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PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE III
STAGE COMBAT, TUMBLING & ILLUSIONS
School of Theatre and Dance
University of Montana
Fall 2009
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.
-Mark Twain
Instructor: Ezra LeBank
Office: McGill 125
Office Hours: W 11AM-2PM, and by appointment
Phone:
Email: x2998 ezra.lebank@umontana.edu
Class Meeting Times: TR 11:10AM-1:00PM
Recommended Texts
Bogart, Anne. A Director Prepares.
Course Description
We will learn and engage practical skills for creating stage combat, stage illusions, and tumbling. This will include individual, partner, and group work. A basic physical aptitude is necessary, as is an imaginative spirit and heightened focus.
Objectives (Learning Outcomes)
-To develop a foundation of rooted, fluid movement
-To develop a foundation of grounded partner exercises
-To master basic stage combat illusions
-To master techniques for safe tumbling and falling
-To gain an entry level understanding of advanced techniques
-To develop a foundation of combat choreography
-To implement a variety of styles and illusions
-To utilize architecture and materials unique to an area in performance
Student Responsibilities
-To attend every class period
-To participate fully in every exercise to the extent of one’s ability
-To practice techniques regularly outside of class
-To choreograph and perform several combat scenes or ‘kata’
-To choreograph and perform a narrative final combat scene
-To fulfill all writing and research projects as assigned
-To present a combat scene from a film

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BY ATTENDING THIS COURSE, I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ AND
UNDERSTOOD THE FOLLOWING AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT I
AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF
KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND
REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.
I recognize that this movement course requires physical exertion, which may be strenuous and may cause physical injury, and I am fully aware of the risks and hazards involved. I understand that the instructor may use physical contact as a means of instruction, and that by attending this course, I voluntarily and expressly give consent to such action with myself as a participant.
I understand that it is my responsibility to consult with a physician prior to and regarding my participation in the movement classes. I represent and warrant that I am physically fit and have no medical condition which would prevent my full participation in the movement classes. In consideration of being permitted to participate I agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries or damages, known or unknown, which I might incur as a result of participating in the course. I grant the instructor, department, and the
University of Montana the right to record, broadcast, and otherwise use in any media my performance in the movement course and to use my name, likeness, voice, and biographical information concerning the course. In further consideration of being permitted to participate I knowingly, voluntarily and expressly waive any claim I may have against individual teachers, departments, or the University of Montana for injury, harassment, or damages of any kind that I may sustain as a result of participating in the program. I, my heirs or legal representative forever release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue for any injury or death caused by conditions stated above.
Academic Misconduct and the Student Conduct Code
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by the course instructor and/or disciplinary sanction by the University.
All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at http://life.umt.edu/VPSA/name/StudentConductCode .
All Theatre & Dance students must have an in-depth knowledge of the practices and procedures outlined in the School of Theatre & Dance Handbook.
The Handbook is available online at http://www.sfa.umt.edu/drama/index.html
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Attire
Wear black clothing that you are comfortable moving in. This includes yoga pants, sweatpants, shorts, etc. For tops, a comfortable shirt is a good idea. Shoes and socks are not permitted in class work due to their danger to yourself and other students. If you do not wish to be barefoot, you may wear kung fu shoes that have a soft sole and traction.
Hygiene
We will be sweating a lot together. Out of respect for the group, please bathe in the mornings before class, and refrain from wearing any strong perfumes/colognes.

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Grading
Attendance:
Participation/Progress:
Journal /Writing:
15%
35%
10%
Primary Scenes:
Final Scene:
Participation and Attendance
20%
20%
-Full participation is expected, and mandatory to complete the course! You do not have to be right to participate!!
-Punctual attendance is required. No absences are permitted. If you’re late, you’re absent.
-Each absence will result in the decline of your grade. Emergency absences will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis . If you are absent in excess of FIVE times you will receive a No Pass.
-Attendance at all departmental productions is also required.
*If you want tips on how to stay healthy, feel free to ask.
Appendix of Graded Assignments
Primary Scenes
Final Scene
Journal/Self Reflection
Special Needs
If you have any special learning needs myself and the college will make every effort to accommodate. Please inquire and we will proceed in the best way possible!
Late Work Will Receive No Credit
All Assignments Must be Completed by Friday, December 11 @ 5pm to Pass the Course
Course Schedule *Schedule is Subject to Change
Week 1
9/1 Relaxation/Improvisation
9/3 Extension from Center/Impulses/Pushing
Week 2
9/8 Partner Movement/Punches/Knaps
9/10 Slaps
Week 3
9/15 Kicks
9/17 Kicks
Week 4
9/22 Falling
9/24 On the Floor

Week 5
9/29 Tumbling
10/1 Tumbling
Week 6
10/6 Throws
10/8 Throws/Wall
Week 7
10/13 Dying
1015 Groin
Week 8
10/20 Tables
10/22 Improvisation
Week 9
10/27 Special Effects
10/29 Household/Foreign Objects
Week 10
11/3 Site Specific Performance
11/5 Film Fight Scenes
Week 11
11/10 Swords
11/12 Swords
Week 12
11/17 Swords
11/19 Swords
*Assign Final Scenes
Week 13
11/24 Final Scenes
Thanksgiving
Week 14
12/1 Work Final Scenes
12/3 Work Final Scenes
Week 15
12/8 Work Final Scenes
12/10 Final Scenes W/Notes
Week 16
Final Combat Performance
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