EA251-5-FY-SO:
Stage Combat II

The details
2024/25
East 15 Acting School
Southend Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 27 June 2025
30
18 July 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BA W412 Acting and Fight Performance

Module description

Term One - Two-handed Weapons Systems


This unit will build on the basics of Rapier and Dagger taught in Year 1 and introduce you to other forms of stage combat that require the manipulation of weapons with both hands. Part of this will be sword and shield, in which you will use a shield as well as a bladed weapon for the first time. Additionally, you may explore other forms of fighting with multiple weapons such as Rapier & Buckler and Rapier & Cloak. Using two weapons will require a greater degree of balance, as the students manipulate the weighty weapons in individual hands. The aim of the unit is to broaden students’ repertoire of weapon skills at advanced level appropriate to the standards demanded by the industry. It will call on the footwork and blade work covered in previous modules, but also introduce new manoeuvres specific to this weapon discipline. In this second year of study, more will be expected in relation to connecting the skills and techniques of a weapons system and in-depth character work and performance. The final assessment will place a great emphasis of the performance skills of the students.


Terms Two & Three - Knife


This weapon skill introduces you to a new fighting distance - due to the length of the blade. The techniques for knife combine the skills acquired in both unarmed and armed combat. In this second year of study, more will be expected in relation to connecting the skills and techniques of a weapons system and in-depth character work and performance. The unit acquaints students with the advanced weapon skills necessary to perform in the professional arena. It will call on the footwork and targeting covered in previous modules, but also introduce numerous new manoeuvre specific to this weapon discipline. The rhythm, tempo and speed of a knife fight will be completely different to any other weapon system you will have previously explored.


Terms Two & Three - Smallsword


This unit will introduce you to a new form of stage combat; this weapon and style will require a greater delicacy of swordplay, pointwork, and footwork than you will have previously encountered. The style of fighting, stance and footwork are more demanding than previous weapons work. In this second year of study, more will be expected in relation to connecting the skills and techniques of a weapons system and in-depth character work and performance. The unit acquaints students with the advanced weapon skills necessary to perform in the professional arena. It will call on the footwork and pointwork covered in previous modules, but also introduce new manoeuvres specific to this 18th-century weapon.

Module aims

The aims of this module are to provide knowledge and understanding of:



  • Stage combat disciplines and weapons skills

  • Practical application of the required moves from the course syllabus

  • Partnering skills, team work and movement skills

  • Skills needed to perform a choreographed fight, safely and dramatically, within the context of a scene

  • Safety requirements inherent in a weapons discipline

  • Team work and disciplines required to perform group combat safely and effectively

  • Applying combat skills under differing performance criteria

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Competently handle the taught weapons

  2. Understand the safety factors involved when performing with the taught weapons

  3. Competently participate in group fight performances

  4. Capture period style when performing staged fights

  5. Demonstrate an ability to identify problems and produce practical solutions within a given frame of reference

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

Practical Classes, independent study, rehearsals, screenings.

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Practical   Sword and Shield    25% 
Practical   Knife    25% 
Practical   Camera    25% 
Practical   Smallsword    25% 

Additional coursework information

Students are continually assessed during both the training and the preparation for performance assessments. Included in this, will be health and safety documents relating to stage combat.

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Mr Nick Hall, email: halln@essex.ac.uk.
Nick Hall, and staff
For further information please email halln@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

No external examiner information available for this module.
Resources
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.

 

Further information
East 15 Acting School

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