thursday evenings
12th November to 17th December 2026
An exciting series of six Stage Combat Drop-in sessions in Melbourne: self-contained and each focusing on a different aspect of stage combat craft, with leading Fight Director and Movement Director Lyndall Grant. Come as you’re free, or book the whole series as a bundle.
These workshops are part of our OPEN STREAM training pathway, and is created for all levels of experience.
What is it?
Our Drop-In Series is your chance to train in a range of stage combat techniques, while fitting in around the unpredictable schedule of a freelance creative.
Each session specialises in a particular aspect, genre or performance approach for stage combat – giving you the luxury to hone in on areas of work that frequently crop up in the industry.
The training is designed to give you a strong foundation in stage and screen combat performance – understanding safety, illusion, technique, forms, character and storytelling.
Across the series we explore a range of weapon systems and applications, so that you gain practical tools and agency for your work across the industry.
The sessions are an ideal entry into the stage combat training pathway, particularly those interested in certification. They are also perfect for anyone wishing to target key skills, or keep existing skills maintained.
BUNDLE all six sessions for breadth of training, or attend single sessions as and when you’re free.
Either way, you’ll have the chance to train with a great bunch of like-minded creatives, widen your performance range, and have an evening of diving into one of the most fun aspects of acting.
Summer 2026 Program
SESSION ONE: Thursday 12th November
MAINTAINING CHARACTER THROUGH FIGHTS
Your character work shouldn’t drop when you reach a fight. Learn ways to not only stay in character, but use the fight to deepen your character’s journey.
*Unarmed and ‘found weapons’*
SESSION TWO: Thursday 19th November
BRUTAL FIGHTS
Not for the faint-hearted: we explore theatrical violence that is visceral, nasty and fierce.
*Unarmed and knife*
SESSION THREE: Thursday 26th November
FALLS, SPILLS AND ROLLS
Essential for any actor. Know how to go to ground in a way that is safe, repeatable, and IMPRESSIVE.
SESSION FOUR: Thursday 3rd December
WW2 SECRET AGENTS
Dive into the unarmed and armed fighting taught by Fairbairn to the British SOE in WW2. Silent, efficient and ruthless.
*Unarmed and knife*
AT DANCEHOUSE STUDIOS BRUNSWICK
SESSION FIVE: Thursday 10th December
GRAPPLING WITH LONGSWORD
Used when fighting someone in armour, this session explores the ‘half-sword’ techniques used to unbalance, disarm and throw your partner, so you can find the chinks in their armour.
*Longsword*
SESSION SIX: Thursday 17th December
FIGHTING FOR FILM
Always a sellout class – nail the headliners for how to perform safe, dynamic and exciting fights on screen.
*Unarmed and knife*
When is it?
Thursday evenings, from 12th November to 17th December 2026
6:30-9:30pm
Where is it?
Dancehouse Studios Carlton: 150 Princes Street, Carlton North, 3054
Dancehouse Studios Brunswick: 4/215 Albion St, Brunswick, 3056 (3rd December 2026)
Who is it for?
These workshops are ideal for creatives from a range of backgrounds: actors, musical theatre performers, opera performers, stunt performers, dancers, creatives and crew. In addition to performers who wish to specifically learn stage and screen combat skills, we welcome anyone who wants to expand their movement skills, or anyone who’s curious to know how to perform dramatic fights.
Each session caters for all levels of experience, ability and fitness.
Captivate advocates for diverse and equitable work- and learning-spaces. If you have any concerns, questions or requests for support of any kind please get in touch with us.
How much is it?
- BUNDLE – All 6 Sessions: $379 +GST
- SINGLE CLASS CONCESSION: $69 +GST
- SINGLE CLASS STANDARD: $79 +GST
A Min. 50% deposit is required for bundle registration; and full payment is required for single classes
How do I register and grab a spot?
Just fill out the online form and we’ll get the ball rolling.
After you register you should receive a confirmation email. An invoice will be then sent to you within 2 working days. If you don’t hear from us at all then check your junk mail, then get in touch.
Please note that we’re not able to reserve your workshop place without a deposit payment (for BUNDLE bookings) or full payment (for SINGLE CLASSES), and any payments made are nonrefundable.
meet the team
your tutors
Lyndall Grant (she/her): TUTOR
Lyndall is a Fight Director, Movement Director, actor and Motion Capture Specialist who works in Australia and Internationally for stage and screen.
Josh Bell (he/him): ASSISTANT TUTOR
Josh Bell is an associate fight director for Captivate, actor and theatre-maker based in Melbourne.