Physical theatre is a genre of theatrical performance that primarily uses physical movement to convey storytelling. It emphasizes the movement of the body in telling a story and often has little or no dialogue, as the movement is the main focus of the performance. Physical theatre can incorporate other techniques such as mime, gesture, and modern dance to create performance pieces. It can also include other elements such as spoken word, music, dance, the use of media, or visual images. Physical theatre often breaks the fourth wall, encouraging performers to interact with the audience or to acknowledge the audiences presence.

Physical theatre has its roots in ancient traditions such as Commedia dellarte and the theatre of Aristophanes, and contemporary dance has also had a strong influence on it. Physical theatre is a form that tells stories in a physical way and focuses on the narrative, which is the telling of a story. It goes beyond just talking on stage, incorporating physical and visual elements on a level at least equal to the spoken word. Physical theatre is dynamic and thrilling, taking the audience on a journey where settings, props, characters, and storylines are made with the performers physical resources.

Physical theatre can be seen in many pieces of theatre, and it can be anything that employs the human body as the center of the storytelling process. Companies such as DV8, Complicite, or Frantic Assembly are well known for developing individual styles of physical theatre to tell their stories. Physical theatre can be a helpful tool for an actor to learn and practice, especially if they enjoy movement, want to create their own work, and love collaboration and creating outside the box.