Group Pantomime
based on Romeo and Juliet
The performance piece should be 10 minutes long.
Divide the class into groups of 7 to 10.
Everyone must participate in each scene. This means
that in scenes like the balcony scene where the only people
are really Romeo and Juliet, the other group actors must
become objects. For example, two people can create the
balcony while others can be trees etc.
Performance must include pantomime gestures which means
all conversations in the piece must be done in pantomime
language. There is no
verbal talking but each scene can have sound effects. The
sound effects should help set the atmosphere of each scene.
For example, the wind blowing through the trees or the
clanging of swords, etc.
There must be at least one narrator who introduces each
scene in pantomime language. There should be a different
narrator for each scene which will give most of the group a
chance to do something solo. The narrator must then
participate in each scene after narrating.
Notes: Emphasize using size and melodramatic acting. All
movements must be at full stretch so they have to have
distance between them. They must remember the language of,
‘You’, ‘Me’, ‘Together’. They should also
choreograph as they discuss it so that they learn to use
their time management skills.
Romeo and Juliet
Scene selection
1/ Introduction. Street fight that establishes the
rivalry and hatred between both families.
2/ Romeo and Juliet meet at the party.
3/ Balcony scene
4/ Secret Wedding
5/ Fight between Tybalt and Mercutio. Mercutio is
accidentally killed. Romeo fights Tybalt. Tybalt is killed.
Romeo is banned.
6/ Juliet goes to the Friar and obtains sleeping potion.
7/ Final death scene. Romeo kills himself. Juliet awakens
and finds Romeo. Juliet dies.
End of class #4
