WORKSHOPS

MIME ARTIST IN THE SCHOOLS (AITS)
Janet Carafa is an (AITS) Artist in the Schools Teaching Partner with Hawai`i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. She is a professional teaching artist qualified to conduct in-depth, standards-based fine arts and arts integration residencies in educational settings and to present professional development workshops for teachers.

DESCRIPTION OF RESIDENCY:

ART OF MIME Residency

The Art of Mime residency offers a performance-based, interactive series of workshops that support the school curriculum while fostering students’ emotional and creative development. This program encourages students to express themselves authentically, enhancing communication with peers, teachers, family, and the world around them.

Program Objectives:

1. Develop students’ self-expression skills in a safe and supportive environment
2. Enhance confidence and creativity through mime techniques
3. Improve non-verbal communication and observation skills
4. Promote empathy and awareness of others
5. Integrate mime with academic subjects for cross-curricular learning

Curriculum Standards Alignment:

• English Language Arts: Speaking and Listening (presentation skills, audience engagement)
• Physical Education: Movement Concepts and Skills
• Fine Arts: Theater (performance techniques, character development)
• Social-Emotional Learning: Self-awareness, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills

Core Techniques:

• Emotion Aerobics
• Characterization
• Leader-Follower Exercises
• Centering and Balance
• Tension and Release
• Creating Illusions
• Focus and Concentration
• Alignment and Realignment
• Stillness and Motion
• Dynamic Changes
• Moving with Breath
• Narrative Structure (Beginning-Middle-End)

Methodology:
Students learn and perform mime techniques, collaboratively creating short scenes that express emotions or curriculum-related scenarios. They present these scenes to their peers, provide constructive feedback, and revise their performances accordingly. This process embodies the creative cycle of practice, performance, critique, and refinement.

Benefits:

• Enhanced self-confidence
• Improved listening skills
• Developed ability to express oneself silently before an audience
• Increased empathy and observational skills
• Improved written and verbal reflection on non-verbal experiences

Assessment:
Students demonstrate their learning through performance, peer feedback, and written or verbal reflection on their experiences with silent expression.

The Art of Mime residency brings the creative process to life, offering engaging techniques that challenge students to excel while supporting their academic and personal growth.