RUNNING: Efficient Fight Call

[shanakathleen]

I'm currently stage managing "Romeo and Juliet: Choose Your Own Ending" which will be in FringeNYC this August. One thing I am a little concerned about as we go through the rehearsal process is our fight call before each performance. We're allowed 15 minutes in the space, and then there is a 15 minute house. Our set is minimal and only takes about 5 minutes (if that) to set up, but the challenging aspect about our show is that depending on what the audience votes for throughout the performance, there are 8 different "tracks" that the story can take. So while there is not an extreme amount of combat in a particular performance, this results in 8 different sword fight possibilities (with different actors involved and varying choreography) in addition to several punches, stabs, slaps, and falls.

Because this is a safety concern, at the beginning of the process we asked if we could have a shorter house or be given more time, but unfortunately FringeNYC couldn't grant that request. As of now the plan is to come up with an efficient fight call list, and to have the actors get into costume before we get to the theater, to allow as much time on stage as possible. 

Does anyone have any additional advice or suggestions to help make this as efficient and safe as possible? Thanks!

Edit to subject line-Rebbe

[nick_tochelli]

If you are able, run multiple fights at the same time (providing that people, props and space allow it).

Before you move into the space, rehearse fight call with your cast so they know exactly what is coming next and will be prepared for it. Even long complicated fight calls can be cut down time wise over time just through repetition, but it will require you dedicate the time outside of the venue.

If you don't get through it in the 15 minutes the fringe allows....I'd hold the house. It's more important that your actors feel safe with long, pointy, and dangerous pieces of metal in their hands than the Fringe is with opening the house exactly when they want to. Strictly my opinion of course.

[BLee]

That is great if your actors can be in costume before the scheduled fight call time, but may not be entirely necessary. For the two shows I am running now, we had similar concerns. Both shows have extensive fighting. Honestly, as long as you schedule carefully and work with your fight captain to keep things running very tightly, I doubt you will have too much trouble (assuming your cast really knows their choreography).

An added suggestion: If there is another room (like a studio or even some lawn outside) somewhere available to you, I recommend using every inch of space possible. The more often they run the fight the easier it is to run them in any space in any order at any time (important in a show with so many variations). For my current productions' fight calls, we just run the call in show shoes (with jackets and hats for those who want them). If you are able to do the technique part of the fight call in an alternate space before getting into costume, then your stage time becomes a quick refresher with set rather than a work through of movement and safety. With only 15 minutes and 8+ fights to run, this may be the most efficient way to work.

[planetmike]

Is this the same production that was in the Capital Fringe last summer? I reviewed that show, it was very well done. http://www.showbizradio.net/2010/07/13/review-cf-romeo-juliet/

[missliz]

Going off what BLee suggested...my fringe show last year had a few intense fight sequences, and we were able to work out a deal with the ACR and venue manager to do fight call in the green room during the show prior.

If you don't get through it in the 15 minutes the fringe allows....I'd hold the house.

Sadly, FringeNYC doesn't let you hold the house for anything. It might vary venue to venue, but I've always been told that the show must start at the allotted time because everything's scheduled so close.I also had some pretty cranky holier-than-thou venue managers, though...