Fight Directing for the Theatre [Paperback]

J. Allen Suddeth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 1996

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 364 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann Drama; 2nd edition (June 17, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 043508674X
• ISBN-13: 978-0435086749
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #982,464 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST-HAVE FOR ANYBODY INVOLVED IN THEATER!!, May 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fight Directing for the Theatre (Paperback)

I bought Allen's book two years ago as an actor/stage-combatant and referrred to it in my first fight directing work last year. The book is a valuable tool as an actor, stage combatant or in any capacity within the theater. Allen's book will bring in an insightful, realistic and enjoyable look at what is stage-combat.

The art of fight-directing is as valuable to staged violence as a dance choreographer is to dance, as music-directing to musicals (choreographers and music-directors should also read the book).

Allen, kudos for such a great piece of reading and research material.

Get out there and buy this book!!

Ray Rodriguez

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete Safety Guide, April 4, 2001

By 

M. Greene "mattverde" (Mansfield Ctr., CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fight Directing for the Theatre (Paperback)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warning-May lead to brilliance in fight direction!, November 18, 2000

By 

Robb Hunter (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fight Directing for the Theatre (Paperback)

I bought Mr. Suddeth's book a year or so ago simply looking for some pointers on choreographing a fight. What I found was an invaluable guide to directing, not just a fight, but the entire scene in which it was contained. I also found that FDftT had much to offer for experienced fight directors and novice stage combatants alike. The language was clear, the writing engaging and the content comprehensive. The issues addressed in this book transcend the mere basics of staged violence and focus instead on the scene and its integral relationship with the fight. If you are looking to "brush-up" on stage combat technique I would suggest that you get out and enroll in a stage combat class, not try to hone a hard earned skill by reading a book. If you are looking for insights on how to go about safely and effeciently directing a scene or play that contains staged violence, put up your feet, relax and open Fight Directing for the Theatre by J. Allen Suddeth.