Often, the term, "pantomime", is defined simply as "acting without words". This is true. Pantomime is a form of physical theatre that employs movement and gesture as its primary mode of communication (often performed by artists practicing mime). But successfully learning pantomiming skills will serve you as an actor in nearly every monologue, scene, or play you will perform. Why? Because, no matter how elaborate or detailed the set and props are, those elements are still simply part of an imagined environment and have no chance of becoming "real" to the audience until the actor "sells" their reality. More than anything else, learning to pantomime helps you learn to create an environment out of thin air and "sell" its reality to an audience. If you can do this, then you can sell any set -- whether it is a bare stage in an outdoor Shakespeare festival or a spectacularly dressed interior from a Noel Coward comedy.
Elements of Pantomime
Object Permanence Object Permanence is achieved when the performer maintains the size, mass, shape, and fluidity of the pantomimed object.
Articulation & Precision Articulation & Precision is the degree by which a performer successfully shapes an imaginary object in space.
Tension Tension is created when the performer successfully emulates the natural forces (gravity, inertia, friction, resistance) working on the body and the pantomimed objects.
Facial Expressions Successful use of facial expressions give the audience a way to determine the inner conflict, attitude, and opinions of the character.
Body Language Successful use of body language also communicates the character's emotional and physical states, as well as the character's attitudes.
Mime or Pantomime?
What is the difference between Pantomime and Mime?