BASSC Knife 27th - 31st July

Knife
is one of the most common weapons used in film and theatre to portray violent
conflict.

Relatively
available to characters from all social classes and time periods from stone age
to space age.

Who Is This Course For?

Absolutely everyone. No experience needed.
This course is ideal for:
• Anyone brand new to stage combat and eager to jump in
• Actors refreshing skills learned at drama school
• Performers looking to add Knife Stage Combat to their professional toolkit
• SPACT and stunt performers wanting rock-solid foundations in theatrical knife technique
• Anyone keen to learn a thrilling new skill, boost coordination, make new friends, and have a ridiculous amount of fun

If that sounds like you—this course is for you.

What Will I Achieve?

By the end of the course, you’ll be confidently applying the core principles of safe, dynamic knife combat for stage and screen. You’ll develop a strong foundation and learn how to:
• Perform and understand choreography, spotting rhythm, landing beats, and reading fights like a pro
• Recognise good and poor practice in actors and crew that can affect your safety and performance
• Perform a full choreographed Knife fight
• Integrate text, character, and storytelling into your combat scenes
• Work effectively with partners and adapt quickly
• Improve timing, coordination, physical awareness, and control
• Boost your confidence
• Increase your employability and earning potential

You’ll walk away with real, performable skills, not just theory—delivered by working industry professionals.

Anything To Do Outside Class?

Only learning your scene lines.
We’ll also set aside time in class to direct scenes and get them performance-ready.

Do I Need to Bring Anything?

• Comfortable movement clothes
• A spare top (you will get sweaty, but it’s manageable for every fitness level)
• A reusable water bottle
• Something to take notes with

Is There an Assessment?

Yes—an exciting one!
On the final day, you’ll perform one staged Knife fight in a full exam-showcase assessed by an external BASSC examiner.
The exam is open to the public, so with the teacher’s approval you can invite friends, family, agents, or anyone you’d like to impress. You can also watch future exams, as we have a lovely supportive community.

Industry Relevance

BASSC qualifications are recognised by Equity and taught at leading UK drama schools, including:
• RADA
• Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
• Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
• Drama Studio London
…as well as many other institutions in the UK and internationally.

Knife stage combat is a key part of many modern fight sequences across theatre, film, TV, and motion capture, giving performers an agile, high-intensity skill set that complements other weapon systems.

What Can I Do Next?

You’ve laid the groundwork—now keep levelling up with further BASSC training, whether as individual courses or working towards Intermediate or Advanced Actor Combatant status.

Knife Progression

• BASSC Film Fighting Foundation
• Independent Drama’s Foundation in Stunts

Further Weapon Progression

• Rapier & Dagger
• Swashbuckling
• Sword & Shield
• Broadsword
• Smallsword
• Quarterstaff
• Rapier & Cloak

Supportive Skills

• Combat Lab
• Falling
• Reactions
…and more!