Jake (Camp Fight Directer) providing choreography for a fight between Horner the Armorer (Wren) and Peter Thump (Elsie)

Today’s Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Show Title: Henry VI, Part 2

Director: Mili Koncelik

Staff Crew: Sarah Clayton and Sara Bateman (RDAs); Madeleine Cook and Allison Monfalcone (Interns)

What we did

Annnnnnnd we’re back at it! After a well-deserved day off at the lake, campers returned to Demming ready to dive back into blocking 2H6. Today’s rehearsal had a little bit of everything: royal court entrances, eerie conjuring scenes, and a self-declared “girly pop Yorkist walk-off” courtesy of our three main York divas. The excitement didn’t stop there—Jake finally introduced the campers to Gorilla Butt, to the absolute delight of those already in the know. With dramatic sword fights, a fireman’s carry of a “dead” body, and bold character choices all around, the day was packed with action and flair. 

Quick and Quotable

• From the play 

• • “Welcome is banishment; welcome is my death.” – Eleanor (Act 2, Scene 3)

• From the director 

• • • “Everyone, WRITE THAT DOWN….wRiTe ThAt DoWn…” – Mili

• From the cast

• • “YARHHH!” – Hudson and Anna Caroline’s father/son call
  • “AHHHhhHHhHhh!” – Wren
  • “Psst…don’t touch the peasant.” – Janet to Phoenix

Production Insights 

While it can sometimes feel ridiculous to go through all the detailed steps involved in choreographing fights, it’s absolutely vital for keeping everyone safe. As someone who’s been in productions with intense and complex fight choreography, I’ve learned that stage combat is much like a dance—or any other carefully planned movement piece. It requires precision, awareness, and trust. Not only do you need to know your own moves, but you also have to be in constant communication with your partner to protect both of you. So yes, it might feel silly at first to mime a slap from three feet away, moving in slow motion like you’re swimming through peanut butter. But once you’re onstage, with the adrenaline of an audience watching, that “goofy” foundational practice becomes essential. It grounds you. It turns into muscle memory. And that’s what keeps you safe—by reminding you that you’re performing a story, not actually fighting.