Pantomime PowerPoint

Pantomime
It’s All About
Non-Verbal
Communication!
What is Pantomime?
Acting without talking
 Comes from the Greek word “pantominios,” which
means “all” “imitator” (imitate all)

Pantomime vs. Mime
 What
is the difference?
Mime: The silent art of using body
movements to create an illusion of reality.
 Pantomime: The use of mime techniques,
acting without words, to tell a story.

Why Study Pantomime?

It is the first phase of acting
Body
 Voice
 Mind

The language of action is universal
 ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!

History of Pantomime
 Oldest
means of dramatic expression
Successful hunts
 Victorious battles

 Officially
introduced Greece in 22 B.C.
History of Pantomime

Silent movies
Charlie Chaplin (early 1900’s)
 Marcel Marceau (1950’s)

Born 1923, died 2007
 “the language of the heart”

Charlie Chaplin
Marcel
Marceau
Rowan Atkinson
CHARLIE CHAPLIN
Charlie Chaplin was a famous
English comedian and was also a
successful film director. Most of
his films had slapstick comedy.
Chaplin was an actor for 75 years
and he started acting at a very
young age.
Charlie Chaplin was known for
his acting and he is considered
one of the best mime artists in
the world. Many people get
inspired by his work.
Charlie Chaplin
MARCUS MARCEAU
Marcel Marceau was a famous
French mime artist who died in
2007.
Marcel Marceau was known for his
striped pull over shirt and his
battered silk opera hat for one of
his characters “Bip”.
Marcel Marceau performed all
around the world and was known
by many people. He wanted to
spread the “art of silence” all
around the world so people could
learn to appreciate it.
Marcel Marceau
MR BEAN
Mr Bean is a British television
show and Rowan Atkinson is the
main character. His character is
based on a child’s mind in an
adults body, this character was
developed when Rowan Atkinson
was in university.
Rowan Atkinson plays his
character in a mime with
random sounds that complete
the character and the
atmosphere of the performance.
Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean)
Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean)
Principles of Pantomime

Chest is the key
Positive emotions = high, expanded, free, broad, animated
gestures
 Negative emotions = tense, contracted, restricted gestures

Avoid covering your face while expressing emotion
 Direct your story to your audience
 All movement should be clearly motivated
 Use posture/movements expected of your character
 Concentrate!
 Practice!

Principles of Pantomime

Creating an object in pantomime

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Visualize the object. See it in your mind.
Approach the object. Move toward it.
Take the object. Make contact with it.
Tell the audience its location, size, shape, weight.
Release the object. Let go.
DOs and DON’Ts

DO






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
DO exaggerate facial expression
DO show the shape, size, weight of objects
DO focus fully on the task
DO show the audience who you are, where you are and what is
happening
DO plan a beginning, middle and end
DO include conflict or a problem
TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!
DON’T
DON’T mouth words
 DON’T make any noise
 DON’T use props
 DON’T include violence, weapons, etc.

Let’s Practice!
Gesture Practice
Relief (“Phew!”)
 Impatience (“You’re late!”)
 Calling someone over (“Come here!”)
 “No, thank you.”
 Excitement (“I can’t wait!”)
 Begging (“Pretty please?!?”)
 Approval (“That’s great!”)

Object Practice
Talk on the phone
 Open a can of soda
 Type on the computer
 Pick up a pencil
 Pick up a bowling ball

Happy Mime Emotions
Sad Mime Emotions
How to Form a Rope
Trapped in a Box!
How to Get Out of a Box
Don’t forget!
Don’t mouth words
 Don’t make any noise
 Don’t use props
 Don’t include violence, weapons, etc.
 TAKE YOUR TIME!
 Focus!
 Exaggerate your facial expressions/emotions
 Exaggerate your gestures/body movements
 Face the audience!
 Have a beginning/middle/end
 Creating an object in pantomime: Visualize, Approach,
Take, Tell, Release

Individual Pantomimes

Keep it Simple! Examples:
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Walk along the street and get bubble gum stuck to the
bottom of your shoe.
Try to open your locker. It is jammed.
Wash your face and get soap in your eyes. Look for a
towel.
Put on a pair of shoes that are too tight.
You have been robbed and your hands are tied behind your
back. Try to call the police on the telephone.
You can’t find the right key to open the lock on the door.
Drink a large glass of water and then discover you have
swallowed a bug.
Eat a piece of candy and then realize you ate a piece of cat
food by mistake.