This Friday livestream Q&A for everybody! 1500 BST

Do they have a stage combat course in lightsabers? It seems likely they would somewhere.

Sean Farron

Another example is Margo Robbie as Tanya Harding... She had a stunt performer, but she also did a lot of the triple Lutz's et cetera herself. How does an actress go from no experience to being able to pull off such a professional degree almost competitive level Art form ( learning to land a triple luts is one thing, but to be able to do it and look like you are a master at it is quite another)

I don't have a question but setting my alarm now so I don't miss it :)

Helen Ellison

I’ve asked in the YT comments, but I’ll ask here too 🤪 In sword combat, how do you you deal with someone that is much taller/has longer reach? Is being taller a disadvantage since you’re a bigger target? Asking as an almost 2m tall man 😆

I asked this question before, however it was in a livestream about a year ago, so I was't able to be as detailed or expressive in the comment bubble. The question is: does stage combat training give you some form of a muscle memory or perhaps a rudimentary combat training that might subconsciousy activate should someone attempt to actually attack you with a real weopon? my question comes from martial arts 'dances' and routines that are practiced slowly, and with specific type attacks, but all done slowly (at first). Also thinking from a musician perspective, practicing parts or techniques (such as scales or runs) on various instruments slowly creates the muscle memory to instinctively play subconsciously in a jam or even pre-written parts for a performance. now your answer was interesting. You stated that firstly the intent of stage combat was co-operative (giving the appearance of combat) and that there is a mutual concern for your partner. You also stated that you felt in that even the choreographed moves are learned with out true force behind them, so there wouldn't be any true learned strength behind it...or at least that's somewhat how I remember your answer. These answers definitely make sense. I guess some part of me still wonders, do you think that if someone came at you with even just one lunge from a broomstick or whatever, and say you had a similar item in your hands, say an umbrella or whatever, do you you think you would skillfully perry subconsciously by rote? oh, and I'm always fascinated how actors seem to have mastered skills through these trainings where they appear to be genuinely a Master at it (in any form - referencing Tom Hulce as Mozart in Amadeus as an example.) of course all of Hulce's playing was muscle memory so i'm guessing unless he has taken actual music lessons since, all he would have been able to do was play the only pieces he learned. besides playing the parts, he made them look beyond effortless (even the playing piano upside down part). my understanding is that Mr. Hulce had no prior skill on piano (just some guitar knowledge), and he wasn't exactly playing Mary had a little lamb in the film. The same happens with actors in weapons fighting scenes. It goes beyond learned choreograph to the next level of ostensible skill and mastery but how do these trainings take someone to a level where they seem amazingly proficient in such a short span. being an actress yourself, maybe you can elaborate from that perspective. sorry this question is so Brief.😝

What drills do you use for practice?

Ditto. While my office is pretty laid back, I don't think they're quite ready for a discussion of combat during work hours. Although it might give me an advantage in those testy management team meetings...

Aimee King

Sounds like fun - I look forward to you

Jim Sanderson

Excited for the stream! That is, to watch it after hours. :)

Jessica

Have you ever been injured in practice or performance? Is there any part of stage combat that you consider too unsafe to pursue?

Jessica