Stage combat involves creating the illusion of physical combat on stage while prioritizing the safety of the performers involved. Here's a general overview of how stage combat works:

1. Choreography: The first step is to choreograph the fight sequence. This involves planning and creating the movements and actions of the combatants. The choreography should be dynamic, visually appealing, and effectively convey the story and character motivations.
2. Rehearsals: Once the choreography is established, the performers rehearse the fight sequence repeatedly. They practice the movements, timing, and reactions to ensure precision and consistency. Rehearsing also helps build trust and familiarity among the performers.
3. Safety Measures: Safety is paramount in stage combat. Performers use techniques and strategies to create the illusion of physical contact while minimizing the risk of injury. These techniques include controlled and precise movements, the use of distance and angles, and visual tricks to create the perception of impact.
4. Communication: Clear communication between the performers is essential during stage combat. They establish cues and signals to ensure proper timing and coordination. Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in indicating actions, reactions, and transitions during the fight sequence.
5. Character Work: Stage combat should be consistent with the characters and the story being portrayed. Performers consider the physical abilities, personalities, and motivations of their characters when executing the fight choreography. This helps make the combat scenes more believable and enhances the overall storytelling.
6. Props and Weapons: If the combat involves the use of props or weapons, performers must be trained in their safe and realistic handling. Stage weapons are typically specially designed to minimize the risk of injury while maintaining the appearance of real weapons. Performers follow specific techniques to ensure control and accuracy when using these props.
7. Acting and Reacting: Stage combat is not just about executing physical movements. It also involves acting and reacting realistically to create a convincing performance. Performers must express emotions, pain, exhaustion, and other character-specific responses during the fight sequence.
8. Technical Elements: Lighting, sound effects, and other technical elements can enhance the impact of stage combat. Working closely with the technical team ensures that these elements are synchronized with the action on stage, heightening the dramatic effect.
9. Performance: Once the fight sequence is fully rehearsed and refined, it is integrated into the larger production. Performers give their best during the actual performances, maintaining the same level of precision, timing, and characterization achieved during rehearsals.

It's important to note that stage combat requires training, practice, and expertise. Many theater productions involve professional fight choreographers who specialize in staging combat and ensuring the safety of the performers.