Book review - Mime Ministry

Mime Ministry by Susie Kelly Toomey

An illustrated, easy-to-follow guidebook for organizing, programming and training a troupe of Christian mimes

Mime Ministry, by Susie Kelly Toomey, is an excellent introduction to the art of mime, how it can be used in ministry, and how & why to use mime. It is very readable, with large type, dozens of photographs and hundreds of illustrations, and lots of very good information. It presents the how and why of communicating non-verbally, exercises to hone those skills, sample skits, and much more. I truly liked it, and recommend it.

Table of Contents for Mime Ministry

Chapter 1: Mime -- Yesterday and Today
Chapter 2: Rationale for Mime in Christian Ministry
Chapter 3: Purpose of a Christian Mime Ministry Mimes and clown mimes are instant attention-getters Mimes can communicate feelings and thoughts in a unique way Mimes can present important lessons and messages in a humorous way The actor himself becomes anonymous: the attention is focused on the character and message of the mime
Chapter 4: How to Organize a Mime Troupe
Chapter 5: Programming a Mime Ministry Skits and interpretations Promotion Walk-Arounds
Chapter 6: Make-up and Costumes
Chapter 7: Warm up Exercises and Games Facial exercises Body warm-ups Fun warm-ups
Chapter 8: Techniques of Mime Basic body positions and body separations Freeze positions Slow motion action Mechanical people Emotions Simple tasks Handling imaginary objects Character impersonations Animal Characterizations Mirror images Illusions
Chapter 9: Performance Tips Exaggerate! Magnify your actions! Communicate an idea, emotion or thought rather than acting out words Communicate in adequate detail Wind up for each action Do not let imaginary objects magically appear and disappear Make actions sharp and clear, completing each action before beginning another Freedom of expression Choosing materials Preparation of performer and program Setting and set tips Final tips
Chapter 10: Song Interpretations
Chapter 11: Scripture Interpretations
Chapter 12: Mime skits with a message
Chapter 13: Christian mimes & workshops
Resources

I rate it 4 clowns out of 5.

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