Fight scenes are first of all scenes, and we'd all prefer to act in well-written and exciting plays. Here's a selection of plays that have fight scenes, in no particular order. And it's certainly not exhaustive.
They're not categorized by weapon, since you can often substitute weapons without ruining the meaning of the conflict. I once saw a Glengarry Glen Ross scene (no fight is written in, but the scene has high conflict) as a long sword fight.
How to Choose
Whether you use this short list, or you find your own in a library, here's what's required in a fight script for FDC certification:
- The total length (including fight) should be 3-5 minutes.
- The scene should tell us who each fighter is, and why they're fighting.
Plays with Fights
Partial list based on a list compiled by Fight Master Ian Rose
- Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Three Musketeers and Man in the Iron Mask and Count of Monte Christo by Alexandre Dumas, père
- The Roaring Girl by Thomas Middleton
- History of the Devil by Clive Barker
- The Rover by Aphra Behn
- Scaramouche by Winn Bray
- Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
- The Beaux Stratagem and The Recruiting Officer by George Farquar
- The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas Kyd
- 'Tis Pity She's a Whore by John Ford
- The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni
- Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton
Shakespeare Gets His Own Category
- Taming of the Shrew
- Macbeth
- Henry IV Part I
- Henry IV Part II
- Henry IV Part III
- Richard III
- Othello
- Cymbeline
- King Lear
- Romeo & Juliet
- Hamlet
- Twelfth Night
- Two Noble Kinsmen
- Henry VI Part I
- Troilus & Cresida
Molière Too
- Don Juan
- Forced Marriage
- The Miser
- The Would be Gentleman
- The Learned Ladies
- School for Wives
- Tartuffe
And So Does George F. Walker
- Zastrozzi, Master of Discipline
- Tough
- Escape From Happiness
- Criminals in Love
Film Fights?
Fight Directors Canada discourage the use of film scripts for test fights. I know you love movies and want to act out the best film scenes. Here's some good reasons not to:
- Film is a different medium than live performance. Maybe you love it because of editing or other movie magic. If your evaluator has seen the movie, your version may be a disappointment.
- There is a real chance that you'll be imitating or impersonating the role instead of making good acting choices
- Read a book! Get some culture!
Other Staging Options
These questions are for the FDC certification test. Naturally, you don't need to follow these rules if you're putting together a fight showcase or a short film.
Can I choose a play other than the ones listed? YES! Please bring new scripts, classical scripts,
Can I write my own scene? No.
Can we do a scene to music? Very creative, and often very moving… but here's the main stipulations (not in official FDC documents, but how Fight Masters have regulated this in the past):
- No more than one of your test fights can contain no dialogue.
- It must be very clear to the audience why they're fighting, and actors must make even stronger choices.
- Be careful of the rhythm of the music. You shouldn't ignore the tone and changes in mood, but you mustn't make every sword contact and step match the beat.
The more creative and interesting your script and interpretation, the better it will be received. It's not just words to say, it's an opportunity to share epic moments through history with other actors. Choose to be awesome. Then do the work.
Head of Stage Combat at Academie Duello and certified Instructor with Fight Directors Canada. Head of Bartitsu at Academie Duello, the longest continuously running Bartitsu program in the world. Read more from David McCormick.