Falls and Fighting

Unit Four - Script Analysis
Module 3: Blocking
Lesson 3 - Falls and Stage Fighting

Introduction: Stage fighting is a controlled dance. It is rehearsed very slowly until perfected, then brought up to speed. Acts of violence do not occur on stage. Like all special effects, they only seem to happen. Actors who do not have the self-discipline to work slowly and methodically through stage fighting are not allowed to participate the drama that requires it. Because the potential for physical injury is high, the rules for stage combat must be followed at all times.

In this lesson, actors will be introduced to the basics of stage fighting.

The goal of stage combat is to create a good fight spectacle
while never hurting anyone.

Activities:

This section includes basic falls and taking hits. The next section includes 3 types of hits. No weapons combat or throws are included.

Activity 1 - Falling:
Try each of the following falls after watching the animation.

		*Side Fall:* • like all falls, a side fall requires control and flexibility • contact is made in the following order: knee, hip, wrist, elbow, shoulder, back, head. • The fall should be controlled and cushioned by each point of contact • the mat should be used to cushion the fall until the technique is perfected.

*Rear Fall and Roll:* • contact is made in the following order: hands, elbows, shoulders (wit head tucked to one side), knees, feet the fall occurs directly back, with the hands breaking the fall • the momentum of the fall is used, as the actor reclines, to tuck and do a backwards shoulder roll • the fall should be controlled and cushioned by each point of contact • the mat should be used to cushion the fall until the technique is perfected.
			*Front Fall:* • practicing the fall should be started on the knees • fall forwards, and use your hands to catch you and lower you to the floor (like a push-up) • be sure wrists and elbows are bent • keep practicing from increasing heights: squat, crouch, standing • substantial upper body strength is required for a standing front fall • the mat should be used to cushion the fall until the technique is perfected.


After completing the basic falls, discuss what you have learned about how to do them well. Each actor should demonstrate his or her best fall.
	When falling, always keep limbs ready and bent at joints. Falls cannot be absorbed well when limbs are rigid or flailing.
Receiving a hit to the stomach or groin • establish a point of contact • the hit will cause a movement that is first up, then back place hands to catch the object used to make the hit (hand, foot, weapon) • the object used to create the hit makes very minimal contact, and only if necessary • practice the hit a minimum of five times in very slow motion before speeding up
				*Receiving a hit to the head* • establish the point of contact • the hit will cause a movement that continues the motion of the hit, then propelled the person back • the hand or fist that hits does not make contact • practice the hit a minimum of five times in very slow motion before speeding up

Activity 2 - Hitting:
Try each of the following attacks after watching the animation.

*The Slap:* • A slap is rehearsed slowly, and the hand just misses contact with face by 5 cm. If a partner failed to turn turn his or her head, the slap would make contact. • lift hand up and back • swing at a consistent height and direction in slow movements, while the partner turn his or her face to follow the movement. • exaggerate the follow through to imply great effort • this is repeated many times until perfected, then speed is gradually increased
*The Punch:* • leave a large space between the combatants so the aggressor can step into the blow • take one step forward and swing across the chin with the fist • swing at a consistent height and direction in slow movements, while the partner turn his or her face to follow the movement open the hand at the last moment and connect palm to shoulder to create a push. Do this gently and avoid contact with the collar bone • exaggerate the follow through to imply great effort • this is repeated many times until perfected, then speed is gradually increased
Knee in the stomach: • the aggressor places his or her hands on the shoulders of the defender • the aggressor lifts a knee slowly as the defender pulls his or her hands in front of the stomach to catch the knee • the defender uses the hold on the knee to push him or herself up and then back as the attacker lets go of the shoulders • this is repeated many times until perfected, then speed is gradually increased
	• When completing any movement, use the body of one of the combatants to mask the lack of contact with the audience. • To make a sequence more interesting, add grunts of exertion and cries of pain

Evaluation: At this stage, the teacher will likely evaluate the process informally.

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