{"id":2801,"date":"2017-03-22T19:18:27","date_gmt":"2017-03-22T19:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=2801"},"modified":"2017-09-25T14:25:59","modified_gmt":"2017-09-25T14:25:59","slug":"5-advantages-of-learning-stage-combat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/5-advantages-of-learning-stage-combat\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Advantages of Learning Stage Combat"},"content":{"rendered":"

5 Advantages of Learning Stage Combat<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by\u00a0Ashleigh Gardner<\/p>\n

March 22, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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If you ever get a chance to take a class in stage combat, I highly suggest you jump at the opportunity. Learning the intricate techniques of fight choreography has many advantages, and a resume with stage combat listed is never a bad thing. We\u2019ve got 5 reasons you should seek out an experienced fight choreographer to get your stage combat training on.<\/span><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Teamwork.<\/h4>\n
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When you\u2019re learning fight choreography, it\u2019s not just you onstage. You\u2019ve got a partner, or several, and you\u2019re learning the same moves together. Just as Isaac Newton stated that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, you and your partner must work together to create a back and forth — action and reaction — that creates a story. Sometimes, you\u2019ll even have to learn your partner\u2019s moves so that you are aware of how <\/span>they <\/span><\/i>must move in response to <\/span>your <\/span><\/i>choreography. Learning fight choreography also builds trust between partners — just don\u2019t stab your friend in the eye with a dagger.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2.\u00a0Spatial awareness.<\/h4>\n
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There are a lot of things to consider when you\u2019re swinging a fist or a sword in the direction of your acting partner. Their safety, your safety, and the safety of bystanders (especially the audience) are at risk every time you engage in combat. When you learn stage combat, your body becomes more aware of how far it can move without striking a set piece or another actor. You\u2019ll learn how far back you can step until you hit the edge of that staircase or how wide you can swing your arm so that you don\u2019t hit the girl playing your sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0Physical safety.<\/h4>\n
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You\u2019ll also become more aware of <\/span>how <\/span><\/i>your body moves, and you don\u2019t <\/span>just <\/span><\/i>increase your own physical awareness (like who is in proximity to you). You <\/span>also<\/span><\/i> become more knowledgeable about how your tendencies may hurt your performance (or injure you physically). If you tend to step using the side of your foot, that could cause problems if you advance or retreat too quickly while engaging in swordplay. If you\u2019re hitting your thigh too hard when you nap for that punch you deliver, you could seriously bruise your leg and cause nerve damage. It only takes 6 pounds of pressure to tear someone\u2019s ear off, so after you\u2019ve practiced \u201cgrabbing\u201d your scene partner\u2019s earlobe for the tenth time, you\u2019ll really feel and understand the difference between literally grabbing his ear and just placing your thumb over his earlobe. Knowing the proper techniques can save your life and reduce the possibility of injury, both of yourself and your scene partners.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Physical fitness.<\/h4>\n
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There\u2019s no doubt that when you rehearse a scene that requires physical action that you\u2019re bound to build muscle and get some exercise. Learning fight choreography is a great way to engage in learning new performance techniques while also treating your body to a workout. Think of it like dance but with beautifully and carefully staged violence.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5.\u00a0Put it on your resume.<\/h4>\n
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Last (but certainly not least), stage combat is a great addition to your acting and performance resume. If you attend an audition for a play that calls for characters to participate in hand-to-hand or sword combat, you\u2019ll already have that kind of training under your belt. Additionally, if you attend an audition that doesn\u2019t list stage combat skills, but you have it on your resume anyway, you may unexpectedly be considered for a role where you can utilize your training.<\/span><\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n