This class applies the definition of acting as “behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances” to the stage combat world. You must have the skills to tell the physical story with as much accuracy and commitment as you bring to the spoken word. You must be able to meld truthful emotional life with a performance that remains collaborative, repeatable and safe. You will learn advanced hand to hand and grappling techniques, and should time allow, knife and sword work for the stage. With the instructor’s’ guidance you will learn the process of crafting your own staged fights.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all.

This class offers actors the opportunity to use the full range of their craft while exploring how scenes of conflict are shaped through both dialogue and physical action. We will break down and rehearse scenes that require physical engagement with a partner, including fight choreography, staged intimacy, or moments of heightened physical tension, always in service of character, objective, and story. You will receive professional guidance and coaching in how to build complex physical and emotional scenes in a way that is clear, responsible, and repeatable. Emphasis is placed on communication, consent, and sustainable practices that protect both the actor and their partner physically and emotionally, while meeting the demands of professional rehearsal and performance. The goal of the class is for you to leave with a fluid, practical understanding of how to navigate challenging material involving physical conflict or intimacy. You will develop the ability to make specific, empowered choices and to clearly articulate and maintain agency and boundaries throughout the rehearsal and performance process. You will be offered a range of scenes to choose from, including Shakespeare, as well as classical and contemporary material from Broadway, film, and television. You are also encouraged to bring in scenes you would like to explore, including original work.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all.

Weapons training for actors. Learn how to sword fight for stage and screen. Practice safety protocols for working with prop guns on set. Expand your special skills as an actor training with the Sordelet, Inc. team, who bring decades of experience and expertise in the field of safely creating extraordinary fight scenes with weapons.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Registration Prerequisite: Some stage combat experience recommended but not required.