We were delighted to return to Bensenville, IL, in February to conduct our third annual after-school mime week for kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students in Bensenville ’s School District 2. Students were bused from Tioga, Johnson, and Mohawk elementary schools to Blackhawk Middle School where we divided into three workshops: the Sneaky Snakes, the Hush Puppies, and the Quiet Cats, our English/Spanish bilingual group. I was delighted to see many familiar faces (and how much they had grown!) and amazed to watch the returning students demonstrate games they remembered from one or even two years ago, like “The Motor,” “Masks,” and “The Magic Door.” On the final day, the students presented stories that they created for their families and friends. Then everyone gathered in the auditorium for a performance by The Mime Company.

This is just one of many experiences we create each year for students, teachers, artists and families to share in the art of mime. We were able to provide this experience for the Bensenville community thanks to the generous support of the Bensenville Arts Council, especially Bill Winters (who organized the program this year) and Ellen Evans (who initiated the program and organized it in 2009 and 2010). We are grateful for their support, and for the dedication of the amazing faculty and student volunteers who assisted throughout the residency.