Course Description
Students will explore the performance of physical conflict, learning basic techniques to stage violence and use prop weapons safely, accurately, and truthfully as an integral part of a storytelling. All terminology, skills, and assessments for staged combat will meet the Society of American Fight Directors’ standards, advancing students toward professional competency and successful S.A.F.D. proficiency test completion.
Athena Title
Performing Violence & Weapons
Pre or Corequisite
THEA 3500 or THEA 3600 or THEA 2010
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will develop proficiency in the safety, performance, and weapon standards set by the Society of American Fight Directors through hands-on exploration of unarmed combat, quarterstaff, and single sword techniques.
- Students will confidently and skillfully collaborate in creating believable and safe staged physical violence choreography with scene partners and choreographers, with specific use of body and movement.
- Students will cultivate the discipline, specificity, and creativity needed to integrate and perform physical acting choices safely and accurately.
- Students will devise, notate, and perform choreography beats, rhythms, and story arcs with clarity.
- Students will enhance advanced performance skills through the deliberate and specific use of body and movement.
Topical Outline
- 1. The Illusion of Conflict: Master the principles of safely and believably staging and performing violence that is consistent with the world of the script and its characters and tells a compelling story
- 2. Weapon Proficiency: Learn fundamental skills of unarmed staged combat
- 3. Weapon Proficiency: Learn fundamental skills of quarterstaff and pole arms
- 4. Weapon Proficiency: Learn fundamental skills of rapier sword play
- 5. Choreographing Staged Combat: Learn the construction and notation of staged violence choreography
- 6. Overview of Additional Theatrical Weapons and Fight Styles: Broadsword, Rapier and Dagger, Knives, Pole Arms, Found Objects
- 7. Firearms Safety: Explore standards for safety and use of firearms established by the Actors unions (AEA, SAG-AFTRA)
- 8. Overview of National and International Stage Combat and Stunt Organizations: Explore organizations that define the standards of safety and offer additional training and certifications in stage and film physical conflict, stunts, weapons, and firearms
