Pantomime is the art of telling a story or expressing an idea using only body movements, facial expressions, and gestures, without speaking any words. When actors pantomime, they might pretend to pull an invisible rope, walk against an imaginary wind, or show fear and surprise entirely through their faces and movements.

You've probably seen street performers mime being trapped in an invisible box, pressing their hands against walls that aren't there. That's pantomime. In drama class, you might pantomime everyday actions like opening a door, eating an apple, or climbing stairs, helping you learn how much can be communicated without words.

Today, pantomime appears in silent films, where actors like Charlie Chaplin told entire stories through movement and expression. It's also a key skill for actors, because being able to communicate clearly through body language makes every performance stronger.