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In the competitive world of acting, obtaining the edge is necessary if wanting to play roles
other than, "servant number 2" for ones whole career. Often, especially when doing Shakespeare, an actor with stage
combat training will have an advantage over one who has never used a sword or thrown a punch. For the safety of all
performers, victims and attackers, it is highly encouraged that actors seek out and learn the basics of stage combat before
embarking further into the art.
We are asked about this quite often so let's take this moment to clear up what stage combat is not.
Stage Combat is not a competitive sport such as Fencing or Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Nor is it associated with the Society
for Creative Anachronism (SCA) techniques for fencing, martial arts and SCA, are constructed with the intent to defeat the
other person. Stage Combat is a partnership between performers. It is similar to a dance duet partnership. The style and
application of fencing, martial arts, and SCA are exciting to watch but not designed for, or safe to use in performance.
A skilled practitioner of these crafts may be excellent at what they do, but that does not mean they are qualified, or trained,
to instruct actors in the safe use of combat; nor are the moved and maneuvers designed for performance, or the act of telling
the story. Please, for the safety of your actors , and integrity of the story, consult with a qualified stage combat instructor
for all manners of theatrical and cinematic combat. There are individuals out there trained to give you exactly what you
show demands and more.
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