(n.) Servile imitation or repetition.

acting aggressive mimicry apery aping buffoonery business caricature characterization cryptic mimicry dumb show embodiment enacting enactment gag ham hammy acting hoke hokum imitation impersonation incarnation masquerade mimesis mimicking miming mock mockery mummery overacting pantomime pantomiming parody parrotry patter performance performing personation personification playacting playing playing possum portrayal posing projection protective coloration representation slapstick stage business stage directions stage presence stunt synaposematic mimicry taking a role