Fight Directing for the Theatre

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.

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.

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

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.