Under the umbrella of Theatre Royal Newcastle, the Seconds Out team have put together a list of pioneering projects which neatly links sport activities with various aspects of performing arts. Inspired by the 2012 Olympics and the fact that Newcastle will be the base for the Olympic Boxing training, ‘Fighting Shakespeare’ was initially devised to explore a selection of fight scenes contained within Shakespeare’s plays to inspire young people and encourage them to get involved in drama based activities.
The Seconds Out team have been closely involved with a variety of groups from all over the North East - from Guisborough to Northumberland.
Most of the groups are either disengaged, at risk of exclusion or they are ex-offenders with problems involving diminished self-esteem and discipline issues. “Stage combat not only builds their confidence but has proved to be a valuable way of teaching trust and communication skills,” commented project leader, Scott Illingworth.
The groups created some fantastic interpretations of Shakespeare’s fight scenes where they examined issues of conflict, looking at what behaviours lead to fights and how they would react in the situation. “They choreographed their own scenes around these themes and produced some very physical, original and entertaining work and were surprised to learn that their work related directly back to Shakespeare” says Illingworth. “It soon became evident that the focus of this activity would lean towards stage combat, and in collaboration with various agencies, we have brought together a number of young people, mainly troubled teenagers, and provided a specially tailored series of workshops, specific to each group”.
Each week the enthusiasm for this project has grown along with the students' self esteem. “Their ability to learn new techniques and self-discipline, and have fun at the same time makes my job very rewarding,” comments fight technician and Seconds Out tutor, Tim Bennett. “One student has already expressed an interest in using what he’s learned with Seconds Out to study Drama,” he adds.
The Seconds Out combat teams have expanded their skills even further, learning how to speak on stage, which along with their new performance skills gave them the confidence to choreographed a demonstration piece which was performed to a very appreciative audience of friends and family. The audience included some education specialists who were so impressed they’ve invited the team to stage another performance.
To find out more about stage combat or any of the Seconds Out projects, contact The Learning Department at Theatre Royal Newcastle and ask for details.
WHAT IS STAGE FIGHTING?
Stage fighting is better known as stage combat and is a form of choreographed dance which is rehearsed very slowly until perfected, then brought up to speed.
No actual acts of violence occur on stage and like all special effects, they only seem to happen.
Students learn to act responsibly towards other members of the class. They also learn to concentrate and to follow routines and procedures.
The goal of stage combat is to create a good fight spectacle without hurting anyone.
The Seconds Out team have been closely involved with a variety of groups from all over the North East - from Guisborough to Northumberland.
Most of the groups are either disengaged, at risk of exclusion or they are ex-offenders with problems involving diminished self-esteem and discipline issues. “Stage combat not only builds their confidence but has proved to be a valuable way of teaching trust and communication skills,” commented project leader, Scott Illingworth.
The groups created some fantastic interpretations of Shakespeare’s fight scenes where they examined issues of conflict, looking at what behaviours lead to fights and how they would react in the situation. “They choreographed their own scenes around these themes and produced some very physical, original and entertaining work and were surprised to learn that their work related directly back to Shakespeare” says Illingworth. “It soon became evident that the focus of this activity would lean towards stage combat, and in collaboration with various agencies, we have brought together a number of young people, mainly troubled teenagers, and provided a specially tailored series of workshops, specific to each group”.
Each week the enthusiasm for this project has grown along with the students' self esteem. “Their ability to learn new techniques and self-discipline, and have fun at the same time makes my job very rewarding,” comments fight technician and Seconds Out tutor, Tim Bennett. “One student has already expressed an interest in using what he’s learned with Seconds Out to study Drama,” he adds.
The Seconds Out combat teams have expanded their skills even further, learning how to speak on stage, which along with their new performance skills gave them the confidence to choreographed a demonstration piece which was performed to a very appreciative audience of friends and family. The audience included some education specialists who were so impressed they’ve invited the team to stage another performance.
To find out more about stage combat or any of the Seconds Out projects, contact The Learning Department at Theatre Royal Newcastle and ask for details.
WHAT IS STAGE FIGHTING?
Stage fighting is better known as stage combat and is a form of choreographed dance which is rehearsed very slowly until perfected, then brought up to speed.
No actual acts of violence occur on stage and like all special effects, they only seem to happen.
Students learn to act responsibly towards other members of the class. They also learn to concentrate and to follow routines and procedures.
The goal of stage combat is to create a good fight spectacle without hurting anyone.
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