Dates: June 29th, June 30th
Location: Studio 1, Jerwood Space, 171 Union St, London, SE1 0LN
Time: 10.30-17.30

This two day workshop includes an examination to obtain an industry & Equity recognised certification in Knife Fighting. If characters in a production are driven to violence, then the writer usually has a specific purpose to move the plot forward in this way and the inclusion of weapons means the performers involved need to have the skills needed to be able to convey this convincingly and safely. This workshop and exam will teach participants the basic techniques and safety aspects needed for what is fast becoming the director's 'weapon of choice'. Day one: you will learn the techniques and styles required to convincingly fight with a knife for theatrical purposes, before moving on to learn a 20 paired move choreographed fight with optional dialogue. Day Two: working on your choreographed fight to produce a fight scene for presentation, to demonstrate all aspects learnt. In the afternoon an APC examiner will attend and assess the work of the students through a Basic Level Examination, which is an industry and Equity recognised certificate in Stage Combat. This APC certificate is equal in standing to the BADC and BASSC basic level exam. The techniques the students will learn have been tried and tested in performing fights for theatre and film and will stand them in good stead for use should they be called to perform such in their careers. The APC is fully ratified by Equity, its certificates regarded in equal in standing to the BADC and BASSC exams. The APC offer its exams modularly so it's easier for participants to digest, and to attend, and they get a grade in each weapon instead of one averaged over the number taken in the test. The APC offer a wide range of stage combat training, across all skill levels and a great number of weapon systems. All the APC's examiners are Equity Registered Fight Directors of high renown (including the current chairman of the Equity Register of Fight Directors). APC's patrons are Sir Tom Courtenay, Kay Mellor OBE, Braham Murray and Henry Winkler OBE. Kaitlin Howard is a fully qualified and insured Stage Combat Instructor, trained by the BADC and now affiliated to the APC. Her professional work as an Actress, Stage Combat Instructor, Fight Captain and Fight Co-ordinator has led her to be considered by many as one of the best at her level. As well as being trained in Stage Combat to the highest levels, her knowledge and training in several Martial Arts and Fencing allows Kaitlin to tailor her teaching style to each student to get the best from their abilities. She not only teaches and directs, but also performs professionally and so is able to use both perspectives to help her students progress. NB: Students attending this course do so at their own risk after consideration of their own physical fitness and physical ability. The course is intense and moves safely but swiftly. Please consider this when applying. Loose clothing and suitable footwear should be worn. For this course in particular: no jeans please as they inhibit much needed leg movement.