Stage Combat Training Guide
A comprehensive resource card on stage combat training programs, safety standards, and certification paths
Overview
The Stage Combat Training Guide provides an overview of stage combat training programs, safety protocols, and certification pathways available to actors in the United States. It covers unarmed combat, single sword, rapier and dagger, broadsword, quarterstaff, and knife techniques.
The guide lists reputable training programs in major cities, noting which are recognized by the Society of American Fight Directors and other industry organizations. It explains the skill proficiency testing system and what each level of certification demonstrates to employers.
How It Works
Safety is emphasized throughout, with detailed sections on warm-up protocols, partner communication, and what to do when a fight sequence goes wrong in rehearsal or performance. These safety practices apply equally to stage and screen combat.
The guide is free and written by certified fight directors and choreographers. It is regularly updated to reflect changes in certification requirements and new training programs.
Who Uses It
Stage combat skills make you more castable in action-oriented projects and demonstrate a commitment to professional physical performance. Even basic proficiency shows directors that you can handle physical storytelling safely and convincingly. Adding stage combat certifications to your resume signals to casting directors and fight choreographers that you have been trained in safe, repeatable physical storytelling techniques that meet industry standards. The discipline, trust, and partner awareness developed through combat training also translate into stronger scene work in general, as fight choreography demands the same precision, timing, and responsiveness as the best acting.
Pricing & Plans
The Stage Combat Training Guide itself is completely free to download and reference, with no registration or paywall. Training program costs vary significantly depending on format and location, with introductory weekend workshops typically running $150-300, multi-week courses at acting studios costing $300-600, and intensive summer programs running $1,500-4,000 for one to three weeks of immersive training. SAFD Skills Proficiency Test fees are typically $50-100 per weapon discipline, in addition to the cost of the preparatory training leading up to the test. Private coaching with a certified fight director costs $75-150 per hour and is useful for preparing for specific auditions or roles that require combat skills. Compared to other specialized acting skills like stunt training or aerial arts, stage combat training is moderately priced and more widely available in major markets. Some acting studios include basic stage combat as part of their regular class offerings at no additional charge, so check whether your current training program already provides access before paying for separate instruction.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
The guide is written by certified fight directors and choreographers with real production experience, ensuring that the advice reflects current industry practices rather than theoretical knowledge. Safety protocols are emphasized throughout, which is critically important because amateur or poorly taught combat techniques can cause serious injuries to both you and your scene partners. The certification pathway information is clearly laid out, helping you understand exactly what steps to take and what each level of proficiency demonstrates to potential employers. Training program listings include geographic coverage of major acting markets, making it straightforward to find reputable instruction wherever you are based. The guide covers both stage and screen combat, acknowledging the different technical requirements of each medium and helping you decide where to focus your training. Regular updates ensure that changes to certification requirements and new training programs are reflected in the guide, keeping the information current and reliable.
What Could Be Better
The guide provides an overview and directory rather than actual instruction, so you cannot learn stage combat techniques from the guide alone and must invest in hands-on training with qualified instructors. Coverage outside of major cities like LA, NYC, and Chicago is limited, and actors in smaller markets may find few or no listed training options in their area. The guide does not include video demonstrations of techniques, which would significantly improve its usefulness as a reference tool for reviewing movements between training sessions. Some of the listed training programs vary considerably in quality, and the guide does not include student reviews or ratings that would help you distinguish between excellent and mediocre instruction. The guide focuses primarily on SAFD-recognized training and certification, giving less attention to other legitimate organizations and approaches to stage combat training such as the British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat or independent fight choreographers. While the guide mentions screen combat, it gives significantly more attention to theatrical stage combat, and actors focused primarily on film and television work may find the screen-specific advice insufficient.
Our Recommendation
This guide is essential reading for any actor considering adding stage combat to their skill set, as it provides the roadmap you need to make informed decisions about where and how to train. Actors who regularly audition for action, thriller, period, or adventure projects should prioritize combat training, as even basic skills dramatically expand your casting range and demonstrate physicality to directors. If you are already enrolled in a reputable acting program, check whether stage combat is offered as an elective before seeking outside training, as many MFA and conservatory programs include it in their curriculum. Actors who are not naturally athletic should not be discouraged from pursuing combat training, as the discipline is built around technique, control, and safety rather than raw physical ability. If you are interested in stunt work as a supplementary income stream, stage combat certification is a valuable first step, though you will need additional training in falls, high work, and wire techniques to pursue stunt coordination. For actors on a tight budget, start with a single introductory workshop to determine whether the discipline appeals to you before committing to a full certification track.
Pro Tips
Start with unarmed combat training before moving to weapon disciplines, as it establishes the fundamental principles of distance, timing, targeting, and partner safety that underpin all stage combat work. When choosing a training program, verify that the instructor holds current certification from the SAFD or an equivalent recognized organization, and ask how recently they have worked on professional productions. Practice your techniques slowly and precisely rather than at performance speed, because sloppy fast practice builds dangerous habits while slow precise practice builds reliable muscle memory. Always warm up thoroughly before combat rehearsal or class, focusing on dynamic stretching for your shoulders, wrists, hips, and ankles, as these are the joints most commonly injured in stage combat training. If you are preparing for a specific role that involves fight choreography, contact the production's fight director in advance and ask what weapon disciplines or combat styles they plan to use so you can prepare accordingly. Document your certifications carefully, including the date, weapon discipline, adjudicator name, and your partner's name, and keep this information updated on your resume and casting profiles so that fight choreographers can verify your training level.