Stage Combat Camp Programs

Stage Combat and Actor Combatant 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.

At Centauri, campers choose one specialty arts program per session. To see a chart listing all the programs and their sessions click here.

July 2012 Stage Combat Camps...

"Upon my Honour!" Famous Duels in History

Session 1, ages 14-18.

Did you know that a Japanese Samurai responded to a duel with a rowboat paddle.. and won? That the Elizabethan playwright Ben Jonson killed a fellow actor in a duel? Or, that one famous French writer fought a duel while holding an umbrella, saying he would rather die than get wet? As an actor-combatant, you’ll begin by polishing techniques of unarmed combat, working to perfect an on-stage fighting technique and dramatic flair that is not only safe, but looks spectacular. Next, we’ll place a rapier in your hand! You’ll spend several days working on sword technique, before you apply what you have learned by recreating some of history’s most famous sword duels. We’ll rehearse our dramatic and comedic duels again and again, shaping our work into an exciting environmental performance that is guaranteed to amaze our audience on the final day. Some previous experience in stage combat or martial arts is essential for campers taking this program.

Robin Hood: An Actor's Guide to Unarmed Combat
and Quarterstaff

Session 2, ages 12-18. Instructor: Ian Walsh

"In 1266 arose the famous murderer, Robert Hood, together with his accomplices, about whom minstrels sing.” So wrote Walter Bower in 1769. But who was Robin Hood, really? And who were his fellow outlaws? In this exciting actor-combatant program, we'll explore both the folklore and the history of a hero who has inspired countless movies, epic poems and stage shows. We’ll learn the basics of stage combat as we devise our production, moving from unarmed combat to explore the techniques of quarterstaff, dagger, found weapons and more. Be prepared to rehearse again and again with your partner, creating sequences that are spectacular and safe. Campers will have the opportunity to show off both their stage combat and their acting skills as we put together an action packed production that will explore the legend of Robin Hood. Journey with us into a magical world whose truths lies buried in the mists of time.
This program is open to beginner and experienced actor-combatants.

August 2012 Stage Combat Camps...

Stage Combat (Broadsword)
William Wallace: The Myth, the Man and the Sword!

Session 3, ages 14-18, Instructor: Hunter Gates

William Wallace is a figure of myth as much as history. His epic struggles against the English - and his tragic end - have given rise to multiple movies and novels... and now, to a Stage Combat performance at Centauri! Our adventure will begin as we revisit the basics of combat for the purpose of safety, then we’ll move on to quarterstaff, before tackling the mighty broadsword. We’ll rehearse our fight sequences again and again, preparing to dazzle our audience with a retelling of life in Medieval Scotland, along with the glorious victories and monumental defeats of one of the country’s greatest heroes. Join us this summer for a never-to-be-forgotten adventure as we plunge into the world of the characters who surrounded William Wallace, emerging two weeks later with a daring final show!

Participants must have taken at least an introductory stage combat program

- at Centauri or elsewhere - or martial arts training, in order to choose this program.

Also check out Theatre and Acting Programs here.

Stage Combat 2012
Session 1 July 1 to 14	Famous Duels in History (ages 14-18)
Session 2 July 15 to 28	Robin Hood: Unarmed Combat and Quarterstaff(12-18)
Session 3 July 29 to Aug 11	William Wallace: The Myth, the Man and the Sword! (ages 14-18)
Session 4 Aug 12 to 19

"My son had nothing but praise for Centauri and the people he met there. He especially liked the opportunity to be productive in a non-judgmental atmosphere. He wishes school operated more like Centauri... when we witnessed what his troupe was able to stage after two weeks of development, we were astounded! They fully deserved the standing ovation they received."