Hopefully this should answer some of the more common questions. We have tried to maintain a subtle balance between the serious and the humorous but if anything is unclear, please let us know. If there is anything else that you would like to know that is not included then please email us your question here.

Explain this stage combat stuff?
Who needs to learn stage combat?
Am I more employable with a stage combat certification?
Can women do stage combat?
Aren't swords/sticks/knives dangerous?
I've done 3 years of martial arts, does that mean I can start with an Advanced Program?
So I've completed a few classes and a Basic Workshop, am I a stuntman now?
I've completed my Basic Certificate, that means I can choreograph right?
Do you do kids parties?
Do you do contract killings?
You guys/girls are just sword nerds really aren't you?
I'm doing a no-budget short film/theatre production, what do we do if we can't pay for a fight director?
Can my 8 year old son take your classes?

Explain this stage combat stuff?

Stage combat is the application and practice of safe, effective, violent techniques for the stage and screen. Audience of theatre and film expect a certain standard of realism when they watch a performance. Stage combat is the study of these techniques to make them completely safe and still look great. Performers must be able to repeat their moves night after night in a theatre situation without getting hurt. Sounds easy? Well there's lots to it!
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Who needs to learn stage combat?

Everyone! Well mainly actors, stuntmen, opera singers, clowns, filmmakers etc. Modern drama and comedy usually involves some form of violence whether it be a fall, slap, punch or a Viking battle scene. Just look next time you watch a film and see how many violent acts occur. You will run out of fingers. Stage combat is particularly relevant for theatre where there are no foley effects, stunt doubles or 2nd takes. You will be required to do all your own stuff and make it look good. A basic education in stage combat will prepare you for most violent situations and allow you to work quickly and effectively with a fight director or choreographer.
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Am I more employable with a stage combat certification?

Yes! People within the entertainment industry are changing towards how stage combat qualifications are perceived. Directors are becoming more aware of the potential when hiring actors. Casting directors are yet to generally accept the qualification but we are slowly bringing them round. The more education we can put into the marketplace about stage combat the better. At the end of the day, it is cheaper, safer and logistically easier to hire an actor or stunt person who is fight qualified rather than someone who must be trained from scratch. Stage combat accreditation is also recognised in other countries including USA, Canada, UK, Norway and South Africa.
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Can women do stage combat?

Of course, in fact women, particularly those with dance or movement backgrounds tend to learn stage combat much faster than their male counterparts. We have many accredited female combatants and fight directors. Bring it on sister!
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Aren't swords/sticks/knives dangerous?

Cars, parachutes and adhesive envelopes are all dangerous if used incorrectly or without care. Swords and other sharp implements are exactly the same. Proper technique, awareness and care of your partner makes stage combat very safe. It is the fight directors job to make sure that every technique is safe and to troubleshoot any problems that the performers experience when rehearsing a violent illusion.
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I've done 3 years of martial arts, does that mean I can start with an Advanced Program?

Unfortunately no, this is a very common question. We cannot recognise prior learning in martial arts/boxing/fencing. Stage combat and martial arts are very different things. While the techniques may look similar there are significant differences in performance in regards to safety and illusion. If you are an experienced martial artist you may find yourself unlearning many aspects of your art in order to learn stage combat properly.
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So I've completed a few classes and a Basic Workshop, am I a stuntman now?

No!!! Stage combat is not a stunt qualification, there are a number of other skills that you must master to even be considered a stunt person. Stage combat qualifications can contribute to SAP gradings in the area of movement. For more information on stunt requirements please contact the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
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I've completed my Basic Certificate, that means I can choreograph my friends right?

No!!! The Basic Certificate provides an overview and experience of BASIC stage combat. Fight directors and choreographers spend at least 5-10 years studying various weapon styles, dramatic theory, directing, teaching and acting before being qualified. Shortcuts lead to accidents! Your own choreography should only be done under the guidance of a trained fight director.
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Do you do kids parties?

Yes, we can send our two best entertainers, Lawrence and Kyle.
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Do you do contract killings?

No, but we can stage very realistic murders including fake blood and decapitation.
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You guys/girls are just sword nerds really aren't you?

Yes, next question.
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I'm doing a no-budget short film/theatre production, what do we do if we can't pay for a fight director?

At the end of the day we are happy to advise and help as much as we can with no-budget projects to make sure no one is going to be injured and that the violence will look good. All we ask is that you respect the donation of our time/effort with a proper credit and a copy of the completed film or any stills. Talk to us about the project before rehearsals and we can come to an arrangement.
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Can my 8 year old son take your classes?

Unfortunately no, in order to maintain high standards of teaching and safety our minimum age for casual classes and certificate workshops is 17 years. We do run school workshops and we are happy to cater for younger students in that circumstance but because of the physical and mental discipline required in our open classes we must insist on that age limit. If you are interested in school programs please contact us.
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