Q&A for How to Pantomime

Improv classes can help you improve your pantomime! I really like doing improv that involves pantomiming and interacting with invisible, imaginary objects. There's a really intriguing exercise where you pretend to have a lump of magic clay, and you push and pull on it until it starts to feel like it's turning into something. Then, all of a sudden, it does become that item in real life.

Body control will allow you to do pantomime well and convincingly. If you can't control your body, you won't be able to do it properly.

First of all, it depends on what character you're playing (animal/monster/human), but you can use normal stage makeup. Also, if you want to, you can use white face paint and lipstick for traditional pantomiming.

Mime dribbling, then mime shooting. In order to mime shooting, mime like you are holding the ball in front of you and a little higher than your head, with your left hand at the side of the ball and your right hand supporting it from underneath. Then just push your right hand forward as if you're shooting the ball, and make sure to flick your wrist.

You don't have to make your costume if you don't have the materials/experience -- you can buy something in a store or online. If you'd really like to make a mime costume yourself, search for instructions online.

When you are on stage with an audience, make all of your emotions huge in the play. If the line makes you happy, then put a huge grin on your face. Similarly, to express sadness, use an over-exaggerated sad face. Make sure the audience can understand your emotions even without language.

Since a pantomime is silent, you should fit your costume to whichever time period you wish to portray. You should also make your actions match actions that are/were common to that era.

Pantomime is acting without props or costumes. You do not need anything but yourself! Think of it as playing charades.

No, they are vastly different.

If one of the actors accidentally touches the other actor, the other actor might be surprised by this, and their movements would change to something they don't want to do. Also, their movements might conflict with each other.

In acting, delivery of your lines is important, but adding appropriate gestures and facial expressions is essential for making your performance great. Pantomime helps you focus on learning how to add these.

Yes, it can and has in many cases. But learning to communicate effectively and graciously is a process that takes time and application.