Unarmed Stage Combat

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Are you interested in choreographing a fight for a play or movie? Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video series.

There are 15 videos in this series:

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1.

Stage Combat: Adding the Knap
A knap is a method of making sound to add effect to a staged punch. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 217
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2.

Stage Combat: Distance
Use your arm's reach to gauge the proper distance from your partner. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 207
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3.

Stage Combat: Pace, Fall, Finish
When falling in stage combat it's important to remember safety. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 211
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4.

Stage Combat: React to Right Cross
Put your entire body into it when you react to a right cross punch. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 198
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5.

Stage Combat: React to Slap
The reaction should indicate that the slap moved from low to high. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 198
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6.

Stage Combat: React to Stomach Kick
Good reactions are important for stage combat to have the illusion of reality. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 199
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7.

Stage Combat: Reaction to Uppercut
A dramatic reaction will really sell the stage combat uppercut. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 190
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8.

Stage Combat: Right Cross Punch
Make eye contact with your partner before performing the right cross punch. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 214
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9.

Stage Combat: Safety
Stage combat is very much a partnering sport. Be safe. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 216
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10.

Stage Combat: Slap
There are a variety of different slaps you can use in stage combat. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 208
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11.

Stage Combat: Stance
A sturdy stance is important at the outset of any fight sequence. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 199
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12.

Stage Combat: Stomach Kick
Your partner will indicate where she wants your foot to make contact for the stomach kick. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 218
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13.

Stage Combat: Targeting
You have both an illusionary target and an actual target. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 187
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14.

Stage Combat: Uppercut
Your actual target is about six inches from your partner's chin for the uppercut. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 206
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15.

Stage Combat: Warm-up
Start from the bottom and work your way up for your warm-ups. Learn how to do unarmed stage combat from a certified actor in this free theater video.

Views: 242
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Views: 3,104 Videos in Series: 15

Tags: stunts, stage, theater, fighting, combat

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Summary: Fights have played a crucial role in theater tradition ever since the days of Roman tragedies. Back in the time of Homer and Ovid, realistic battle reenactments were encouraged, if not mandated. Should a minor actor happen to lose a hand or a head, a replacement was simply recruited from one of the conquered countries. With the advent of the Renaissance, an enlightened approach to theater fighting arrived in the person of Shakespeare, who can count fake stage combat as one of the many innovations of his illustrious career.

In this free theater video series, learn unarmed stage combat from a certified and award-winning performer. Learn how to warm-up, get into proper stance and distance from your partner, target and perform safely. Also, get tips on right cross punches, stomach kicks, uppercuts and reactions to all these moves. Finally, learn how to add sound and the proper way to pace and fall.

About the Expert

Expert: Ashley Valentine first began her Stage Combat training in the summer of 2005 in New York City while attending The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. In the summer of 2006 she transfered to the Los Angeles Campus where she continued to study combat. It was here that she was able to start training for Skills Proficiency Tests (SPTs) in specific weapons. The SPTs are given by The Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). She received her first certification on 10/29/06 in Unarmed and Rapier and Dagger. She was awarded an Examiner's Award for Excellence in both weapons. Her next certification she received on 03/24/07 in Smallsword. Now that she has three weapons she is considered an Actor Combatant.