Stage combat methods and role preparation phases action actors

Stage Combat Choreography is an acting discipline which blends the centuries-old traditions with multiple disciplines and transform them to art. The human history is filled with wars, violence and conflicts. These concepts have been shared with the audience since the creation of theatre. Thanks to the theatres, the action of conflict evolved into a systematic field of study through the centuries. This study aims to explore the field, which is not fully systematized in Turkey, by examining the process and the disciplines that led to the creation of stage combat choreography and action acting; and thus contribute to the literature. Also, this study provides information about how these techniques can be used by an actor in a film or on stage, and how actors can improve themselves in these techniques. The martial arts and weapons of different countries, the special properties of these weapons, and the usage methods of them are mentioned in this study, as well as different styles of combat methods, horseback martial arts, costumes and safety rules. And finally, this study conveys information about the practices on how to create action illusions. This study is comprised of five chapters. In the first chapter, the reasons for the existence of stage combat choreography and the importance of the research are explained. In the second chapter, sub-definitions about stage combat choreography are included. In the third chapter, the martial arts of European, Asian and Far Eastern countries are explored; and diverse military supplies, weapons and strategies from Viking shields, artillery horse, bastard sword to Turkish archery are mentioned. The fourth chapter explains how to apply the investigated war-combat techniques and how to use the materials. Besides, the fourth chapter offers some valuable advice to actors, choreographers, and accessory - costume designers. Finally, the fifth chapter is the chapter in which the research result is evaluated and the research data is shared. Keywords: Stage Combat, Action Choreography, Acting, Theatre, Cinema