Actor Training: Stage Combat Courses

Art in Arms is offering two different foundational stage combat courses this fall: Unarmed, and Singlesword.

Unarmed: Unarmed stage combat forms the root of stage combat training and serves as a vital skillset for a performer's toolbox.  This course is designed to train performers is in all the components of what it takes to present violence onstage using just the weapons of the body.  Ranging from all the elements necessary to convincingly stage a simple slap or a fall, to developing the attributes to pull off a high-octane fight scene, students who complete this course will be equipped to tackle the spread of challenges that an actor might face in their career.  The course will consist of drills and exercises that mix practical application and understanding of combative techniques with the truths of what it takes to safely perform them as part of a compelling story.

Singlesword: This course focuses on the cinematic swashbuckling style of swordplay reminiscent of Three Musketeers, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Princess Bride.  Rooted in historical swordplay, the skills learned in this class serve as a foundation for all types of swordplay performance.  Emphasis is placed on combining technical precision with character-driven expression, preparing students for everything from Hamlet to the Court Jester.

Stage actors don't get the luxury of having a stunt double, and film actors are increasingly lauded for their time spent training in preparation for high-action roles.  These courses are designed to give performers the tools they need to be able to physically perform dramatically effective choreography in a confident, repeatable way.  Whether you're prepping for a combat-intensive show, want to nail that next fight audition, or just want to keep honing your physical acting and partnering skills, these classes can help you.

When: September 22 - December 17 (multiple sections offered for flexible scheduling)
Sundays 12:00pm-3:00pm: Singlesword
Sundays 6:00pm-9:00pm: Unarmed
Mondays 6:30pm-9:30pm: Singlesword
Tuesdays 6:30pm-9:30pm: Unarmed

Where: Art In Arms Studio - 549 Minnehaha Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN 55130

Cost: $450 for one full course (nearly 40 hours of instruction)
$800 for dual-course enrollment
$50 deposit per course required at registration, flexible payment plans available for tuition balance.

Taught by SAFD Certified Teachers, both courses provide the option to certify as performers with the Society of American Fight Directors.  This is a unique opportunity to have your skills vetted by a nationally renowned choreographer with decades of experience in the field.

For more information, or to get registered, please visit https://www.artinarms.org/course-info