Age: 7 to adult
Players: Whole Group
Time: 15 – 25 minutes
Skills: Mime and Movement
Students sit randomly in the space on their own. They are asked to think about a simple everyday activity involving a small object, such as tying shoelaces, making a drink, lighting a match, sewing a button or changing a light bulb. Ask them to concentrate on the activity and mime it (no sound) as realistically as possible. Let them try this for a couple of minutes so that they really think about the task and build up detailed movements. If they complete the activity, ask them to repeat it in more detail. If you wish, students can share some of these with the class.
In the second stage, explain that the object they are working with is now twice as big as in real life. Students repeat the mime but change their movements accordingly. Encourage them to consider how the size and weight of an object might change. They should include the details of their previous actions. They may need more space to move around as they lift or use objects.
Tell them that the object has grown twice as big again – and they can continue to let it grow. As the objects get bigger, the students will find themselves moving around the room, making larger and larger movements. When the movements are as extensive as possible within the space, you can ask players to show their pieces of movement again.
Director's Tips
- Afterwards, reverse the procedure so that the objects get smaller and smaller until they are life-size again.
- When students repeat the real-life-sized mime, they should find they have more awareness of how they are moving in terms of size, weight, speed and direction.