Product Description

Fight Directing for the Theatre is the most comprehensive study of its kind. Authored by professional fight director J. Allen Suddeth, all the aspects of brawn, brawl, and broadswords are covered. Directors, performers, stage managers, teachers, prop builders, and stage fight directors will find thousands of useful facts in this book. Fight Directing for the Theatre covers the "how to" of fight directing, demystifying the process, and suggests a step-by-step method of working with performers and designers in the creation of safe fight choreography. Suddeth's book answers questions about researching fight scenes, stage combat safety, battle scenes, contemporary violence, fight notation, comedy fights, food fights, how to die onstage, and firearms safety as well as an overview of stage fight history. J. Allen Suddeth has worked with everyone from Robin Williams to James Earl Jones, from As You Like It to As The World Turns, and is a past president of the Society of American Fight Directors.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #425715 in Books
• Published on: 1996-06-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 364 pages

From Library Journal
This unique book provides a comprehensive guide to directing theatrical fight scenes, including sword play, duels, gun and knife fights, and comedy fights. Other topics covered extensively include fight choreography, safety issues, and how to die on stage. The author has been a professional fight director in New York City for over 20 years, working in theater, film, and television, and has taught the techniques of fight directing throughout the country. A history of stage fighting and glossary of fight terms add to the value and interest of this publication. This useful resource for theater directors and actors is recommended for large theater arts collections.?Howard E. Miller, M.L.S., St. Louis
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
J. Allen Suddeth has taught at the Juilliard School, The Lee Strasberg Institute, and the Stella Adler Conservatory, and has served as President of the Society of American Fight Directors.

Customer Reviews

great resource
"Fight Directing" is a great resource for directors and acting teachers. When directors ask me about a combat resource I tell them to pick up this book and a copy of Swashbuckling.

A Must Have for Fight Directors!!!
Whether you are an experienced fight director or just getting started (I'd suggest a high level of proficiency in stage combat first), fight master J. Allen Suddeth's book is packed with useful, practical, and creative information on directing stage combat sequences. Best of all, he offers numerous approaches to comabt choreography and encourages the reader discover what works best for him/herself. Directors should also be encouraged to read this, as it will assist in the collaborative process between director and fight director. Incredibly useful and absolutely necessary!

Complete Safety Guide
This book is an excellent guide to what the Society of American Fight Directors preach--Safety! Fight Master Suddeth details the many traps and common practices that put actors in harms way, then shows us the safe alternatives. It is a guide that should be kept in every theater as a reference for actors, stage managers, directors, etc. It doesn't pretend to teach you how to direct fights--this only comes with intense training--but rather teach you how to protect yourself and fellow artists. Included are details of weaponry and how to maintain them, tips, pointers, tricks, etc.

With decades of experience under his belt, this book is an extremely valuable tool if you are participating in any form of staged violence. Don't leave your safety to trial & error.