Toronto Theatrical Stage Combat and Fight Choreography

Fight Director and Fight Choreographer Daniel Levinson

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What's New - Classes and Events

Theatrical Stage Combat Classes

Unless otherwise noted, all of our classes take place at the Rapier Wit Studio. Rapier Wit is one block south of King Street and just west of Bathurst Street. Wellington is a one-way street going west, and the Rapier Wit studio is the third unit in the second building on the south (left) side. We're easy to spot from the street, being the only people in the neighbourhood with a big ol' rapier painted on our garage door! We are accessible by Bathurst and King streetcars. Parking is available in front of the studio if you're early, or nearby on Wellington Street. Local landmarks: The Wheat Sheaf pub, Waddington's Auction House, Factory Theatre.

Please note that our minimum age for class participation is 18; we will consider admitting younger students only on a case-by-case basis.

 

Classes and Workshops at Rapier Wit

Rapier Wit's

 Fall/Winter 2010/2011

Stage Combat Certification Classes

at the Rapier Wit Studio

Kick-start the fall season with a skill-building, soul-enriching workshop at Rapier Wit, Canada’s oldest continuous stage combat school. Join a Rapier Wit class and start improving your physical acting technique immediately in a safe, supportive and fun environment!

In the new class cycle beginning this September, some of Canada's best stage combat professionals will take students through training designed to help them grow as physical performers. These weekly classes will focus on techniques for successfully creating the illusion of violence in combination with acting fundamentals. Participants will have the opportunity to test for certification with Fight Directors Canada, Canada's only nation-wide and internationally recognized stage combat association. The rigorously-developed FDC syllabus, known worldwide for its depth and quality, includes a wide range of industry-tested techniques taught by certified, experienced instructors.  Space is limited, so register early!

 

General notes:

  • Students are welcome to take any class à la carte. However, in order to be eligible to test for Fight Directors Canada certification participants must take all disciplines within the desired level. To be eligible to test for any level above Basic participants must be certified at the previous level with Fight Directors Canada.
  • All hours below are training hours only and do not include the free extra time given to participants for their certification exams or rehearsal hours.
  • Certification package includes classes, exam training days, all paperwork, and adjudication fees.
  • Learning to partner effectively is a key component of stage combat training. Please note that students are partnered for exams, and partner rehearsal time is necessary in order to prepare adequately for testing. Space is available at the Rapier Wit studio free of charge to students for rehearsal, and schedules can be worked out between partners according to what works best for both parties. Students wishing to pursue certification should bear in mind that in order for everyone to achieve the best possible results, it will be necessary for them to dedicate some time outside of regular classes to partner practice and to make a sincere effort to honour their commitments to their partners.
  • We are committed to helping our students achieve their goals and are always happy to answer questions. Feel free to call or e-mail us with whatever inquiries you have regarding certification, testing, time commitments, class schedules, stage combat disciplines, physical requirements, FDC...anything you want to know!
  • Times, dates and instructors are subject to change where absolutely necessary, but every effort will be made to give reasonable notice.

 

Class dates and times

Basic Level/Foundation Fall/Winter 2010/2011

(Evening or day sessions available)

Wednesday evenings 7 PM to 10 PM beginning September 8, 2010

Unarmed September 8 to October 6, 2010

Single Sword October 13 to November 10, 2010

Quarterstaff November 17 to November 24, 2010 and January 5 to January 19, 2011 (off during December)

Exam prep Wednesdays January 26 to March 9, 2011

Examinations Sunday March 13, 2011

Minimum 6 students, maximum 10

Friday afternoons 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM beginning September 10, 2010

Unarmed September 10 to October 8, 2010

Single Sword October 15 to November 12, 2010

Quarterstaff November 19 to November 26, 2010 and January 7 to January 21, 2011 (off during December)

Exam prep Fridays January 28 to March 11, 2011

Examinations Sunday March 13, 2011

Minimum 6 students, maximum 10

Fees for Basic Certification package (includes exam training days, all paperwork and adjudication fees):

Member rate (for members of Rapier Wit, FDC, CAEA and ACTRA): $1067.85 CDN inc. HST

Regular rate: $1695 CDN inc. HST

Fees are payable in instalments. Final payment must be made by date of exam.

 

Intermediate Level Fall/Winter 2010/2011

(Session choices include evenings + 1-week intensive, days + 1-week intensive or 2-week intensive)

Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6 PM to 10 PM beginning September 7, 2010

Rapier & Dagger and Broadsword Tuesdays September 7 to November 23, 2010

Eastern Unarmed and Small Sword Thursdays September 9 to November 25, 2010

Final Week Intensive Saturday January 8 to Thursday January 13, 2011, 9 AM to 6 PM every day

*Participants must take both evening classes and Final Week Intensive to be eligible to test for FDC certification*

Minimum 6 students, maximum 8

Friday mornings 9 AM to 1 PM

Rapier & Dagger and Broadsword Fridays September 10 to November 12, 2010

Eastern Unarmed and Small Sword November 19 to November 26, 2010 and January 7 to January 21, 2011 (off during December)

Final Week Intensive Tuesday March 15 to Sunday March 20, 2011, 9 AM to 6 PM every day

*Participants must take both Fridays and Final Week Intensive to be eligible to test for FDC certification*

Minimum 6 students, maximum 8

Two-Week Intensive Intermediate Workshop

Sunday November 28 to Sunday December 12, 2010

Over the course of this two-week full-time intensive, students will cover the four Intermediate disciplines needed for FDC certification. We will also be covering quarterstaff for students who have not trained with Fight Directors Canada in Basic but have strong fight backgrounds and wish to upgrade their skills.

Schedule:

Sunday November 28 to Thursday December 2 - full days, 9 AM to 8 PM

Friday December 3 - day off

Saturday December 4 to Wednesday December 8 - full days 9 AM to 8 PM

Thursday December 9 - day off

Friday December 10 and Saturday December 11 - full days 9 AM to 8 PM

Sunday December 12 - exams

Minimum 6 students, maximum 8

*For this workshop, full payment must be received before the first day of class.

Fees for Intermediate Certification package (includes exam training days, all paperwork and adjudication fees):

Member rate (for members of Rapier Wit, FDC, CAEA and ACTRA): $1423 CDN inc. HST

Regular rate: $2260 CDN inc. HST

Fees are payable in instalments for evening and day sessions. Final payment must be made by date of exam. Fees for two-week intensive must be paid in full by the first day of class.

 

Advanced Level Fall/Winter 2010/2011

Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9 AM to 1 PM, Wednesday September 8 to Thursday November 25, 2010

Case/Cape & Rapier, Broadsword & Shield, Small Sword, Eastern Martial Arts and Found Weapon

Final Week Intensive Saturday January 15 to Thursday January 20, 2011, 9 AM to 6 PM every day

*Participants must take both evening classes and Final Week Intensive to be eligible to test for FDC certification*

Minimum 6 students, maximum 8

Fees for Advanced Certification package (includes exam training days, all paperwork and adjudication fees):

Member rate (for members of Rapier Wit, FDC, CAEA and ACTRA): $1779.75 CDN inc. HST

Regular rate: $2825 CDN inc. HST

Fees are payable in instalments for evening and day sessions. Final payment must be made by date of exam.

 

Notes on Payment of Fees

  • All prices include HST and are in Canadian funds.
  • A $100 deposit is required in order to hold a space in a class.
  • We accept cheques, credit cards (through PayPal), and cash. Please note that there will be a 20.00 charge for NSF cheques.
  • Payment may be paid in $100 installments for certification courses; full balance must be paid by exam date.
  • The term 'members' refers here to members of Rapier Wit, Fight Directors Canada (FDC), Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA) and ACTRA. Member rates are only applicable when fees are paid in full before the first class.
  • As part of the certification process students must become members of Fight Directors Canada. Membership with Fight Directors Canada is $40 per year and is paid directly to FDC. Visit www.fdc.ca to become a member and save on Rapier Wit class fees!

 

Have questions? Want to register? Call us at (416) 534-1947, or send an e-mail to danielatrapierwitdotcom.

 

 

Monday Open Technique Nights at the Rapier Wit Studio

Mondays, 7 PM to 10 PM

A long-running Rapier Wit tradition, these ongoing Monday evening drop-in workshops are open to everyone. Each night is a complete class, and you are welcome to come as often as you like. Material covered is varied and tailored to the desires of those in attendance. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of stage combat, keep your skills up, or just unwind after a hard day! Evenings run from 7:00-10:00. Classes run every Monday year-round, subject to instructor availability. If we have to cancel a Monday, we usually post a notice here in advance. However, if you're coming from afar and want to double-check that there will be a class, please feel free to call to confirm that the Monday you're planning to attend is running. As always, questions are welcome! For more information you can call us at 416-534-1947, or send an e-mail to danielATrapierwitDOTcom.

Master Mondays are specialized Monday evenings that feature Rapier Wit or guest instructors giving a three-hour overview of a particular technique or weapon. Descriptions of upcoming Master Mondays will be posted below, along with any training prerequisites that are preferred. As always, feel free to call or e-mail us with questions.

Fee: $10 for FDC and Rapier Wit members per evening, $15 for non-members; Master Mondays are $15 for FDC/RW members, $20 for non-members.

Prerequisites: No stage combat background required, unless otherwise stated for Master Mondays. Please come dressed for movement, with clean athletic footwear.

Instructors: Primary instructors for regular Monday nights are Daniel Levinson, Kevin Robinson and Christopher Mott.

 

Coming Up On Master Monday Open Technique Nights

Dates: TBA

Time: Master Mondays run 7 PM to 10 PM

Location: The Rapier Wit Studio (575 Wellington Street West, Toronto)

Skill level: As specified by class

Fee: $15 for members, $20 for non-members (prices include GST)

 

Have questions? Give us a call at 416-534-1947, or send an e-mail to danielatrapierwitdotcom.

 

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