Stage combat: unarmed

About this course

This workshop explores how unarmed fights are created for theatre, film and television. Participants learn stage combat moves, combine them into a choreographed sequence and consider how staging, angles and focus affect what an audience sees. Teaching combines practical work with discussion, observation and feedback, addressing safe performance and ways to make the fight engaging. The course also considers how character is carried through the fight and how the sequence can be performed effectively across different media.

What you'll learn

• Perform a selection of unarmed stage combat moves
• Combine individual moves into a choreographed fight sequence
• Apply principles of safety when staging a fight for performance
• Recognise how staging, angles and focus shape stage combat for theatre and film
• Develop ways to convey character and maintain audience engagement during a fight

Is this course right for you?

The course is described as suitable for anyone and is intended for participants at all levels. It involves practical, physically active work, with occasional rigorous activity, alongside discussion, observation and feedback. Learners should consider whether this level of physical participation is appropriate for them.

• Includes physically active practical work
• May involve occasional rigorous activity

Before you go

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows ease of movement.
• Jeans and boots are not permitted.