Materials
Students may use simple props—such as chairs, tables, desks. This is optional—the teacher may choose to have no props or set a limit.
Time
35-45 minutes.
Objectives
To create a scene, interacting with peers. To share responsibility with peers. To convey a dramatic improvisation without words.
Description
Students are broken into four or five groups—depending on the size of the class. There should be five or six in each group. Students are given examples of an activity that would involve a group, such as a baseball game, a tour bus and guide, a shopping trip, etc. Each group will then go to a designated area of the room to discuss what they are going to do. They may not use any of the examples that were given and of course, they may not use words in the drama. After a set amount of time, such as five minutes, the groups will reassemble in a circle.
Each group will have an opportunity to perform their scene. After each performance the audience will speculate as to what was going on.
Variations
Give a category, such as television shows, movies, sporting events, etc.
The body techniques that are needed to proceed with mime are just touched upon in this unit. I encourage the reader to look at the following books:
-
Mime: A Playbook of Silent Fantasy
-
Exploring Mime
-
Be a Frog, A Bird, or a Tree
These books, listed in my bibliography give excellent illustrations and directions to guide you through body movements.
My goal is not for my students to become professional mimes, but to feel comfortable with themselves in performing a drama without words. I feel this will be achieved.
