Introduction to Stage Combat - 21st March

For total beginners and seasoned pros alike, dive into the essentials of unarmed and rapier & dagger in this action-packed one-day workshop! Discover the secrets behind believable stage fights, guided by working fight professionals who bring the drama to life.

Who Is This Course For?

Absolutely everyone. No experience needed.
This one-day introduction is ideal for:
• Anyone curious about stage combat and wanting a fun, engaging first step
• Actors brushing up on basic skills
• Performers looking to try Unarmed or Rapier & Dagger work before committing to longer training
• SPACT and stunt beginners seeking a safe introduction to theatrical technique
• Anyone who wants to learn a thrilling new skill, boost coordination, and meet like-minded people

If that sounds like you—jump in.

What Will I Achieve?

In just one day, you’ll get hands-on experience with the fundamentals of safe, dynamic stage combat. You’ll learn how to:
• Perform basic unarmed and simple weapon-based techniques with control and clarity
• Recognise safe vs unsafe practice on stage and set
• Improve timing, coordination, physical awareness, and confidence

You’ll leave with practical skills you can use in rehearsals, workshops, auditions, and further training.

Anything To Do Outside Class?

No homework required.
Just turn up ready to move, learn, and have fun.

Do I Need to Bring Anything?

• Comfortable movement clothes
• A reusable water bottle
• Something to take notes with
• Gloves for sword work (full-finger leather or gardening gloves—nothing too bulky)
If you don’t have gloves, we’ll have spares available.

Is There an Assessment?

No formal exam—just a supportive, hands-on learning environment.
Throughout the day you’ll receive continual feedback and personalised observations from your instructors to help you refine technique, build confidence, and get the most out of the workshop. There will be options for informal sharing of what you’ve learned for anyone who’d like to take part.

Industry Relevance

Stage combat skills are widely used across theatre, film, TV, and motion capture.
This intro day gives you a solid starting point, whether you're exploring the craft for the first time or deciding whether to pursue accredited training later on.

What Can I Do Next?

This course sets you up perfectly for longer, accredited programmes or specialised workshops. Once you’ve had a taste, you can progress into:
• Unarmed or Rapier & Dagger foundation courses. These can be done individually or over two weeks on our Stage Combat Standard.
• Film fighting
• Knife, Broadsword, Sword & Shield, Quarterstaff, and other weapon systems
• Falling, reactions, and other movement-based skills

Your journey can go as far as you want—this is your first step.