TRAINING

Rapiersharp specialises in providing training for actors at university, college and drama school which leads to qualifications awarded by the British Academy of Dramatic Combat. 

The courses range from Foundation, for the complete novice, through Basic and Intermediate to Advanced for the professional performer. At advanced level there is also the opportunity to study a Single Weapon Specialisation - the options to study in this category are extensive, with new weapon systems being added each year.

Each of these courses leads to a formal assessment which is graded according to a system based on rigorous criteria which reflect industry standards.  The grades give each candidate a clear indication of their achievement within the level being studied. The available grades vary slightly at each examination level but follow the general outline of Pass, Bronze, Silver and Gold with additional classifications to reflect exemplary achievement and understanding of the work undertaken.

The courses cover the techniques of stage combat and the safe use of weapons in performance such as rapier and dagger or cloak, 17th Century smallsword, quarterstaff, two-handed broadsword and unarmed combat. 

It is possible to offer Foundation and Basic training at further education level where these qualifications attract generous funding from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and provide an exciting addition to BTEC, AVCE and A level programmes. It is possible to offer up to Advanced training at higher education level as part of HND, Degree and Post-Graduate programmes.

This will be of interest particularly to university, college and sixth-form drama and theatre departments who wish to enhance their provision of industry standard skills training – please contact Rapiersharp for more information about the options available.

Rapiersharp has provided training at drama schools, universities and colleges throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. These include:

In addition, Rapiersharp offers a wide range of dramatic combat training in a variety of weapon systems including:  Rapier & Cloak, Rapier & Buckler, Case of Rapiers, Two-handed Broadsword, Roman Short Sword, Wrestling (Graeco-Roman/Modern), Halberd & other polearms, Military Sabre, Medieval Sword, Modern Knife, Samurai weapons, Falchion, Zulu fighting Stick & Shield,  Indian Stick, Domestic Violence, Found Weapons, Fusion Martial Arts (Matrix), Slapstick Violence.

Rapiersharp provides tailor-made training programmes for individuals, groups, theatre companies, organisations and corporate clients in any aspect of dramatic combat. We also offer single weapon specialization courses to actors preparing for dramatic roles or auditions involving fight work.

Please contact Rapiersharp for more details.