The Pen & Sword’s Firen Williams will be at the 2024 National Stage Combat Workshop! More information and links to registration can be found here!

Here is a brief overview of what workshops are available this summer.

Introduction to Stage Combat Workshop (ISCW) - Students learn to perform fundamental techniques in the eight basic "fight" disciplines recognized by the SAFD. Each class emphasizes the development of the student’s personal command and understanding of their body in relation to theatrical physical conflict while encouraging each student’s personal development and artistic exploration. (Note: the ISCW is a 2-week workshop)

Actor Combatant Workshop (ACW) - This track focuses on training students in the compulsory techniques required for the SAFD Skills Proficiency Test (SPT) in Unarmed, Rapier and Dagger, and Two-handed Sword. Working in a studio format, students will explore character objectives and beat work within the fight, and are coached/rehearsed through their fight scenes. The track concludes in a presentation of the fight scenes for adjudication by SAFD Fight Masters.

Advanced Actor Combatant Workshop (AACW) - Open to Actor Combatants who already hold SPT certifications in Unarmed and at least two other disciplines, this track focuses on training students in the compulsory techniques required for the Skills Proficiency Test (SPT) in three additional disciplines (for 2024, those additional weapons styles will be Sword and Shield, Smallsword, and Knife). This track offers actors the opportunity to take masterclasses in multiple styles and to renew their statuses in Unarmed, Rapier and Dagger, and Two-handed Sword. This summer, the AACW will also have the opportunity to take masterclasses in Trauma-Informed and Consent-Based Theatre Making.