This is the process of heating up a sheet of thermoplastic (plastic that can become malleable when exposed to heat) and then forming it over an object using vacuum suction. Once the plaster positive is set, the mask can then be formed through the process of vacuforming (or vacuum forming). From there, another plaster cast is made to create a plaster positive of the clay sculpt. Then, a plaster cast is made over that clay sculpt and dried to create a plaster negative. The real Phantom masks are made by first sculpting the mask out of clay on a lifecast.

Last I knew, the authentic masks for the professional productions were made out of a clear, PVC plastic. Some fans think that the real masks are another material - I have heard everything from leather, to ceramic, to resin, to plaster! However, none of that is true.

The authentic Phantom masks are made from vacuformed thermoplastic. He produces beautiful, professional grade masks from different movies and different productions of the stage show, all at a reasonable cost!Īnswer: Vacuform! I have been extremely fortunate to have visited the company in New York City where the actual masks for all the Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera productions in the United States are made (including the Broadway production, Las Vegas production, and past National Tours). If you're interested in buying a replica mask, please visit Longshore Masks. My mask was made by a Phantom acquaintance of mine from several years ago. Unfortunately, there are very few artists out there producing masks, and even fewer that offer multiple versions of the Phantom's mask. As a result, there is a huge demand for high quality, accurate replicas of existing production masks from the stage and screen. Indeed, for many fans of The Phantom of the Opera, the Phantom's mask is probably the most iconic and highly desired prop/costume piece. This is by far most often asked question I receive. 'Where did you get your mask, and where can I get one?'

Broadway phantom of the opera mask