Stage Combat and Actor Combatant Camp Programs

Young actors rarely have the opportunity to delve into the art of the actor-combatant, but at Centauri, we have a thriving and exciting stage combat department. Actors discover how to create the illusion of combat both on stage and in front of the camera. Safety is a primary concern, and moves are repeated again and again to ensure complete confidence in fight choreography. Our experienced stage combat instructors ensure each participant is well versed in the basics of the art form, before proceeding to more advanced skills. A good level of fitness and coordination is essential to stage combat, even for beginners.
Centauri, campers choose one specialty arts program per session. To see a chart listing all the programs and their sessions click here.

Superheroes Fight.... Superheroes Unite!

Session 1 - A (ages 9-14) Instructor: Ian Walsh

In this hugely exciting introductory combat program, campers will explore the superpowers of some of the most famous superheroes. Then, you’ll move on to create superheroes and supervillains of your own, complete with unique strengths and weaknesses, and pit them against each other in a series of thrilling battles! Learn how to roll, give and receive punches and slaps convincingly, how to fall, and how to fight with some very unusual weapons! Safety is of paramount importance in this - and all - combat programs, and focus is essential as we work on moves again and again, preparing for our show on the final day. Green Lantern has his Magical Power Ring and The Silver Surfer can absorb Cosmic Energy... but who are you? What is your superpower? Discover this and more... then pit your superpowers against the other heroes and villains as you rehearse your monumental battles for the final day!

Revolution! Revolution!

Session 2 - O (ages 14-18) Instructor: Hunter Gates

(this program will combine with the Theatre Group of the same name to create a spectacular extended final show!)

Step into the turbulent world of the French Revolution, as we recreate conflict scenes from one of the most catastrophic periods of modern history! In a safe and supervised environment, learn basic combat skills such as how to give and receive punches, slaps and body parries, then move on to explore quarterstaffe, double sticks, found weapons and environmental fights. Finally, we’ll add sword, and teach you how to handle a rapier on stage. Our goal is to stage thrilling action scenes from the French Revolution, such as the storming of the Bastille and the execution of the rich and powerful... by guillotine! One of the most horrific of history’s lessons promises a stage combat challenge that is exciting and unlike any other! We’re collaborating with a Theatre Program for our final show, so actor-combatants will also have the chance to develop their theatre skills, and create rounded characters for the stage. Explore history in a way NEVER taught in schools, as you put together a thrilling, action-packed final production that will leave your audiences gasping!

This program is appropriate for campers with stage combat experience, as well as beginners who have previous experience of art forms that help develop balance, focus and physical dexterity - such as dance, gymnastics, figure skating or martial arts.

Shakespeare Up in Arms

Session 3 (ages 13-18) Instructor: Ian Walsh (with a guest appearance by Hunter Gates!)

Do battle with the bard as you bring some of his most exciting combat scenes to life! Discover the art of basic combat skills such as prat falls, punches, slaps and body parries, then move on to found weapon, quarterstaffe, rapier and broadsword. In our final show, we will use a combination of all of these things, as we create the visual scenes implied in the vague stage directions of Shakespeare’s plays. What does ‘they fight’ truly mean? Discover how your comedic combat can make an audience explode with laughter in such plays as The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing. Keep them on the edge of their seats as Romeo, as you sink your rapier into Tybalt. Remount battles of the ancient world as you wield your broadsword in Troilus and Cressida. No previous knowledge of Shakespeare is necessary! This program is a wide-ranging journey through armed and non-armed combat, with the Bard as our companion. Join us this summer, discover the skills of the actor-combatant, and create a visually stunning final show, to ‘wow’ your audience on the final day.

A Summary of our 2010 Stage Combat Summer Camps!

Session 1 Stage Combat Camp: Superheroes Fight.... Superheroes Unite! (ages 9-14)

Session 2 Stage Combat Camp: Revolution! Revolution! (ages 9-14)

Session 3 Theatre Camp: Shakespeare Up in Arms (ages 13-18)

Swords!