre-maker Per Brahe traveled to Mas, Bali, and collaborated with master carver Ida Bagus Anom to create a set of twelve masks. Those masks went on to shape actor training at NYU, SUNY Purchase, Yale, Juilliard, The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Terry Knickerbocker Studio, and beyond.
Whether this is your first time stepping into the mask or you’re returning to reconnect with this work, this session offers a chance to listen deeply, move honestly, and remember what it feels like to create from the inside out.
Come curious. Leave changed.
Limited spots available. Sliding scale options offered.