2025 Classes
Foundations
We offer Unarmed Foundations and Sword Foundations tracks on each day of the 2025 workshop. These tracks are not progressive classes; the same curriculum will be taught in both tracks, respectively. So whichever day(s) you choose to enroll in a Foundations track, you can rest assured you will learn the same material. There may be slight stylistic variation since the material will be taught by different teachers each day.
If you are interested in taking the same Foundations track both days of the workshop, please contact us.
Foundations tracks will span Blocks 1-4 of your schedule. You will then have your choice of available Block 5 classes to complete the day's training. Block 5 class descriptions can be found in the other sections of this drop-down menu.
SATURDAY
Unarmed Foundations | Kevin Inouye / Pierce Williams & Firen Williams (Beginner - Unarmed)
The vast majority of stage combat in contemporary American theatre is Unarmed combat. This six hour course will cover foundational unarmed techniques for safety and storytelling. Students will learn how to fall, throw punches and kicks, grapple and choke, and safely tell the story of simulated violence. This is an excellent course for those without Unarmed stage combat experience or for those looking to review and refresh their skills.
Sword Foundations | Geof Alm / Raya Tuffaha (Beginner - Single Sword)
There are many different kinds of swords, but using them safely on stage starts with understanding distance, targeting, and the transfer of energy. This six hour course will cover foundational sword techniques for safety and storytelling. Students will learn how to attack and parry, move while fighting, act within the fight, and safely tell the story of simulated violence. This is an excellent course for those with little to no sword experience or for those looking to review and refresh their skills.
SUNDAY
Unarmed Foundations | Jen Pan / Stacey Bush (Beginner - Unarmed)
The vast majority of stage combat in contemporary American theatre is Unarmed combat. This six hour course will cover foundational unarmed techniques for safety and storytelling. Students will learn how to fall, throw punches and kicks, grapple and choke, and safely tell the story of simulated violence. This is an excellent course for those without Unarmed stage combat experience or for those looking to review and refresh their skills.
Sword Foundations | Celina Lee Surniak / Paul Ray (Beginner - Single Sword)
There are many different kinds of swords, but using them safely on stage starts with understanding distance, targeting, and the transfer of energy. This six hour course will cover foundational sword techniques for safety and storytelling. Students will learn how to attack and parry, move while fighting, act within the fight, and safely tell the story of simulated violence. This is an excellent course for those with little to no sword experience or for those looking to review and refresh their skills.
If you are interested in taking the same Foundations track both days of the workshop, please contact us.
Foundations tracks will span Blocks 1-4 of your schedule. You will then have your choice of available Block 5 classes to complete the day's training. Block 5 class descriptions can be found in the other sections of this drop-down menu.
SATURDAY
Unarmed Foundations | Kevin Inouye / Pierce Williams & Firen Williams (Beginner - Unarmed)
The vast majority of stage combat in contemporary American theatre is Unarmed combat. This six hour course will cover foundational unarmed techniques for safety and storytelling. Students will learn how to fall, throw punches and kicks, grapple and choke, and safely tell the story of simulated violence. This is an excellent course for those without Unarmed stage combat experience or for those looking to review and refresh their skills.
Sword Foundations | Geof Alm / Raya Tuffaha (Beginner - Single Sword)
There are many different kinds of swords, but using them safely on stage starts with understanding distance, targeting, and the transfer of energy. This six hour course will cover foundational sword techniques for safety and storytelling. Students will learn how to attack and parry, move while fighting, act within the fight, and safely tell the story of simulated violence. This is an excellent course for those with little to no sword experience or for those looking to review and refresh their skills.
SUNDAY
Unarmed Foundations | Jen Pan / Stacey Bush (Beginner - Unarmed)
The vast majority of stage combat in contemporary American theatre is Unarmed combat. This six hour course will cover foundational unarmed techniques for safety and storytelling. Students will learn how to fall, throw punches and kicks, grapple and choke, and safely tell the story of simulated violence. This is an excellent course for those without Unarmed stage combat experience or for those looking to review and refresh their skills.
Sword Foundations | Celina Lee Surniak / Paul Ray (Beginner - Single Sword)
There are many different kinds of swords, but using them safely on stage starts with understanding distance, targeting, and the transfer of energy. This six hour course will cover foundational sword techniques for safety and storytelling. Students will learn how to attack and parry, move while fighting, act within the fight, and safely tell the story of simulated violence. This is an excellent course for those with little to no sword experience or for those looking to review and refresh their skills.
SATURDAY
BLOCKS 1 & 2
The Tracking Shot | Celina Lee Surniak (Intermediate - Two-handed Sword, Sword & Shield)
When the camera follows you on a chase/mass battle, how do you make sure everything is still reading for everyone? Especially with tracking shots that are one shot. Step into every high fantasy you’ve ever watched, grab a sword and shield, and let’s do this “For Frodo”. This class will cover performing choreography for film utilizing weapons frequently found in fantasy filmmaking.
Swiss Army Staff | Jen Pan (Open - Staff)
Staff is anarchy! An exploration of the different ways to fight with a long stick beyond the traditional long and short form styles. This class is a good fit for those looking to shake up what they know about staff, but is also open to those without prior staff experience.
The Core Four | Paul Ray (Intermediate/Advanced - All SAFD weapons)
In the spirit of giving more options for preparation and warm-up for performance movement, The Core Four will focus on mind/body integration and engagement. This class will explore the work of 14th century Italian swordmaster Fiore dei Liberi as the basis for working with different weapons and generating exciting movement and action within choreography. Students will rotate through weapons and engage in choreography through a unique lens based on FIORI swordplay philosophy from one of the oldest existing fencing books.
BLOCK 3
Sword and Board! | Paul Ray (Beginner/Open - Sword & Shield)
Holding a sword and a shield may seem like having one offensive weapon and one defensive weapon, but in reality they can both do either. Come explore the possibilities of attack and defense through technique and choreography. Great for beginners and those with experience.
Rapier and... | Geof Alm (Advanced - Rapier and Dagger/Cloak/Buckler)
The rapier had many different companion weapons. This class is a chance to experience two handed fighting with a variety of period specific off hand weapons. Come explore the many choreographic possibilities of dual wielding!
Wing Chun Kung Fu: Deny the Defense | Jen Pan (Intermediate - Unarmed)
Using a Chinese martial art most popularized by Ip Man, this class will explore
relentless attacks, aggressive defenses, taking ground instead of giving it up, and how to set your opponents up for their inevitable downfall. This class will get you excited for Seattle Children’s Theatre’s upcoming Bruce Lee show Young Dragon.
BLOCK 4
The Psychology of Pain and Stamina | Celina Lee Surniak (Open - Knife)
How do neurochemistry and neurophysics play into combat? Ever watch John Wick and be like, “There’s no way!”? Well, scientifically, there is a way. In this acting focused class, we’ll explore the concept of character building and the way training plays into how pain and wounding are registered.
Drive It Like You Stole It! | Paul Ray (Intermediate - Smallsword)
It takes time and practice to turn choreography into something that looks fierce, aggressive, and deadly. Heighten the danger in one of the most delicate weapon styles. This class focuses on the safe exploration of ferocity in fight choreography so you have the tools to make any fight look more intense.
Found Objects | Kevin Inouye (Open - Found Objects)
Don't just think outside the box, think about how you could hurt someone with it. In this class, we'll look at objects not as their designers did, but as a force multiplier with a distinct combination of properties - an approach that can ultimately help you use not just found objects, but also sets, bodies, and conventional weapons in more creative ways. Feel free to bring non-fragile and non-dangerous (no sharp edges, points, etc) objects you think might be fun to look at as case studies, and bring your creative choreographer brain!
BLOCK 5
No Grab, Maybe Stab? | Kevin Inouye (Intermediate - Knife)
We’ll be up to our elbows and armpits in our fights, looking at ways you can play with takedowns and grappling even when you have weapons or props in your hand already. This is a close-in and messy way of fighting, but one that lends itself well to active cameras or theatre-in-the-round, relying less on proscenium-based non-contact hits.
A Conversation on Choreographing | Geof Alm (Open - none)
Are you a burgeoning stage combat choreographer? Come hear from SDC union member and Fight Master Geof Alm about the ins and outs of choreographing, working with theatres of different sizes, and troubleshooting problems. This conversation will be tailored to the questions and topics of those who attend.
Learning Choreo Faster | Jen Pan & Firen Williams (Open - Single Sword)
Explore different methods for learning choreography faster! This class will build confidence for learning choreo in stage combat classes or when you’re a last minute replacement for a fight show.
Intro to Staff | Celina Lee Surniak (Beginner - Staff)
Staff, Quarterstaff, Bo, Q-Stick, whatever it’s called, it's found in almost every world culture. This class will explore the basics of fighting with a stick in your hands while keeping it connected to your core.
The Tracking Shot | Celina Lee Surniak (Intermediate - Two-handed Sword, Sword & Shield)
When the camera follows you on a chase/mass battle, how do you make sure everything is still reading for everyone? Especially with tracking shots that are one shot. Step into every high fantasy you’ve ever watched, grab a sword and shield, and let’s do this “For Frodo”. This class will cover performing choreography for film utilizing weapons frequently found in fantasy filmmaking.
Swiss Army Staff | Jen Pan (Open - Staff)
Staff is anarchy! An exploration of the different ways to fight with a long stick beyond the traditional long and short form styles. This class is a good fit for those looking to shake up what they know about staff, but is also open to those without prior staff experience.
The Core Four | Paul Ray (Intermediate/Advanced - All SAFD weapons)
In the spirit of giving more options for preparation and warm-up for performance movement, The Core Four will focus on mind/body integration and engagement. This class will explore the work of 14th century Italian swordmaster Fiore dei Liberi as the basis for working with different weapons and generating exciting movement and action within choreography. Students will rotate through weapons and engage in choreography through a unique lens based on FIORI swordplay philosophy from one of the oldest existing fencing books.
BLOCK 3
Sword and Board! | Paul Ray (Beginner/Open - Sword & Shield)
Holding a sword and a shield may seem like having one offensive weapon and one defensive weapon, but in reality they can both do either. Come explore the possibilities of attack and defense through technique and choreography. Great for beginners and those with experience.
Rapier and... | Geof Alm (Advanced - Rapier and Dagger/Cloak/Buckler)
The rapier had many different companion weapons. This class is a chance to experience two handed fighting with a variety of period specific off hand weapons. Come explore the many choreographic possibilities of dual wielding!
Wing Chun Kung Fu: Deny the Defense | Jen Pan (Intermediate - Unarmed)
Using a Chinese martial art most popularized by Ip Man, this class will explore
relentless attacks, aggressive defenses, taking ground instead of giving it up, and how to set your opponents up for their inevitable downfall. This class will get you excited for Seattle Children’s Theatre’s upcoming Bruce Lee show Young Dragon.
BLOCK 4
The Psychology of Pain and Stamina | Celina Lee Surniak (Open - Knife)
How do neurochemistry and neurophysics play into combat? Ever watch John Wick and be like, “There’s no way!”? Well, scientifically, there is a way. In this acting focused class, we’ll explore the concept of character building and the way training plays into how pain and wounding are registered.
Drive It Like You Stole It! | Paul Ray (Intermediate - Smallsword)
It takes time and practice to turn choreography into something that looks fierce, aggressive, and deadly. Heighten the danger in one of the most delicate weapon styles. This class focuses on the safe exploration of ferocity in fight choreography so you have the tools to make any fight look more intense.
Found Objects | Kevin Inouye (Open - Found Objects)
Don't just think outside the box, think about how you could hurt someone with it. In this class, we'll look at objects not as their designers did, but as a force multiplier with a distinct combination of properties - an approach that can ultimately help you use not just found objects, but also sets, bodies, and conventional weapons in more creative ways. Feel free to bring non-fragile and non-dangerous (no sharp edges, points, etc) objects you think might be fun to look at as case studies, and bring your creative choreographer brain!
BLOCK 5
No Grab, Maybe Stab? | Kevin Inouye (Intermediate - Knife)
We’ll be up to our elbows and armpits in our fights, looking at ways you can play with takedowns and grappling even when you have weapons or props in your hand already. This is a close-in and messy way of fighting, but one that lends itself well to active cameras or theatre-in-the-round, relying less on proscenium-based non-contact hits.
A Conversation on Choreographing | Geof Alm (Open - none)
Are you a burgeoning stage combat choreographer? Come hear from SDC union member and Fight Master Geof Alm about the ins and outs of choreographing, working with theatres of different sizes, and troubleshooting problems. This conversation will be tailored to the questions and topics of those who attend.
Learning Choreo Faster | Jen Pan & Firen Williams (Open - Single Sword)
Explore different methods for learning choreography faster! This class will build confidence for learning choreo in stage combat classes or when you’re a last minute replacement for a fight show.
Intro to Staff | Celina Lee Surniak (Beginner - Staff)
Staff, Quarterstaff, Bo, Q-Stick, whatever it’s called, it's found in almost every world culture. This class will explore the basics of fighting with a stick in your hands while keeping it connected to your core.
SUNDAY
BLOCKS 1 & 2
Fight Like a Fremen | Pierce Williams (Open - Knife)
Explore the fighting style of the famous fighters of Arrakis. Where the slow knife penetrates the shield, speed and quick motion help us create the opening. This Dune-inspired class will explore Kali blade work as a foundation for choreography.
Sound Driven Choreo | Kevin Inouye (Intermediate/Advanced - Rapier & Cloak)
Using rapiers, daggers, cloaks, and vocals, the goal is to make as many rhythms and sounds as possible and avoid the trap of turn-based syncopation. This class will get choreographers and combatants thinking about a different, and crucial, aspect of theatre with a challenging weapon set.
Light and Fast Longsword | Geof Alm (Intermediate - Two-handed Sword)
Some Smallsword practitioners of the 19th century tried to apply their knowledge to earlier sword styles. They reached a variety of conclusions, but it came down to heavy slashing vs. light, facile, and fast cuts. This class will explore the application of light and articulate maneuvers to heavier weapons using stage combat longswords.
BLOCK 3
Work smarter, not always harder. But sometimes harder. | Kevin Inouye (Open - Unarmed, Two-handed Sword)
This class covers body dynamics and using physics/theatrical/martial concepts to level up as stage combat performers. We’ll work from grounded, core-driven movement to engage more fully with partners and create more organic choreography.
Single Stick | Geof Alm (Intermediate - Single Stick)
Many martial systems train with wooden weapons. Singlestick is related to Backsword play. This class is a chance to experience training that applies directly to a one handed cutting weapon.
Centerline storytelling through Sword & Shield | Firen Williams (Intermediate - Sword & Shield)
Dive into some sword and shield choreography that combines technical skill and specific storytelling. Students will focus on centerline alignment, radial footwork, and relative spacing as ways to communicate dramatic power struggles within a fight scene.
BLOCK 4
Fencing Tactical Wheel | Jen Pan (Open - Two-handed Sword)
In fencing, four basic tactical options - direct, parry and riposte, compound, and counterattack - are used to help understand how different strategies can be countered. By exploring the tactical wheel, we can also uncover interesting options for choreography and storytelling.
The Art of Dying | Celina Lee Surniak (Open - Sword & Shield, Knife)
What are the anatomical implications of different wounds/deaths? This is an acting based class on building choreo and performing different wounds and kills. It will focus on understanding how long it takes to die, what is happening inside the body, and how the body is affected. A lot of kinesiology/physiology/biology/chemistry/etc.
Laying and springing rhythmic traps in Smallsword | Firen Williams (Intermediate - Smallsword)
Explore rhythm, timing, and the martial traps your character can lay for maximum effect within a fight. Students will be using musical language to draw opponents' guards, lull them into a false sense of security, and strike when the timing is right. The Smallsword is your baton, and you are the conductor.
BLOCK 5
Threats and Opportunities | Jen Pan (Intermediate - Single Sword)
For people just starting their fight choreography journey, this class will explore identifying threats and openings in your partner’s guards that you can choreographically take advantage of. By using a decision tree-based logic to construct fights, participants will collaboratively create a small fight sequence that is logical and intuitive.
Chemistry Builds | Celina Lee Surniak (Open - none)
Ever wonder how actors who have never met each other create epic love stories? Come and learn how DnD, LARPing, TTRPGs, and Intimacy Direction have something in common! This is a true exploration in how to keep the brain and emotional body safe from pulling from personal pain and hardship when portraying a character.
Bar Brawl | Geof Alm & Kevin Inouye (Open - Unarmed)
What better way to wrap up the weekend than with a good ol’ fashioned bar brawl? Come put your weekend of training to immediate practice by joining in one large fight. This class is your chance to quickly learn some choreo with two of the region's best choreographers.
Costume Choreo | Paul Ray (Open - Any weapons)
Bring any and all costume elements, shoes, boots, hats, scabbards, poofy lacy shirts, capes! Put it all on and do choreo in it! Explore how it changes the movement and technique! Students must bring their own costume stuff even if it’s just shoes or just a hat. All armory weapons available. This class will be great for getting pictures of you dressed up while fighting!
Fight Like a Fremen | Pierce Williams (Open - Knife)
Explore the fighting style of the famous fighters of Arrakis. Where the slow knife penetrates the shield, speed and quick motion help us create the opening. This Dune-inspired class will explore Kali blade work as a foundation for choreography.
Sound Driven Choreo | Kevin Inouye (Intermediate/Advanced - Rapier & Cloak)
Using rapiers, daggers, cloaks, and vocals, the goal is to make as many rhythms and sounds as possible and avoid the trap of turn-based syncopation. This class will get choreographers and combatants thinking about a different, and crucial, aspect of theatre with a challenging weapon set.
Light and Fast Longsword | Geof Alm (Intermediate - Two-handed Sword)
Some Smallsword practitioners of the 19th century tried to apply their knowledge to earlier sword styles. They reached a variety of conclusions, but it came down to heavy slashing vs. light, facile, and fast cuts. This class will explore the application of light and articulate maneuvers to heavier weapons using stage combat longswords.
BLOCK 3
Work smarter, not always harder. But sometimes harder. | Kevin Inouye (Open - Unarmed, Two-handed Sword)
This class covers body dynamics and using physics/theatrical/martial concepts to level up as stage combat performers. We’ll work from grounded, core-driven movement to engage more fully with partners and create more organic choreography.
Single Stick | Geof Alm (Intermediate - Single Stick)
Many martial systems train with wooden weapons. Singlestick is related to Backsword play. This class is a chance to experience training that applies directly to a one handed cutting weapon.
Centerline storytelling through Sword & Shield | Firen Williams (Intermediate - Sword & Shield)
Dive into some sword and shield choreography that combines technical skill and specific storytelling. Students will focus on centerline alignment, radial footwork, and relative spacing as ways to communicate dramatic power struggles within a fight scene.
BLOCK 4
Fencing Tactical Wheel | Jen Pan (Open - Two-handed Sword)
In fencing, four basic tactical options - direct, parry and riposte, compound, and counterattack - are used to help understand how different strategies can be countered. By exploring the tactical wheel, we can also uncover interesting options for choreography and storytelling.
The Art of Dying | Celina Lee Surniak (Open - Sword & Shield, Knife)
What are the anatomical implications of different wounds/deaths? This is an acting based class on building choreo and performing different wounds and kills. It will focus on understanding how long it takes to die, what is happening inside the body, and how the body is affected. A lot of kinesiology/physiology/biology/chemistry/etc.
Laying and springing rhythmic traps in Smallsword | Firen Williams (Intermediate - Smallsword)
Explore rhythm, timing, and the martial traps your character can lay for maximum effect within a fight. Students will be using musical language to draw opponents' guards, lull them into a false sense of security, and strike when the timing is right. The Smallsword is your baton, and you are the conductor.
BLOCK 5
Threats and Opportunities | Jen Pan (Intermediate - Single Sword)
For people just starting their fight choreography journey, this class will explore identifying threats and openings in your partner’s guards that you can choreographically take advantage of. By using a decision tree-based logic to construct fights, participants will collaboratively create a small fight sequence that is logical and intuitive.
Chemistry Builds | Celina Lee Surniak (Open - none)
Ever wonder how actors who have never met each other create epic love stories? Come and learn how DnD, LARPing, TTRPGs, and Intimacy Direction have something in common! This is a true exploration in how to keep the brain and emotional body safe from pulling from personal pain and hardship when portraying a character.
Bar Brawl | Geof Alm & Kevin Inouye (Open - Unarmed)
What better way to wrap up the weekend than with a good ol’ fashioned bar brawl? Come put your weekend of training to immediate practice by joining in one large fight. This class is your chance to quickly learn some choreo with two of the region's best choreographers.
Costume Choreo | Paul Ray (Open - Any weapons)
Bring any and all costume elements, shoes, boots, hats, scabbards, poofy lacy shirts, capes! Put it all on and do choreo in it! Explore how it changes the movement and technique! Students must bring their own costume stuff even if it’s just shoes or just a hat. All armory weapons available. This class will be great for getting pictures of you dressed up while fighting!
For a PDF version of our full schedule, click here.
Which skill level am I?
The classes that best suit you will depend on your personal experience. We've created a guide below to help you understand how we label our course offerings.
Beginner: courses that provide an introduction to a weapons discipline. They are designed for students with no experience or those looking for a refresher.
Intermediate: courses intended to continue education in a specific discipline by building on prior knowledge. Best for students who have some familiarity with the weapon discipline, and are interested in going deeper or increasing their skills.
Advanced: courses best suited for students with a good working familiarity of a weapon discipline who are ready to challenge themselves. Please do not sign up for one of these classes unless you are solidly familiar with that weapon style (or you may struggle and/or endanger yourself or other students).
Open: courses designed for students of all experience levels. They provide explorations of basic concepts to meet students where they are and/or allow space for students to work at their own pace.
How long is each class?
Blocks 1-4 are 90 minutes each. Block 5 is 60 minutes. Lunch is after Block 2.
What's the daily schedule?
Registration begins at 8:30am, with a morning meeting at 9:00am. Block 1 will start at 9:15am, and the day ends around 6pm. For specific class times, see the images below.
The classes that best suit you will depend on your personal experience. We've created a guide below to help you understand how we label our course offerings.
Beginner: courses that provide an introduction to a weapons discipline. They are designed for students with no experience or those looking for a refresher.
Intermediate: courses intended to continue education in a specific discipline by building on prior knowledge. Best for students who have some familiarity with the weapon discipline, and are interested in going deeper or increasing their skills.
Advanced: courses best suited for students with a good working familiarity of a weapon discipline who are ready to challenge themselves. Please do not sign up for one of these classes unless you are solidly familiar with that weapon style (or you may struggle and/or endanger yourself or other students).
Open: courses designed for students of all experience levels. They provide explorations of basic concepts to meet students where they are and/or allow space for students to work at their own pace.
How long is each class?
Blocks 1-4 are 90 minutes each. Block 5 is 60 minutes. Lunch is after Block 2.
What's the daily schedule?
Registration begins at 8:30am, with a morning meeting at 9:00am. Block 1 will start at 9:15am, and the day ends around 6pm. For specific class times, see the images below.
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Have other questions? Send us a message!
