PANTOMIME The Art of Silence

Definitions of pantomime *The art of acting without words *The art of silence

Pantomime training is basic to an actor’s training Character is portrayed through: Gestures Facial Expressions Movement The First Thing the Audience Sees!

Which came first?....... Pantomime was the first form of acting Silent film stars such as CHARLIE CHAPLIN were masters of the art of pantomime

The French mime MARCEL MARCEAU reawakened America to the power of silent acting

PRINCIPLES OF PANTOMIME Your chest is the key to all bodily action

PRINCIPLES OF PANTOMIME Your wrists lead most hand gestures

PRINCIPLES OF PANTOMIME Move your elbows away from your body when making arm or hand gestures

Opposite action emphasizes physical movement Opposite action emphasizes physical movement. Pulling your arm back before delivering a blow makes the punch more emphatic.

Arms and hands should move in curves, not in straight lines, unless you are deliberately trying to give the impression of awkwardness, uneasiness, force, or strength.

Positive emotions, such as love, honor, courage, and sympathy, are evidenced by a high chest and head, free movements, broad gestures, and animated facial expressions.

Negative emotions, such as hate, greed, fear, and suffering, contract and twist the body and evidenced by a sunken chest, tense movement, restricted gestures, and drawn features.

Facial expressions – the use of the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth – usually precede the physical actions.

Whenever possible, make all gestures with your upstage arm, the one away from the audience, and avoid covering your face.

Some exaggeration of movement is often essential.

Always keep the audience in mind, and direct your actions to them.

All actions must be definite in concept and execution, and all movements must be clearly motivated.