BASSC Standard (Unarmed and Rapier & Dagger) 30th Mar - 3rd April & 6th - 10th April

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 Unarmed or Rapier & Dagger to their professional toolkit
• SPACT and stunt performers wanting rock-solid foundations in theatrical 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 stage combat for both unarmed and weapon-based work. 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 two full choreographed fights (Unarmed and Rapier & Dagger)
• 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
• Gloves for sword work (full-finger leather or gardening gloves, nothing slippery or bulky)

If you don’t have gloves, we have spares.

Is There an Assessment?

Yes—an exciting one!
On the final day, you’ll perform two staged fights 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.

Unarmed and Rapier & Dagger form the core stage combat training in most drama schools worldwide, giving actors a versatile, industry-ready toolkit. These skills translate directly to theatre, film, TV, motion capture, and provide a strong base for progressing into 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.

Unarmed Progression

• BASSC Film Fighting Foundation
• Independent Drama’s Stunt Foundations

Weapon Progression

• Knife
• Swashbuckling
• Sword & Shield
• Broadsword
• Smallsword
• Quarterstaff
• Rapier & Cloak
• ID's Stunt Foundations

Supportive Skills

• Combat Lab
• Falling
• Reactions
  …and more!