Fight certification

[missliz]

(I wasn't totally sure if this was the right board, so I apologize if this should go somewhere else.)

Are any of you fight certified? If so, where'd you go? Recommendations?

I've done so many shows with elaborate fight sequences lately, so it seems like a good idea (and a great extra skill to have).

[MatthewShiner]

Yes, I think a stage manager should feel comfortable around fight work, but to be honest the time, the work and the cost to be certified may be a bit of over kill.  It’s like . . . as a stage manager, we should know basic sewing skills, but I don’t need to be a draper.

BUT, if you have an interest, and you feel like you need more education in the area, go for it.  (Chicks with swords . . . very sexy . . . and that’s coming from a middle age gay man . . . )

[Maribeth]

I'm not certified- I took a stage combat class in college, but in no way would consider myself skilled. A number of people I know were certified through the Society of American Fight Directors- http://www.safd.org. They offer training in various disciplines of hand to hand and armed combat.

As a stage manager, it's not a skill that I plan on using myself. It's nice to have a working knowledge of safe combat practices, but I don't want to be responsible for choreographing any fights.

[loebtmc]

I am grateful for my dance and (albeit limited) fight background, because I end up being the person who watches nightly and sometimes has to correct things in the preshow fight call - not that I shd be the fight captain, but good that I know enough to see there is a problem and have some idea how to fix it - OR if we have to reblock for special circumstances I can help adjust safely.

[BayAreaSM]

I have not been certified, but I did make a point to take a stage combat class after a very broadsword-fight heavy production of Henry IV, and since I joined the ballet, I've taken adult beginner ballet. I find that with the shows that I do, it's very helpful in understanding what your fight director or choreographer is setting.

It has helped make my blocking notes for fights clearer, and when I'm at the ballet and I'm writing my entire calling script based off of choreography, it shortens my notes (using the exact term vs. describing what I see in plain English). And, should the "hit by the bus" moment happen, my ASM who is a Dance Major would be able to pick up my ballet script and call the show rather easily.

A little extra education never hurt.

[maximillionx]

I am also not certified, but I have taken 3 years of fight classes in college. I feel very confident with hand to hand, quarter staff and any rapier/dagger work.  I find it helps to know what's going on as a stage manager and to be comfortable with any combat situation. But certification seems to be excessive unless you're going to be acting-combating or choreographing yourself.

I'd still say go ahead and do it since it's so much freakin' fun. I know I'd like to someday.

[chrrl]

I'm not certified, but I pay attention and I have been the fight captain on several shows.  I wouldn't mind getting certified but I'm not sure it's worth the cost.

[missliz]

Thanks for the thoughts, guys. I've done quite a few shows with fights, and always sat in with the fight choreographer and been fight captain. Think I'm going to look into taking some classes as opposed to getting certified in it. (Also, I sorta like to fight.