Theatrical Swordplay

Course Objectives             

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1.    Identify and describe safety procedures and techniques

a.    Basic equipment handling

b.    Safety precautions with regard to fellow cast members

c.     Safety precautions with regard to performance & audience

d.    Proper equipment maintenance & conditioning

e.    Pre-practice stretching & warm-up

2.    Identify, describe and demonstrate basic stage fencing terms & actions

a.    Parts of the sword

b.    Proper grip, including pronation/supination

c.     Basic footwork including advance, retreat & cross-over

d.    Parries in High and Low lines (1 through 6)

e.    Thrusts, lunges, binds, slashes and assorted combinations

3.    Identify, describe and demonstrate theatrical techniques

a.    Techniques for more variety and realism

b.    Stage movement

c.     Combining moves to create sequences (“phrases”)

d.    Simple swordplay choreography

Clothing                               

Like all aerobic activities, theatrical swordplay is most successful--and enjoyable--when risk is minimized. Therefore, certain clothing requirements are in place for the protection of all participants.

SHOES: Sneakers or other types of court shoes are required. Loose-fitting shoes like sandals, flip flops and Crocs pose a safety risk and are therefore not allowed.

CLOTHING: Un-encumbering clothes are required--no sagging pants or pants with huge over-sized legs, and no loose sweaters or baggy sweatshirts, etc. Traditional-fitting jeans or sweatpants or workout tights are recommended, as well as snug-fitting T-shirts. Shorts are allowed, though, participants must bear in mind that bare legs are at risk for scuffs and scrapes.

Gloves are optional. However, having a glove for your fencing hand can help with sustaining a good grip for the duration of the course. Gloves that work well are those used for batting, golfing or driving. Even snug yardwork gloves with rubber grips and Velcro tightening straps can help. Again, a glove is optional as theatrical swordplay is many times performed live without one.

Food                                      

Lunch will be provided.

Those interested in the course must submit a completed liability release form in order to participate.

Working with swords--sharpened or unsharpened--is serious business. Safety is paramount. Reckless behavior will not be accepted. The instructor reserves the right to dismiss any participant who engages in behavior that the instructor deems unsafe. This is non-negotiable and the fee non-refundable.

Participants must be physically and mentally capable of performing the activities. Unfortunately, anyone who is incapable of practicing the safety guidelines or executing the activities as prescribed will not be able to participate.

Certificate of Completion  

A certificate of completion will be emailed to all successful participants.

Enrollment                           

Class size is limited, we recommend enrolling early.

To ensure adequate equipment, please register no later than June 23rd.

Theatrical Swordplay - FAQ

· Do participants keep the swords? No. The swords cost more than the course.

· Can kids attend? If they are16 or older, yes. This is an intensive course designed for adults. Young kids would not be able to keep up. The release must be signed by parent or guardian for those under 18 and the parent/guardian is welcome to be an observer.

· Can I wear yoga clothes? Yes, if the clothes fit snugly. Loose clothing poses a risk.

· Can I wear flip flops or Crocs? No. For safety purposes, only sneakers or some type of court shoes are allowed.

· Do I need safety glasses? No. Because safety glasses cannot be used in staged sword fights this course is designed to teach actors how to perform fights without glasses.

· Do I need to be physically fit? Yes, this is a physically active class and in order to have a successful learning experience you should be able to physically participate.

· Do I need lunch money? No. Lunch and bottled water are provided.

· What if I have special dietary needs? After registering email any dietary preferences to HillsboroInHollywood@gmail.com We will do our best to accommodate, but if you have very specific needs and/or allergies we cannot guarantee cross contamination and you should bring your own lunch.

· Do I get some kind of completion certificate? Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion of professional training that equips you to engage in, and even choreograph, safe and realistic sword fights, and at a ridiculously-low price. When asked if you've had professional swordplay training, you can proudly say, "Yes!"

· Is the course SAFD certified? No. Courses of this kind offered by the Society of American Fight Directors typically cost over $500 and are held at very few locations across the U.S.

· Is the instructor SAFD certified? No. Mike Caron is a professional fencing teacher who transitioned to stage work via techniques used by famous Hollywood fight directors such as William Hobbs and Tim Weske. Mike has taught fencing to hundreds of people and choreographed dozens of successful stage fights.

· Is there parking? Street parking is free for two hours. It is recommended that you park in the pay to park lot on SE 2nd Avenue between Washington and Main Streets. $5/day. We are also on the MAX line, one block from the 3rd Avenue Station.