Advancing

A pantomime game developed by Keith Johnstone, Advancing is a foundational exercise in physical storytelling. One actor volunteers to perform in front of the group, moving and gesturing without speaking, while the rest of the class observes and identifies what the performer appears to be doing. The exercise builds on Johnstone's principle that the body communicates meaning before conscious intention; performers often discover they are "doing something" only when the audience names it. By placing the actor under observation without a predetermined task, Advancing develops physical presence, spatial awareness, and the ability to commit to spontaneous mime work. It also trains the audience to read body language with precision, a skill essential to ensemble scene work. The game appears in Johnstone's pantomime skills curriculum alongside other exercises focused on object work and physicality, where performers are reminded to maintain consistent size and weight when handling imaginary objects. Advancing is particularly valuable early in training because it lowers the barrier to stage presence: the performer need not be clever or funny, only physically present and willing to be seen.