The single sword is the most-used weapon on both stage and screen. The techniques used in single sword stage combat are derived from real combative methods used historically, and modified for acting. Basics of Stage Combat: Single Sword instructs the reader about the foundations of safe, skillful single sword use in theater, film, and television. Actors both wishing to refresh their old skills and those new to stage combat will learn how to parry with a sword, move with a sword, and perfect the various movements required of them to perform a safe and realistic stage combat scene. Basics of Stage Combat: Single Sword will also help drama students who are taking stage combat classes or stage combat exams gain the confidence to embrace the complexities of working with a sword.

Among the swords discussed are the single rapier, sabre, and the eighteenth-century small sword; this book does not discuss broadsword techniques. Chapters provide illustration and instruction about thrusts, lunges, hand positions, advancing and retreating, passing steps, binds, beats, and cutting with the sword, as well as basic fighting positions. A brief fight choreography sequence is included at the conclusion of the book.