I do all my own stunts
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Acting
Forum Discription: Q&A about auditions, character development and other aspects of the craft
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2591
Printed Date: 11/22/24 at 9:43am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: I do all my own stunts
Posted By: eveharrington
Subject: I do all my own stunts
Date Posted: 8/21/07 at 1:06am
Does anybody have any tips on getting thrown around? I know it's kinda hard to explain in text how to do this stuff but any helpful warnings or tips you've picked up would be appreciated. I'm getting pushed backwards and falling on my butt, and also running, tripping and falling forward. I'm actually more worried about the forward fall because I'll be wearing a dress and I'm concerned about scraping up my knees.  ------------- "If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights." |
Replies:
Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 8/22/07 at 2:56am
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Safety first, last and always!
If you're wearing a dress, I see nothing wrong with wearing knee-pads underneath to protect yourself. ------------- "None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone |
Posted By: eveharrington
Date Posted: 8/22/07 at 3:25am
 First thing I thought of! Unfortunately, the play is set in the 20's and I don't think the dress would hide kneepads. I will however be breaking my 15 year ban on spandex shorts.  ------------- "If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights." |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: 8/22/07 at 8:46am
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Have you thought of talking to someone in the marshall arts? I mention this because years ago we had a karate instructure come in and help us with some flips and falls for a show. I can't remember if he had training in stage fighting, but I remember him as being very helpful. Just a thought. Linda |
Posted By: Ken W
Date Posted: 8/22/07 at 11:26pm
| The one thing I have learned is tuck and roll. fall on your shoulder, tuck it in and roll with the fall. AND wear spandex shorts. |
Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 8/22/07 at 11:36pm
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Good piont Linda. I learnt to break fall in my youth, through a marshal art. Which stood me in good stead, when doing prat falls on stage. When falling down stairs & being thrown in an irish whip & the like. Useing your arms & hands to flat hit the deck first, reducing the force of the body weight. In falls most injuries are caused by trying to stop falling, by tentioning up. This is why drunks never seem to hurt them self, even in the worst accidents. I have fallen a number of times, when for what ever reason. a talescope has toppled over. Relaxing & going with the equipment by remaining in the hiosts basket, rather than trying to jump clear nothing happened, except for the sudden stop. Be aware of your body parts possition & go with the flow of the fall. I would be more worried about falling on my transum & damaging my coccyx, then falling forward & scraping the knees. The things you have to watch out for is jiont damage with elbow, hips & the like. Going down stairs is easy because there are structures to break & dampen the forward motion of the fall, but plan it out & rehearse it. Cushion or pad protruding objects & clear away props they will cause harm - then 'idiot check' the flight path, before you take the fall. ------------- 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: biggertigger
Date Posted: 8/26/07 at 10:18pm
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I know that many shows I had to deal with stunts the number one factor is safety. I have used many different safety devices. I have had costumes designed to have safety padding sewn in. I've learned to fall properly and how to "take a hit". And I have designed staging to hid fall mats.
You may also want to look into gymnastics. They can show you how to properly fall. Any martial arts are great for this too.
Here are a few Safety Guidelines you may want to look at.
http://www.cheerleading.org.uk/handbook/stuntsaf.htm - http://www.cheerleading.org.uk/handbook/stuntsaf.htm Yes, cheerleads know how to fall.
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/guidelines/liveperformance/gl_live_7.html - http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/guidelines/liveperformance/gl_live_7.html
------------- The two greatest days in a theater persons life, the day you start a new show and the day the damn thing closes. |