Intended for all performing artists and students in the performing arts, this book begins with a history of mime through the ages (Chapter 1). Chapter 2 (Warming Up) discusses technique and artistry and offers an illustrated class exercise. Chapter 3 (Premise Work) continues with class exercises and considers how a teacher designs exercises and the future of premise work. Chapter 4 (Isolation Exercises and Illusions) discusses the idea of illusion in mime, gives a focused vocabulary and presents 11 illustrated exercises. Chapter 5 (Character Work) elaborates on characterization in mime and offers some exercises to develop characters. Chapter 6 (Preparatory Exercises) presents 14 varied preparatory exercises. Chapter 7 (Improvisation) is divided into three sections: an introduction to improvisation, the practice of improvisation, and improvisation theory--exercises accompany the material in each section. Chapter 8 (Creating Sketches) outlines the essentials of sketches. Chapter 9 (The Subtleties of Performing) describes the differences between class, rehearsal, and performing; considers the past, present, and future of theater; and adds a postscript directed to ballet dancers. (NKA)