Musical Pantomime Unit
by Alex Taylor
BIG IDEA:
Pantomime helps us better understand how we interact with the things in this world.
UNIT OBJECTIVE:
Students will be able to create a solo musical pantomime scene using the 5 areas of pantomime (resistance, consistency, character, story/conflict, and fantastical exaggeration).
LEARNING LEVEL:
This is for a beginning to intermediate theatre class (Theatre 2) with 90 minute class periods.
PRIOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE:
Students will have experience with the basics of pantomime having done a solo performance. This unit will add on the layer of pantomiming to music and partner scene work.
NATIONAL / STATE STANDARDS:
National HS Proficient Cr3.1.I. b. Explore physical, vocal and physiological choices to develop a performance that is believable, authentic, and relevant, to a drama/theatre work
Utah State Standard L1.T.P.4: Use body to communicate meaning through space, shape, energy, and gesture.
Utah State Standard L1.T.P.6: Use imagination to inform artistic choices.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
What is pantomime? How does pantomime help us better understand the world around us? How can body language be a form of communication?
KEY KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
Non-verbal communication, character development, problem solving, creativity and imagination.
AUTHENTIC PERFORMANCE TASKS:
- Get to know you activity where students pantomime an activity or action that describes them or something they do often.
- Create an outline of their story.
- Fill out a character worksheet to analyze your character’s backstory and personality.
- Create a 2-5 minute pantomime scene to music.