Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup: Fencing Swords

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Fencing Swords

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1781
Printed Date: 12/04/24 at 9:18pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Fencing Swords

Posted By: lucyvanpelt
Subject: Fencing Swords
Date Posted: 4/01/06 at 11:48pm

I am having the hardest time finding fencing swords to use on stage for Pirates of Penzance. Anyone?

Replies:

Posted By: Theatrestation
Date Posted: 4/02/06 at 7:32am

I would first of all try Norcostco to see if they carry them. Go to Norcostco.com and get the number and call them. They are a great company, but their Web site is not good. Call the New Jersey office if there is a choice.

If they don't carry them do a search, putting the terms in quotation marks. You will get lots of choices.

Posted By: Shatcher
Date Posted: 4/03/06 at 12:44pm

There are many places on line that rent stage weapons. If you are buying them make sure they are combat ready and stage safe(blunt)

Combat ready is only important if you are going to fight with them.

Posted By: Kathy S
Date Posted: 4/03/06 at 9:25pm

Originally posted by Shatcher

Combat ready is only important if you are going to fight with them.

Just to illustrate the point (ha ha) I'd like to add this: I recall a performance of Romeo and Juliet in which one of the swords after taking several hits actually broke. As in the tip going flying out into the audience! I'm thinking that a "combat ready" sword might not betray you thus. Just as a side note, no one in the audience was blinded or even hurt by the incident, but it was scarey!

Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: 4/03/06 at 10:47pm

Hi,

April's issue of "Stage Directions" has a resource section and this month it is weapons (specifically swords) and breakaways. They have a summary of what each company carries along with addresses, phone numbers and web addresses. It is worth a look.

Linda

Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 4/04/06 at 6:42am

I can?t remember any actual sword fitting in ?POP??
A lot of sword waving & gag biso, but not much else!

-------------
Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

Posted By: pauliebonn
Date Posted: 4/20/06 at 1:20am

Have you tried to contact a local college/university? if they offer fencing classes, I am sure that you could rent/borrow some foils from them

Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 4/25/06 at 4:06pm

I just finished The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree. We ended up buying two stage combat foils, 2 pairs of gauntlets, and 2 frogs (what attach to the belt and allow the sword to be worn--belt not included). With shipping, the cost all together was around $300. We will be keeping them until the next time we need them.

Wherever you get your swords, inspect them for damage before taking. Check for knicks or splintering. Never handle the sword with bare hands (the oils on our skin will damage the metal). If you don't have a fight director, hire one now--even if it's only a black belt in kendo. Also, plan at least 20 hours for extra rehearsals for each stage fight to be presented.

Hope it goes well.

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Posted By: lucyvanpelt
Date Posted: 5/09/06 at 5:00pm

Hmmmm, contact a local university. Geez, why couldn't I think of that?? I guess because directing this show is making me lose my mind!

thanks, everyone!