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Professional 'Stage Combat' Workshop
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Jan 26, 2012 - 6:04:46 AM

All students taking Drama GCSE or A Level were invited to a professional ‘Stage Combat’ workshop held at the School this week.

Mark Ruddock is a member of Squire Theatre and works professionally in the theatre, film and television industry. He has recently worked on such films as Warhorse, Captain America and the latest X-Men offering.

Mark began by teaching students how to correctly and safely perform hand to hand combat on stage, including punching, slapping, kicking and even knees to the head! Splitting into pairs and practising after highly entertaining demonstrations from Mark, students were let in on the ‘trade secrets’ of stage combat. The clear message being, that you very rarely come into contact with each other when engaging in stage combat, it is an illusion to draw in the audience and make it look as if you are being caused great physical pain (that’s where the acting comes in!)

Now familiar with hand to hand combat, Mark engaged in methods of stage combat involving weaponry. Having been on display throughout the workshop (to the delight of the male participants, especially) it was time for swords to be drawn, albeit wooden prop swords known as Bokkens.

Students were taught a technique known in the industry as the Canadian Shuffle. This is a swordsman technique that provides you with the basics skills to stage an acted, yet very convincing sword fight to the bitter end! Having perfected the 4 steps of the Canadian Shuffle, the overwhelming sound of swords clashing and students faking their own deaths filled the hall.

Head of Drama Damian Todres said “Stage Fighting is a true skill and we have been fortunate today to receive such an inspiring workshop from an expert in this discipline. The pupils had an absolute blast but also importantly learned some valuable skills which will further equip them for life in the professional entertainment industry if they so choose. “

Many thanks to Mark for giving up his time to put on such an exciting and engaging performance workshop and we look forward to welcoming him back soon for a follow-up session. The Department will next be visited by a West End actor, so watch this space!