Give each actor a card with a zoo animal written on it. One at a time, participants stand and mimic the animal. Once each actor discovers which animals are represented, he begins to interact as the animals would. If animals are enemies like dogs and cats, the actors may chase each other or pretend to wrestle on the floor. A larger animal may stalk a smaller animal as prey. A group of animals may huddle together at a watering hole.
Actors use each of the five senses to convey meaning. In one scenario, an actor may be awakened by a delicious smell and struggles to search for the scent. He runs through the rooms of his home and finally discovers the source, a freshly baked chocolate cake. He pantomimes his surprise and delight at the finding and begins to eat the cake. This activity appeals to the sense of smell, sight and taste.
Two partners face each other while one performs an action slowly. The opposite partner copies or mirrors this action, so that an observer does not know who initiated the action. To perform this with a group, make a circle with one member of the circle doing an action for the rest to mirror.
Eight to 10 actors are seated in a line. Whisper to the first person in line an object to pantomime. He and his partner face each other, while he pantomimes the object to him. The partner then taps the next person on the shoulder and does the same. This continues down the line until the last person gets the message. The group then sees if the object is the same as it went down the line or if it evolved into something totally different.