EA151-4-FY-SO:
Stage Combat I

The details
2023/24
East 15 Acting School
Southend Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 28 June 2024
30
02 March 2023

 

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

 

(none)

Key module for

BA W412 Acting and Stage Combat

Module description

This unit will introduce you to unarmed stage combat and during the course you will look at moves and techniques that are in common use in professional stage combat.

The emphasis of the course will be twofold: introducing a number of safety principles that will reappear throughout the following years and introducing the level of commitment and emphasis needed to convincingly perform scenes of acted aggression. You will learn how to perform an unarmed fight scene, in the context of a dramatic scene, both safely and effectively.

The focus is not simply on executing a number of stage combat techniques – but the aim of all stage combat training is to be able to apply the moves in a performance context. The final performance assessment tasks place a great emphasis of the performance skills of the students – and stage combat units at East 15 reflect this philosophy. Alongside punches, kicks and throws, you will be exploring character and intentions.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:


Rapier and Dagger



  1. To develop an understanding of the safety techniques involved in weapon work

  2. To develop confidence in performance

  3. To develop knowledge of and practically apply the required moves from the course syllabus

  4. To develop muscular fitness in both the left and right sides of the body

  5. To develop a core vocabulary of footwork systems

  6. To develop the skills needed to safely and dramatically perform a choreographed fight, within the context of a scene


Quarterstaff



  1. To widen the student's knowledge of stage combat skills

  2. To increase coordination and object manipulation

  3. To develop knowledge of and practically apply the required moves from the course syllabus

  4. To develop the skills needed to safely and dramatically perform a choreographed fight

  5. To develop understanding of the safety techniques involved in staff work


2-Handed Broadsword (Mediaeval Sword)



  1. To widen the student's knowledge and experience of stage combat skills

  2. To develop a low centre of balance, without losing ease of movement

  3. To develop knowledge of and practically apply the required moves from the course syllabus

  4. To develop the skills needed to safely and dramatically perform a choreographed fight

  5. To develop understanding of the safety techniques involved in broadsword work

Module learning outcomes

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


Rapier and Dagger



  1. Confidently execute fight choreography

  2. Confidently combine text and movement in performance

  3. Convincingly act moments of aggression

  4. State the safety practices required when performing weapons work#

  5. Be able to perform a fight scene in dramatic context utilising the taught weapon discipline


Quarterstaff



  1. Competently handle the taught weapon

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

  3. Execute a dramatic and safe fight, within the context of a scene

  4. Be able to perform a fight scene in dramatic context utilising the taught weapon/discipline


2-Handed Broadsword (Mediaeval Sword)



  1. Competently handle the taught weapons.

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

  3. Execute a dramatic and safe fight, within the context of a scene. Be able to perform a fight scene in dramatic context utilising the taught weapon/discipline

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

Practical classes, independent study, rehearsals.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Practical   Rapier and Dagger    25% 
Practical   Unarmed combat    25% 
Practical   Broadsword    25% 
Practical   Quarterstaff    25% 

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 Gordon Kemp, email: gkemp@essex.ac.uk.
Gordon Kemp, Chris Main
East 15 Acting School Gateway Building Elmer Approach Southend-on-Sea SS1 1LW

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Mr Matthew Henry Millington Bell
Resources
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.

 

Further information
East 15 Acting School

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