This workshop is designed to give participants an insight into stage combat as a practical performance skill and as a framework for structure and safety while performing staged violence and slapstick comedy. There are always two sides, the choreographed techniques and the acting of character and the measured balance  and commitment to both is important.

Through demonstration and hands-on practice, participants will learn foundational techniques around best practices, angles, staging, unarmed attacks and defences, falling, and of course appropriate reactions. When a scene of staged violence appears in a play they can function as narrative climaxes or driving forces, or reveal character depth. The how, where and why of such scenes will also unpacked.

Workshops can be tailored around specific study texts with reasonable notice.

• Understand foundational concepts of stage combat such as distance management, angles, receiver control and more

• Be able to fall and roll safely and responsibly

• Train their physical strength, conditioning and mobility

• Understand the context of violence when it appears in a scene (the how, where and why)

• Have the opportunity to choreograph and perform scenes of staged violence

Session #1: Best Practices, Key Concepts and Warming Up

Session #2: Conditioning & Footwork

Session #3: Falls, Rolls, Throws and Pushes

Session #4: Strikes, Kicks and Blocks

Session #5: Set, Props and Unconventional Weaponry

Session #6: Context of Combat & Choreography