STAGE COMBAT

STAGE COMBATSafely selling the fight

What is Stage Combat?A specialized theater techniqueA series of skills that can be learnedStage combat is a controlled danceCreating the illusion of physical combat onstage without causing harm to the performersWay cool partner work

Stage Combat HistoryWarrior societies, jousting events, war dancesIn Asia stylized stage combat has been a staple feature of traditional Japanese (Kabuki), Chinese (Beijing Opera) and Indian performing arts for centuriesElizabethan drama – the time of Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet (1597) – “They fight”

“Cinematic” fencing in the 1920’s1970s: the formation of the Society of British Fight Directors and the Society of American Fight DirectorsIn 1997 the first “all female” fight society was formed – Babes with Blades

IF YOU LEARN NOTHING ELSE

The number one concern is for the

safety of the actors and audience

SAFETY FIRSTStage fighting is a controlled dance. It is rehearsed very slowly until perfected, then brought up to speed. Acts of violence do not occur on stage. Like all special effects, they only seem to happen. Because the potential for physical injury is high, the rules for stage combat must be followed at all times.

There are 10 safety points you need in your Journal

Stage Combat TermsFight Director/Fight Choreographer/Fight Master

Person who designs and instructs the sequence for the play

SequenceThe series of stage combat moves that, when strung together, tell a story

Fighting DistanceThe distance between you and your partner that allows for safety, but gives the illusion of combat

Unit AssessmentStage Combat Safety and notes in journalVideo observations on Alex CordanoQuestions on the reading “Fights Like a Girl”Proper techniqueStoryboardStage Combat sequence performancePerformance reflection