THE 277 - Stage Combat I, 3 credit hours

An introductory course in the design, practice, and performance of theatrical violence. This course will focus on unarmed (or hand to hand combat) and single sword (or single rapier). Students will explore the techniques used to create the illusion of danger and the means by which we use violence to tell stories on the stage and screen. Focus will be places on safety, partnering and physical specificity. The course will culminate in a final performance of choreography set to a scene from classic dramatic literature.