Stage Combat Arts - (Theatre Arts Workbooks) by Christopher Duval (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The art of armed and unarmed stage combat thrills actors and audiences alike the world over. This book details many of the foundational techniques used by actors studying stage combat and actor-movement disciplines. A variety of specific training exercises are described that connect the actor's imagination to a cohesive and meaningful actor-training curriculum - integrating stage combat with the actor's process of developing a fully embodied awareness of the physical life of the character.

Developing physical awareness and dexterity is an essential component of an actor's training and rehearsal processes. Engagement, connection, the ability to listen and respond with authenticity, clarity, flexibility, intentionality, tactical response, variety are all helpful aspects for the actor studying combat movement.

With practical exercises and expert advice, Stage Combat Arts

Review Quotes

. . . I encourage you to add this book to your shelf today. It is an indispensable asset and an invaluable tool for integrating acting, voice, and movement technique in teaching the combat arts.
From the "Foreword" by Paul Dennhardt Professor, Illinois State University M. AmSAT Teacher of the Alexander Technique Society of American Fight Directors - Fight Director/Certified Teacher Dueling Arts International - Master Teacher/Master Fight Director

Chris DuVal is one of the most talented, insightful performers that I know. He combines rigorous discipline with a lighthearted perspective and he's a thoughtful, patient teacher. Read this book, it will make you a better combatant/actor/person.
Ty Burrell, Emmy-award winning actor, "Phil Dunphy" on Modern Family

I've had the pleasure of working closely with Chris DuVal as both actor and fight director; his theatrical instincts are unerring, and his intelligence and heart shine through in this useful book
Bill Rauch, Artistic Director, Oregon Shakespeare Festival

About the Author

Christopher DuVal teaches Acting, Stage Combat, and Voice in the Actor Training Program at the University of Utah, USA. He has worked at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for over fifteen years, co-teaching stage combat skills test classes, acting and fight directing 40 productions. He has also acted, taught, and fight-directed at regional theatres and universities across the United States. He received his MFA from the University of California, where he studied acting with Dr. Robert Cohen. Christopher is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors, a Senior Level Instructor of Theatrical Combat with Dueling Arts International, an Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework, and holds a second-degree black belt in Aikido.