From Fear to Fight: TAFE Queensland Students Take on Stage Combat with NIDA
In acting, a convincing fight scene is about far more than punches, falls and choreography. Behind the illusion is a highly controlled practice built on technique, trust, communication and collaboration.
In August, NIDA presented a masterclass workshop in stage combat in Brisbane, as part of our partnership with TAFE Queensland. For second-year University of Canberra Acting and Performance students Jayce Moran and Natalie Ephraims, the two-day masterclass held at TAFE Queensland, offered new ways to approach physical performance.
Under the guidance of experienced Fight Director Tim Dashwood, the students learnt everything from how-to safety throw to understanding the importance of being in control as the “victim”, both students discovered that stage combat is as much about precision and partnership as it is about physicality.
Here, Jayce and Natalie reflect on their experience.
Had you done any stage combat or stunt training before this workshop? What were you looking forward to most about this workshop?
Jayce: Although I had not done stage combat training before, I have previous training in martial arts. I was eager to see how the skills from my training may be transferable to stage combat.
What has been the most memorable thing you’ve learned during the workshop?
Natalie: The workshop overall was so fun and engaging, but I particularly loved the falls and the throws. It was something that was so simple but was a crucial foundation that looked good.
Falling off chairs was something I previously didn’t find in my comfort zone, but quickly I learned how simple, easy and fun it is. I also loved learning to throw. Once again, a super simple process that looks and feels way cooler than it actually is.
They are definitely the most memorable for me, and something I will be implementing in my future scene work at uni.
Was there a moment that challenged you or pushed you outside your comfort zone?
Jayce: An instance where I was challenged was recreating a fight sequence with a classmate. I was worried about making a mistake and hurting myself or my partner.
However, we were taught how to safely perform all movements and allowed to progress at our own pace. The fight sequence ended up being one of my favourite parts of the workshop.
Natalie: I have always been challenged when working with larger, taller, stronger physiques. I often find it daunting and scary as a shorter, weaker girl.
Despite this, Tim was so encouraging, taught the shorter few amazing techniques to still stay in control even as the “victim” of the situation. He really worked on foundations, which was so helpful to find confidence and comfortability within challenging choreography.
How did Tim Dashwood’s teaching style help you build confidence with stage combat techniques?
Natalie: He was immediately confident and comfortable with our class. He made a course that could’ve been so daunting into something so fun, and his wicked sense of humour kept the room light.
As someone who takes a moment to understand and coordinate myself, he was always more than happy to explain things multiple times, and work with us individually until we were confident.
What surprised you most about stage combat training?
Jayce: The amount of control, planning and practice that was necessary for making sequences and movements look realistic surprised me.
I had seen many movies where fight scenes had not looked authentic or fluid. However, when I watched my own and classmates’ fight sequence, I realised how much effort must go into making them look realistic and interesting.
Natalie: How I left with no bruises! So interesting to learn about the “illusion” that choreography gives off firsthand.
How important is trust and collaboration when working with a fight partner?
Jayce: Trust and collaboration are extremely important when doing anything with a fight partner. One of the most important things is to have good communication and boundaries.
It can be dangerous if anyone is not trusting of themselves or others. The best work is made when all participants are comfortable with each other and the movements. This is best achieved with open communication and trust in each other.
Natalie: We all quickly learned it is so incredibly important to trust your partner. For the choreography to give the illusion of a fight, you must both be entirely committed to the actions, and the safety of the other actor.
If you don’t trust, the scene speeds up, and as Tim Dashwood (Dash) says, “slow is smooth and smooth is fast!”
Working with my scene partner Grace for the last half of day two, we built trust, had a good time, and delivered believable and smooth performances.
