Training FAQ's

Discounts?
For most courses we will release DISCOUNT CODES for our Newsletter subscribers and for various unions such as the SMA, ABTT and BECTU. Please see our NEWSLETTER and social media for details. Book the class as usual then insert your code at checkout
 
How do online courses work?
A day before the course or on the day for last minute sign ups we will email you. The email will include details of the course with a reminder of what you need and the Zoom invite to the course, just click the link and then follow the instructions. The host of the class will talk you though any other zoom functions needed for the class
 
Do I need to bring anything to a face to face class?
Yourself, water and snacks as classes are not always held within easy reach of food outlets. Please wear fight friendly clothes such as gym clothing and trainers, no jeans or boots. Please remember to remove jewellery and turn off your mobile phone
 
Do I need a partner?
No, most people attend on their own and by the end of their first class they have a new set of fight buddies.
 
Where is my class?
PLEASE CHECK THE WORKSHOP LISTING. As we use different venues.
We often use ALRA (The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts). Royal Victoria Patriotic Buildings, Wandsworth. London. SW18 3SX. 
 
Can I pay on the day?
Nope, sorry, full payment is required in advance once you have filled in a registration form
 
Do I need to book a place?
Yes, by filling in an online registration form via the course page
 
Why is Stage Combat training important for an actor?
in your professional career it is highly likely that you will be required to perform some form of physical action from a slap, trip or fall to a full on sword or gun fight 
Stage Combat is a unique culmination of all the actor’s disciplines: voice, movement and performance
You will gain a physical vocabulary that will aid your rehearsal process and can help protect you from injury
The rehearsal process is rarely long enough to train actors for the physical work demanded by the production
A Fight Director will create the action based on the actors physicality and skill level. Which is why training and experience is so highly valued
If you are committed and train with dedication you never know where it will lead, it may create new and wonderful career opportunities
 
What will I learn?
As well as how to fight with lots of weapons, The BADC syllabus and fight terminology. There are many transferable skills: spacial awareness, balance, sensitivity of touch, truthfully storytelling, connect voice to action, preserving energy, being repeatable and accurate, being in the moment, learn how you learn best, become safety aware, look out for others, improved coordination and confidence
 
Do I have to start young to get good at it?
Absolutely not, many actors come to stage combat initially through drama school and then continue their training after a few years of being out in the world. Many come back years later. We cater for all levels of fitness and ability, we work with what ever you bring us
 
Will this make me fit?
Depends how much you do! It can certainly help to improve your fitness and endurance levels. One of the key skills is footwork, time spent sitting in an engarde certainly uses your leg muscles. You will also develop your core and strengthen muscles essential for fight performance
 
How quickly can I become a BADC Advanced combatant?
Well that’s kinda down to you and how you learn. You will need to complete BADC Standard first then work your way through the weapon syllabuses
 
What can I do with these skills?
Stay safe
Stick it on your C.V.
Apply for experienced fight performer roles
Perform exciting and effective stage fights on stage and screen, be adaptable to direction and the people you have to fight
You could apply to the BADC to become an Apprentice Stage Combat teacher
 
What is the BADC?
The British Academy of Dramatic Combat which is the oldest Stage Combat Academy in the world, established originally as the Society of British Fight Director (SBFD) in 1969, changing its name and directive in 1996. Most Academies were originally based on the original BADC’s system in some way.