Stage Combat Bootcamp – Unarmed (Age 12-18)

Activity Description

Easter 2027

Step into the world of stage and screen combat and learn how to create exciting, believable fight scenes safely and effectively.

Over four days, students will be introduced to the foundations of unarmed stage combat, learning how performers use technique, timing, reactions and choreography to create the illusion of a real fight without putting themselves or their partners at risk.

Working with expert fight practitioners, students will develop their own unarmed fight choreography and explore how combat can be used to tell a story. Alongside physical techniques, students will develop their understanding of character, intention, performance, partner work and the technical principles behind stage combat.

The course will culminate in a performance of their fight choreography, with the opportunity to take part in an exciting group combat sequence.

Additionally, this course also offers you a unique chance to gain an industry-recognised qualification by taking an optional exam at the end, certified by MC Combat Limited.

Who should attend?
Years 8, 9 & 10
Tuesday 30th March – Friday 2nd April 2027

For young people in Years 8, 9 and 10 who are interested in acting, theatre, film, physical performance or learning how stage and screen fights are created.

Years 11, 12 & 13
Tuesday 30th March – Friday 2nd April 2027

For young people in Years 11, 12 and 13 who are interested in acting, theatre, film, physical performance or developing their stage combat skills.

What will I learn
Unarmed Combat Techniques
Students will learn the foundations of unarmed stage combat, including safe techniques, footwork, targeting, distance and communication with a partner.

Fight Choreography
Students will work with a partner to create and rehearse an original unarmed fight sequence, developing precision, timing, rhythm and consistency.

Performance and Character
Students will explore how fight choreography can become part of a dramatic scene, developing character, intention, reactions and storytelling alongside the physical techniques.

Stage Combat Theory
Students will be introduced to the theory behind stage combat, including terminology, practitioners and the principles that allow performers to create convincing combat safely.

Rehearsal and Feedback
Students will develop their ability to rehearse, self-evaluate and respond to feedback, refining their choreography and performance throughout the course.

Performance
Students will bring together their technical and performance skills in a final presentation of their fight choreography, with the opportunity to perform as part of an ensemble combat sequence.

Why attend this course?
➔ Learn how professional actors create convincing fight scenes for stage and screen.

➔ Develop the foundations of safe and effective unarmed stage combat.

➔ Learn how to choreograph and perform a fight with a partner.

➔ Develop physical coordination, timing, focus and communication.

➔ Explore character, intention and storytelling through physical performance.

➔ Build confidence performing challenging physical material.

➔ Receive expert coaching and feedback from experienced fight practitioners.

➔ Have the opportunity to work towards an external stage combat qualification.

➔ Finish the course by performing your work as part of an exciting combat showcase.

This course is run by Maisie Carter of MC_Combat, along with lead junior instructor, Emily Evans. They are both very passionate about creating an environment where young students can learn to love their individuality and uniqueness through their training.

MC_Combat’s mission is to give power and voice to our students by creating an inclusive space to grow and be bold. Their instructors are highly trained experts in the field, who approach their work with professionalism, respect and a huge dose of fun. They stand for making a difference by making diversity, equality and friendship the pillars of their ethos.

Recent fight directing credits include Comedy of Errors at The Globe, Gone Too Far at the National Youth Theatre, The Commitments UK Tour, The Clinic at Almeida Theatre, Malindadzimu at Hampstead Theatre and Fair Play at Bush Theatre.