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Stage Combat Classes

This page gives you an overview of the different types of classes that Rapier Wit offers. Please note that classes do not all run concurrently.
Please click here to see current classes.
Please click here to see current workshops.

Come join a Rapier Wit class and learn more than just the basic movements of stage combat. While you discover the physical techniques needed to create the illusion of violence,  we help you use stage combat to develop your skills in communication, intention, clarity of movement, and strength of character. We are here to help you tell the story, and of course create fights that are exciting, believable, and safe.

Rapier Wit has classes and workshops for anyone interested in the craft of stage combat - actors who are just starting out or who wish to further develop their skills and learn advanced techniques, directors who wish to build up their stage combat vocabulary, and stage managers who wish to know more about fight safety and choreography.

Students are welcome at any workshop.  Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced labels are used according to the standards of Fight Directors Canada.

Rapier Wit's goal is to promote action motivated theatre and the art of stage combat. Ongoing projects include various theatrical productions and performances by The Rude Mechanicals, our comedic fight troupe.

Fight Direction and Private Techniques Classes:

An opportunity for you to keep your skills polished, work on new fights, or get help with a specific problem.   Daniel is pleased to direct fights for stage or screen.

-$110 per hour. Three hour minimum. Classes on demand*

Rapier Wit’s syllabus follows that of Fight Directors Canada. All classes, unless otherwise stated, are:

• 15 hours over 5 weeks
• discounted for members of Rapier Wit, FDC, Equity or ACTRA if fees are paid in full before the first class; please call for current pricing

  Basic Unarmed:

  A well-rounded course in hand-to-hand combat. It includes throws, rolls, kicks, punches, and knife work. Syllabus is Basic Actor-Combatant material.

  Intermediate Unarmed or Eastern Martial Arts:

  More unarmed choices for the intermediate student. Eastern unarmed martial arts techniques. Syllabus is Intermediate Actor-Combatant material.

  Introduction To Sword:

  Develops a strong base in single sword. Parries, attacks, footwork. Syllabus is Basic Actor-Combatant material.

Quarterstaff Classes:

Develops a strong base in staff work. Parries, attacks, footwork. Syllabus is Basic Actor -Combatant material.

Broadsword, Rapier & Dagger, and/or Small Sword:

This is a detailed exploration of one or more of the above weapons. Syllabus is either Intermediate or Advanced Actor-Combatant material.

Advanced Martial Arts:

This is a continuation of the unarmed martial arts class.  Weapons may include Philipino stick, Tonfa, Bokken, and Numchuk.  Syllabus is Advanced Actor-Combatant material.

Survivor/ Safety Workshop:

This is a short intensive workshop which covers unarmed techniques, introduction to sword, and firearms safety. This is a great course for actors just starting out, directors who wish to build up their stage combat vocabulary, and stage managers who'd like to know more about fight safety and choreography.

 A one-day 4 1/2 hour workshop; fee includes membership to Fight Directors Canada*. (Please call for pricing.)

Rapier Wit’s Open Technique Nights:

These ongoing Monday evening workshops are open to all. Each night is a complete class. You are welcome to come as often as you like. Material covered is varied and tailored to the desires of those in attendance. Evenings run from 7:00-10:00. Please call for start and stop dates.

-$10 for FDC members, $15 for non-members per evening*

Fight Directors Canada Certification Classes:

All of the above courses can be taken towards certification with FDC; however, please note that Fight Directors Canada does not offer single weapon certification. Candidates must pass examinations on all weapons or disciplines in a level at the same time in order to certify at that level. Rapier Wit follows FDC’s guidelines concerning prospective candidates. We offer special rates for students wishing to take all classes in a level.  Please call for more information.

*Discount available on regular classes for members of FDC, sister fight societies, Equity, and Actra when fee is paid in full one week before class begins.  Offer not good for open technique nights, open martial arts nights or special offers.

*Prices and hours subject to change

*Does not include GST

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