Definition and Application

Stage Combat is the practice of creating the illusion of physical combat for Theatre, Film or Television.

When a script calls for one character to act violently Stage Combat is employed. The primary objective of Stage Combat is to create a visual and auditory picture which gives the illusion of ‘Real Fighting’ whilst no Actor is harmed. It is a common field of study for Actors and Dancers and is closely related to the practice of Stunts.

Stage Combat training includes Unarmed Combat skills such as illusory slaps, punches, kicks, throwing and holding techniques; theatrical adaptations of various forms of Fencing such as Rapier and Dagger, Smallsword and Broadsword, as well as the use of other weapons, notably the Quarterstaff; and more specialised skills such as professional Wrestling and Martial Arts. However, Stage Combat can include any form of choreographed violence … the options are limitless! This all depends on the Dramatic requirements of a Script and the creative choices of the Director and Fight Director.

The over-riding concern is for the safety of the Actors and Audience. This requirement has led to the adaptation of many standard Martial Arts and Fencing skills specifically for performance. For example, many basic Sword attacks and parries must be modified to ensure that the Actors do not bring the points of their weapons past their partner's face or otherwise inadvertently risk the other Actors health and well-being. Likewise, whereas their character may be trying to violently attack, slap, punch, or grapple, engaging in vicious unarmed combat, the Actors must operate at a high level of complicity and communication to ensure a safe, exciting Fight scene. Considerable professional judgment is called upon to determine what technical level appropriate for any given Performer, taking into account allotted rehearsal time, and the expectations of the Director.

The Combat phase of a rehearsal is referred to as a Fight Rehearsal. Choreography is typically learned step by step and practiced at first very slowly before increasing to full speed. Even Stage Combat is risky and it is preferable for Actors to have as much training and experience as possible. A "Fight Call" or a brief rehearsal before the Fight is performed (time is set aside for the Actors to go through the fight) increase their muscle memory and produce more effective Dramatic Action.

A show which includes a great deal of fighting will typically be trained and supervised by a professional Fight Choreographer and will also include a Fight Captain, who runs Fight Calls and ensures that Actors remain safe throughout the duration of the show.