BCR SCHOOL OF MAS 2027
Learn the craft. Carry the tradition forward.
Your imagination. Your hands. Your mas.
November 21, 2026 – Carnival Tuesday, February 9, 2027
15 spaces available
BCR School of Mas is an immersive, hands-on journey into the art of Trinidad Carnival mas-making.
Over 8 weeks, you’ll learn how to take an idea from concept to creation; designing, constructing and finishing your own mas costume while learning alongside experienced mas makers and members of the Berkeley Carnival Revolution community.
You don’t need previous experience. You don’t need to consider yourself an artist or a craftsperson.
You just need curiosity, creativity and a willingness to learn.
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to say: I can design and build my own mas.
And then you’ll bring it to the road with us.
THIS IS YOUR MAS JOURNEY
BCR School of Mas was created to share the skills, creativity and cultural traditions behind Trinidad Carnival mas.
Beginning November 21st, we’ll meet throughout the Carnival season for hands-on instruction, guided making sessions and production time. You’ll learn the techniques, develop your own design and build your costume piece by piece.
You’ll work primarily with Cherisse and other experienced mas makers from the industry, gaining practical knowledge that you can continue using long after Carnival 2027.
This is about more than making a costume.
It’s about learning the craft, understanding the tradition and becoming capable of creating mas for yourself.
FROM IDEA TO MAS
BCR School of Mas is intentionally spread across several weeks, giving you the time to learn, practice and actually produce your costume.
DESIGN
Turn your ideas into a wearable mas concept.
Learn how to develop a design, think through construction and make creative decisions that work in the real world.
WIRE BENDING
Learn the fundamentals of shaping and constructing wire components for mas.
PAPIER-MÂCHÉ & FOAM CARVING
Explore techniques for building forms, shapes and sculptural elements for your costume.
FINISHING
Bring your creation to life with beads, gems and other decorative details.
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION
Put everything together and build your mas from start to finish.
You’ll transform your concept into a finished costume that you can wear on the road.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your $1,500 BCR School of Mas 2027 package includes:
Full BCR School of Mas 2027 program
Hands-on instruction and guided production sessions
Design, wire bending, papier-mâché, foam carving and finishing instruction
Tools and base materials
Your completed Carnival 2027 mas costume
Bring Your Mas and Come (BYMAC) registration package
2027 Berkeley Carnival Revolution band registration
BCR 2027 Mas T-shirt
Security wristband for the Parade of the Bands
The opportunity to cross the stages with Berkeley Carnival Revolution on Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday
Specialty materials or items specific to your individual design may need to be purchased or sourced separately.
Invest in yourself
$1,500
Payment plans are available.
Three equal payments of $500
All payments must be completed by December 31, 2026.
Only 15 participants will be accepted.
Once the 15 spaces are filled, registration closes.
WHO IS BCR SCHOOL OF MAS FOR?
The BCR School of Mas is for:
Complete beginners
Crafty and creative people who want to learn something new
Aspiring mas makers and designers
Carnival lovers who want to understand what goes into making mas
Anyone who wants to learn how to create their own costume
Teens 17+ with parent/guardian permission
Adults of all experience levels
You don’t have to be “artistic.”
You don’t have to be “crafty.”
You just have to be willing to learn.
MAS, MADE BY YOU.
There is something different about putting on a costume you created with your own hands.
You understand the structure.
You understand the materials.
You understand the work behind the details.
And when you step onto the road, you aren’t just wearing mas.
You made mas.
The BCR School of Mas connects practical creative skills with the living tradition of Trinidad Carnival. We believe these skills should be shared, taught and carried forward.
We also believe creativity doesn’t always start with expensive materials. Mas can begin with the everyday things around us and the imagination to see what they can become.
The result is a program that is hands-on, accessible, creative and rooted in Carnival culture.
LEARN IT. MAKE IT. PLAY MAS.
Your BCR School of Mas experience doesn’t end when your costume is finished.
Your registration includes your place in the Berkeley Carnival Revolution band for Carnival 2027, giving you the opportunity to put your new skills into action and cross the stages with us on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
You’ll experience the full journey:
Learn the craft.
Make your mas.
Join the band.
Take it to the road.
And when Carnival is over?
The skills are yours.
Come back and make mas with us again.
Make your own mas independently.
Help someone else learn.
Become a future mas maker, designer, volunteer or creative contributor.
Where you take it next is up to you.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about BCR School of Mas? We’ve got you covered! Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about registration, costumes, participation, events, and everything you need to know to make the most of your BCR School of Mas experience.
Who can join BCR School of Mas?
Anyone 17 years and older can join. Participants under 18 must have parent/guardian permission.
Do I need previous mas-making experience?
No. The BCR School of Mas is designed for complete beginners, including people who have never made mas before.
Do I need to be artistic or crafty?
No. You don’t need formal art or craft experience. Curiosity, patience and a willingness to learn are more important than experience.
Will I make my own costume?
Yes. The goal of the BCR School of Mas is for you to design and produce your own Carnival costume from start to finish.
What will I learn?
You’ll learn the fundamentals of design, wire bending, papier-mâché, costume construction and finishing with beads and gems, while developing your own costume throughout the program.
Are tools provided?
Yes. Tools are provided as part of the program. Participants are encouraged to eventually build their own personal tool collection as they continue developing their mas-making skills.
Are materials included?
Base materials are included. Specialty materials or items required specifically for your individual design may need to be purchased or sourced separately.
What should I bring?
Bring yourself, water, a snack and your ideas and a willingness to learn.
Personal tools and materials are welcome if you already have them, but they are not mandatory.
Do I need to know how to sew?
No. Sewing is not part of the BCR School of Mas curriculum, or learning criteria.
What should I wear to workshops?
Wear comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes that you don’t mind working in or getting messy.
Is the BCR School of Mas the same as registering to play mas?
The BCR School of Mas is a bundle experience. You’re learning how to make mas while also registering to play mas with Berkeley Carnival Revolution for Carnival 2027.
What is BYMAC?
BYMAC means Bring Your Mas and Come.
Your BCR School of Mas package includes the BYMAC registration package along with your Berkeley Carnival Revolution band registration.
Does the program include a Carnival costume?
Yes! and you make it yourself.
Your BCR School of Mas experience takes you through the process of designing and producing your own costume.
The package also includes a BCR 2027 Mas T-shirt and security wristband for the Parade of the Bands.
Does registration include Carnival Monday and Tuesday?
Yes. Your BCR School of Mas package includes band registration for Carnival 2027, giving you the opportunity to cross the stages with Berkeley Carnival Revolution on Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. The $1,500 fee can be paid in three equal payments of $500, with all payments completed by December 31, 2026.
What happens if I miss a workshop?
You are entitled to one make-up session. Additional missed sessions may affect your ability to keep pace with the production schedule.
Can I join if I don’t have a lot of time?
The program is spread over several weeks to allow for hands-on learning and production time. Participants should be prepared to commit to the scheduled sessions and the work required to complete their costume. Consider our BYMAC option with ready made add-ons
Will I be able to make mas independently after the program?
That’s the goal.
We want you to leave the BCR School of Mas with the confidence and foundational skills to continue designing and producing mas on your own.
What happens after I complete the BCR School of Mas?
That’s up to you.
You can return to Berkeley Carnival Revolution, continue making mas independently, volunteer, collaborate, design, teach or simply enjoy Carnival with a new understanding of the craft.
The skills stay with you.
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