Pantomimeand Mime Beginning Drama

Pantomime  The art of acting without words

Mime  The expression of feelings and attitudes and NOT a means of expressing words through gestures

Pantomime vs. Mime  An actor may use one technique or both within any given production  An actor must learn to master this skill. The face and body expresses more than words alone.

The chest is the key to all bodily action  Positive Emotions – Such as love, courage and honor  High chest and head – broad gestures and free movement  Negative Emotions – Such as hate, greed, fear and suffering  Sunken chest, restricted gestures and tense movement

Wrist leads most hand movements

Opposite action emphasizes physical movement  Example: Pull back arm before throwing a punch

Facial expressions usually precedes action  Eyes, eyebrows, mouth  Expression before reaction

All action must be clearly defined in concept and MOTIVATION

Upstage!  Remember, gestures should be made with your upstage arms and crossing the stage begins with the upstage foot.