Class teaches children to pantomime

LANCASTER - The 30 children who filed in the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio classroom weren't sure what the word "pantomime" meant at the start of the Major Arts for Minors class.

But by the end of the one-hour session, there were 30 new mimes acting out a game of tug of war, shooting basketballs, catching big fish and driving cars.

"We were excited to be called to participate (in the festival)," said Loran Peterson, of the Lancaster Playhouse. "I was just amazed. We didn't know what to expect. The kids were so receptive and willing to volunteer."

The pantomime class was one of the new offerings to the Lancaster Festival this year, with Peterson and Rosemary Hajost, also of the playhouse, teaching children the basics of telling a story using no words.

To begin, Hajost explained the word by putting her hand to her back and hunching over with a look of pain.

"I didn't even say ouch," Hajost said after the kids had correctly guessed she was pretending she hurt her back. "I'm expressing something without saying a word. That's what pantomime is."

Peterson also brought in 15-year-old Mariah Hollett to play a wind-up doll they called "Mimi the Mime" to act out scenes for the children to guess what she was doing.

Elizabeth Troidl, 21, is autistic but fit in with the younger group, which was geared toward children ages 9 to 12. Troidl's mother, Suzey Troidl, took her daughter to the class, knowing she would enjoy it as she was previously involved in a drama club.

"I thought it was funny and informative," Suzey Troidl said.

Hajost said theater has many benefits beyond the stage.

"Theater is a part of almost every job you're going to do because you have to communicate," she said. "Any theatrical ability helps."

The program supported the playhouse's idea of offering children's theater classes, which is something Peterson said the playhouse was considering.

"As much as it might have been a joy for them, it was a joy for us," Peterson said.

sremoquill@lancastereaglegazette.com

740-681-4342

Twitter: @SpencerRemo

If you go

What: Major Arts for Minors

When: Creative arts, 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday; hand drums, 10 to 11 a.m. Friday.

Where: Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St.

FYI: To attend, call 740-687-4808.