DALLAS: Dallas Children’s Theater is inviting interested children entering kindergarten through grade 12 to enter DCT’s MASKerade Design and Decorating Contest and create their own mask to commemorate this time in the country’s history. The deadline for submitting either a drawing of the mask or a photo of the sewn mask is Aug. 16, with submissions to be presented on DCT’s website and social media. Winners will be announced during a Zoom event on Aug. 29.
“You know, this is a challenging time, and it can be hard for young people to understand why this is happening,” said costume designer Lyle Huchton in a statement. “Supporting them through an activity like this can be very helpful. Parents can talk with their children while they are helping them create something, and through that exchange, they can understand why wearing a mask right now might be a good thing.”
Huchton decided the timing of the contest was right after being inspired by DCT board member and local pulmonary doctor Adam Mora. The contest will feature Huchton teaming up with DCT celebrity puppet Milo the Mouse, created by master puppeteers Sally Fiorello and Trish Long, to watch the creativity and submission roll in. During the pandemic, Milo has been showing children how to make gifts for their loved ones and make the most of these difficult times.
“I’m happy to be a part of giving back to the community in this way,” added Huchton in a statement. “DCT loves its children and families, and we want to do what we can to ease the challenges every family that is stuck inside is experiencing. We are definitely missing the many families we normally see in our building. This is just one small way we can connect with them.”
Interested students can participate by following these steps, also listed on DCT’s website:
1. Pull out your favorite colors, papers, pens, pencils, paints, glitter, glue, fabric, magazine clippings – any medium you like!
2.Look at DCT’s Inspiration List below. Choose one of the categories from our list of different mask styles or come up with your own:
-Sporty (favorite sport or sports team)
-Princess
-Robot
-Homecoming Mum
-Red Carpet/Black Tie
-Kentucky Derby Bonnet
-Heritage
-Pride (LGBTQ)
-Storytime (favorite picture, storybook, or novel)
-Circus
-Texas
-Anime/Cosplay
-Broadway/Musicals
-Halloween
-Crazy Quilt (needlework, embroidery, quilting, cross stitch)
-Celebration
-Seasons
3. Create! Design and make or draw your original mask.
4. Send a photo of your finished mask, or a copy of the design, to family@dct.org
5. All entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16.
