LAMDA Mime and Physical Storytelling Questions and Answers

Question 1

An actor is performing a mime sequence where they are pulling a heavy, invisible rope. Which physical principle is most essential to make the rope appear real and weighty?

Accepted Answer

Tension and resistance

Answer

The illusion of weight and substance is created by the actor's body showing the effort of working against an opposing force. Muscular tension and a clear sense of resistance make the invisible object tangible to the audience.

Question 2

In the context of mime, what is "le point fixe" or the "fixed point"?

Accepted Answer

An imaginary point in space that a part of the body remains connected to, creating the illusion of contact with a surface.

Answer

The fixed point is a fundamental mime technique used to create illusions of surfaces and objects. By keeping a hand or another body part fixed in one spot in space while the rest of the body moves, a mime creates the illusion of leaning on a wall, being trapped in a box, or holding onto a stationary object.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of Étienne Decroux's "Corporeal Mime"?

Accepted Answer

To make the actor's body the main expressive instrument, often abstracting movement from literal storytelling.

Answer

Étienne Decroux, often called the father of modern mime, developed Corporeal Mime to focus on the expressive power of the human body, particularly the torso, as the primary means of expression. His work moved away from the anecdotal storytelling of traditional pantomime to explore more abstract and metaphorical movement.

Question 4

A performer wishes to physically portray a character's journey from a state of complete exhaustion to one of sudden, frantic panic. According to Jacques Lecoq's methodology, this would be best explored through which concept?

Accepted Answer

The Seven Levels of Tension

Answer

Lecoq's Seven Levels of Tension provide a scale for performers to explore different physical and emotional states, from "catatonic" (no tension) to "tragic" (maximum tension). Moving from exhaustion (a very low level) to panic (a very high level) is a direct and practical application of this foundational principle.

Question 5

What is the technique of "isolation" in physical storytelling?

Accepted Answer

Moving one part of the body independently while the rest remains still.

Answer

Isolation is a key discipline in mime and physical theatre where the performer moves a single part of their body while keeping the rest completely still. This technique requires significant body control and is fundamental for creating clear, precise physical communication, often used to create robotic or mechanical effects.

(LAMDA) London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art Practice Test

(LAMDA) London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art Practice Test

LAMDA Mime and Physical Storytelling Questions and Answers