Actor's Swashbuckling
Instructor: Joe Wright
Date & Time: Tuesdays 06 Jan - 07 April 2026 (7-10pm)
Location: Riverside Art Center Dance Studio (76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197)
Cost: $450 (Payment plans available)
Students must be at least 18 years old. Class is limited to 10 students
Use code DEPOSIT to hold your place in class with a NON REFUNDABLE $100 deposit (remaining balance must be paid by 06 January 2026 unless other arrangements are made). Deposits may not be sold or transferred.
Use code EARLY by 09 December 2025 to reduce the cost of the class to $360. Deposits made by 09 December are eligible for the early signup rate of $360.
Tickets to this class may not be re-sold or otherwise transferred without the express consent of Theatrica Gladiatoria, and all sales are final except at the discretion of Theatrica Gladiatoria.
=====================
Class Description:
Swashbuckling draws on techniques used to tell stories from the works of Shakespeare to Pirates of the Caribbean in order to create exciting, dramatic, and narrative driven fight scenes! This class is a must have for anyone looking to begin their performance journey, expand upon their physical acting skills, or explore how to buckle those swashes!
In this 14 week class we'll cover:
- Technique work used in Actor's Cut and Thrust swordplay & applying them with different platforms (like the Rapier and Cutlass)
- Physicality choices in performing different characters and archetypes.
- Script analysis for the performer.
- Connected and responsive performance techniques between scene partners.
- The rehearsal process and performance anxiety management techniques.
- The safety elements involved in creating something that is supposed to look dangerous.
- Applying acting methodologies to create truth (not reality) in performance.
- Getting a swashbuckling fight scene up with a partner!
This class culminates with the opportunity to test for certification in the Single Sword discipline for the Society of American Fight Directors and counts as one of the three fields required for certification as a Basic Actor-Combatant by Fight Directors Canada.
About the Instructor:
Joe Wright is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors and a Certified Instructor with Fight Directors Canada. He has instructed theatrical combat courses for the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Society of American Fight Directors National Stage Combat Workshop, and Fight Directors Canada National Conference as well as presented workshops for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (Region 3), Eastern Michigan University Department of Theatre, Lake Michigan College, and the University of Michigan Residential College Drama program.
Also check out other Arts events in Ypsilanti, Workshops in Ypsilanti, Theatre events in Ypsilanti.
