Background:  As we began our journey into learning the language of Pantomime and the contributions to Cinema by Charles Chaplin, we were introduced to Dan Kamin by the Chaplin Office in Paris.  Dan trained Robert Downey, Jr. on his role as Charlie Chaplin in the 1992 film -Chaplin.  After a series of phone conferences with him, Dan introduced us to Hester Kamin, his daughter. Hester, a theater professional, having worked for many years, awards for her work with children!  We were so fortunate when she agreed to join us in our experience.

Hester worked with us through the summer of 2021, and as we brought her into our summer camps in ZOOM.  Our “backpackers” began their own personal enjoyment of the use of the movement to communicate. In the fall, she called and shared she was moving to Synetic theater as Director of Education and Outreach, and taking us with her!  We loved this, as all of our “backpackers” loved creating the stories via Pantomime and “movements”.

Our goal has been to bring forward”. Making the world smile again!” Our  MIME Members, children ages 6 to 11, from the Lowcountry of South Carolina, recently performed several stories at the Sandpiper Village, a community of Senior Citizens in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Our goal has been to bring forward”. Making the world smile again!” Our  MIME Members, children ages 6 to 11, from the Lowcountry of South Carolina, recently performed several stories at the Sandpiper Village, a community of Senior Citizens in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

We have uploaded on VIMEO an unedited film of the event, when the Seniors as

well as the MIMES had a great time, with lots of laughter and grins! (An edited version is coming soon)

We continue as the holidays are approaching.  Our afterschool class is focusing now on writing stories about the season, and then we all gather at our Saturday School to work in unison – as MINI MIMES!

In 2022 we are working to bring: The Miraculous Magical Balloon, in a Charleston Residency Program with trained theatrical members from Synetic.  This program will travel to our local schools an we all have a final open performance for all!  See below for details on this performance, added educational value to our children.

So why do we believe in the importance of “movement’ – Pantomime?  We love the Chaplin films, and the TRAMP, and all of our students have loved watching the comedy found in his silent cinema arts.   We quickly recognized the benefit to children,  a non-verbal theatrical participation in this craft, that allows for children to participate without concerns over saying words, gaining confidence in themselves!   Movement, expressions and it is fun! Add in white gloves, Bowler hats and a neat little cane.

“Children have had three grade levels disrupted, and the hardest-hit are 3rd- and 4th-graders, who lost the integral early development years which teach them not only how to absorb, understand, and reflect content, but also how to form relationships and function in a group. When they work as an ensemble to develop an original theater piece based on a story they are studying, students learn to progress  academically as a team, share ideas and exchange information with confidence, and form the social relationships that they have lacked since February 2019. Synetic Theater transcends the boundaries of language and culture by telling stories without words. In the classroom, students work with Synetic artists to learn to use movement to express emotions, establish relationships, create environments, and explore the underlying messages of the stories they are telling. As a result, this program is particularly impactful in locations that serve underprivileged children and immigrant populations. Furthermore, many students have experienced trauma as a result of the pandemic. Movement gives even the most shy students a safe way to process and articulate their inner world.”

The Miraculous Magical Balloon
Presented by Synetic Theater
Originally Directed by Paata Tsikurishvili
Staged and Choreographed by Irina Tsikurishvili

About The Miraculous Magical Balloon
Expressed through movement, masks, pantomime illusions, and dazzling choreography, The Miraculous Magical Balloon tells the story of a traveling actor and his magical trunk full of toys, tricks, and surprises. Perfect for audiences of all ages!
Paata Tsikurishvili first learned this show from his master teacher, Igor Romanov, in Georgia 45 years ago, and he and Irina first performed it in America at the Kennedy Center in 1996.. Since then, The Miraculous Magical Balloon has delighted audiences all over the world.