Intimacy and Stage Combat

• Value the working environment as a professional space in which you may work playfully and freely to take creative risks • Discover autonomy over your process so that you may apply yourself independently to explore creativity, rigour, adaptability and specificity within your work

How will I learn?

You will take part in a series of practical classes and workshops culminating in a short performance working on solo exercises as well as in groups of two or more. The majority of your work will be tutor led but there will be opportunities to develop performance outside of the class either as a solo performer or with another actor. You will develop your learning through individual participation as well as peer observation and analysis. You will also take part in group discussions of research, observations and connections to previous work.

How will I be assessed?

The assessment within this unit is predominantly based on your engagement with process as opposed to results achievement. You will be formally assessed throughout the module in relation to the assessment criteria for the module. This unit of. The module is Pass/Fail and will not contribute to the final mark for the module. You are required to pass this unit in order to pass the module.

What will the assessors be looking for?

Assessment Criteria: • To respond and adapt play from moment to moment • To work with openness to allow you to share your vulnerability • To connect with an audience • To play with voice • To play with physicality • To play with imagination • To listen and play with fellow actors • To be still and listen

Tutor: Yarit Dor Contact hours: 16.5 Timetable: 1 x 1.5hr class a week, Autumn

Aims

Intimacy Training: The aim of the course will be to explore the skills and language to approach intimacy choreography in order to discuss with appropriate language and etiquette with the focus on performing a short scene or sequences which involves intimacy staging.

Stage Combat for Performance: You will gain a foundational understanding of stage and screen combat

The techniques learned in workshop sessions will allow the student to develop an ability to take control of, and make, exciting physical choices. Contemporary combat is centred around three things: (1) making it safe, (2) making sure it is something you can do repeatedly and consistently and (3) making the fight choreography look credible whilst committing to the truth of the scene. You will develop a paired and/or small group sequence using some of these principles of combat and stage fighting.

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this unit, you will be expected to:

Knowledge and understanding • Articulate foundational comprehension of consent, permission and boundaries in relation to intimate scenes • Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate contemporary intimacy vocabulary & tools • Understand the safety practices required to safely perform moments of staged violence

Skills • Engage in exercises that support closure & de-rolling to aid actor wellbeing when staging intimacy. • Stage an intimacy scene or sequence with a scene partner • Execute confidently armed and unarmed fight choreography • Perform with effective competence a choreographed fight, using armed and unarmed combat techniques, within the context of a dramatic scene. • Understand the safety practices required to safely perform moments of staged violence

Values and attitudes • Work sensitively and professionally to explore the practical development of performing an intimate scene • Present the ability to work as an individual within the context of the group • Recognise the emotional and physical commitment required to convincingly perform moments of staged violence.

How will I learn?

These workshops follow the official requirements required by the British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat (BASSC) and Intimacy Directors & Coordinators (IDC)

Formative Assessment

You will have opportunities in class to demonstrate and play with choreography for Intimacy training and Stage Combat.

Summative Assessment

There is no formal examination however you will work up to the Standard Level of Stage and Screen Combat for Performance under the BASSC. You will be marked pass/fail on your classwork throughout the term by your tutor.

Reading List

You will also be issued with a series of handouts researched and developed by your tutor.

Title

Staging Sex: Best Practices, Tools, and Techniques for Theatrical Pace, C

The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe By the Sword History and Art of Personal Combat

Author Publisher Year

Routledge; 1st edition 2020

Anglo, S Yale 2000

Cohen, R Pan 2003 Wise, A Evelyn 1971

MODULE TEACHING PATTERN

Teaching Unit Type Contact Hours Self Directed Study Hours Total Student Learning Hours

Actor Movement Workshop classes 63 24 87

Physical Skills Technique and workshop classes 31.5 24 55.5

Clown

Workshop classes 16.5 4.5 21 Intimacy and Stage Combat Technique and workshop classes 16.5 5 21.5 Movement support Rehearsals 10 5 15

Totals 137.5 62.5 200

MODULE ASSESSMENT PATTERN

Assessment Unit

Actor Movement Physical Skills Clown

Assessment Type Weighting Pass Mark

Pass/ Fail Classwork 75% 50% No Classwork 25% 50% No Classwork

n/a n/a Yes

Intimacy and Stage Combat Classwork

n/a n/a Yes

What do I have to do to pass?

You are required to achieve a mark of 50% or above in Actor Movement and Physical Skills. The overall module mark is calculated according to the weightings in the table above. The Movement module carries a weighting of 15% of your overall mark for the degree.

How will I get feedback on my assessments?

You will receive formative verbal feedback throughout the term within workshop sessions.