The plaster has set, the mask is being cast and all is in readiness for Musical Theatre Dunedin's version of The Phantom of the Opera.
A mould and model for the mask was cast yesterday by University of Otago School of Dentistry technical services manager Steve Swindells for local man James Adams in his lead role of Erik.
Creating the mask took about four hours in total, involving Mr Adams for about two minutes while an alginate impression, or a negative of his face, was made.
A plaster of Paris model was then created, from which the final, acrylic mask would be set.
Mr Adams (35), who played Raoul in the Wellington production two years ago, said having the alginate on his face was a ''weird'' feeling.
''It's pretty unique.
''I was sort of fighting that natural instinct to breathe through your nose.
''I'm just excited to [finally] be having [it] made.''
Playing the lead role in The Phantom of the Opera was something Mr Adams was looking forward to and he felt a sense of responsibility to play it well.
''He's [Erik] not on stage for long, but he's very complex as a character [and] this is the first of the bigger things I've done, if not the biggest.''
Musical Theatre Dunedin marketing team member Lynda Wright Sear said a company in Levin was initially approached to construct the mask, but after a quote of $6000, other options were considered.
The School of Dentistry was approached and did it free.
The Phantom of the Opera has seven performances at the Regent Theatre, from September 17, and including a matinee on Sunday, September 20.
