I offer group classes and private coaching. My focus is on actors, but I have also taught stage managers, directors and stunt people. Anyone concerned with the illusion of violence and safety in performance can benefit.

For actors, it is the best opportunity to combine physical performance with emotional acting. At the climax of the play, when you are fighting for your life, you want to be physically dynamic while portraying fear and anger. You’ll have to incorporate wounds and fatigue without actually getting hurt or tired. At the end, every scene you play will benefit from a renewed connection between your emotions and your movement, and get mastery of your instrument in the process.

Group Classes

The ideal format to learn stage fighting is with other actors. A group class of 10-12 students means that you can practice the techniques with different partners. That size group is also small enough for everyone to trust each other and for my personal attention to correct your performance and ensure your safety at all times.

I teach a one-day course that touches on many aspects of the Basic level of stage combat. On one Saturday, we’ll cover 3 hours of theatrical swordplay and 3 hours of unarmed stage combat including slaps, hair pulls, safely falling to the floor and much more. I call it the Slaps & Slashes Workshop. 23 August, 2010.

We also have a weekly drop-in group, just $10 to get started (or to get refreshed). Sign up at MeetUp.com.

Full FDC Certification Course

Starting 17 May, 2010, I will be teaching a 10-week course in Stage Combat culminating in certification. The successful students will be awarded Basic Actor-Combatant Certification in Fight Directors Canada. Read more: May Stage Combat Course

Location

Private and group classes are held at Academie Duello in downtown Vancouver: #200 – 422 Richards St.

For private instruction or coaching for a specific film or stage performance, I can also travel to a gym or studio that your production provides. I can also teach in your home or business if you have enough space.