Everything’s bigger in Texas! Except for semesters. I was recently invited to teach a two week stage combat intensive during the January mini-mester at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi. The class will meet Monday through Friday and will culminate in an SPT adjudicated by Fight Master Mark “Rat” Guinn. The focus of the class will be in unarmed stage combat.
The SPT or Skills Proficiency Test allows students studying stage combat to become recognized as proficient in a particular weapon style. Students must train for 30 hrs. with a Certified Teacher of stage combat from the Society of American Fight Directors. The SAFD teaches classes in eight different weapon styles and offers a theatrical firearms safety certificate. More information can be found at the SAFD website.
This will be my second trip to TAMUCC in as many years. I visited just last year to fight direct a production of Shakespeare’s Henry V, directed by my good friend, Alison Frost. While there, I also taught stage combat as a guest instructor in the movement classes. I can’t wait to return to the beautiful Texas coastline and continue working with a fine group of students. Not to mention I am ecstatic to spend most of January at the beach rather than brave the icy winter in Kentucky.
*Update*
All 18 students participating in the class and the SAFD Skills Proficiency Test passed. Six received a Recommended Pass, the highest distinction available at this level, from the adjudicator.