Crafting Performance
Stage and screen combat is one of the most technically demanding performance disciplines an actor can undertake. It combines precise physical skills, technical knowledge, illusion, character, heightened performance and safety.
These layers cannot be mastered all at once. Each skill must become instinctive before it can support the next, so you can free attention to focus on performance rather than technique.
Knowing this, we’ve designed two training streams to support performers based on their existing experience, skillsets and training goals.
Our Professional Stream is designed for performers with existing acting or performance experience. Entry to the professional stream is by application.
Our Open Stream is designed for anyone looking to train in physical performance skills, and can be used to prepare performers for entry into the Professional Stream.
INDUSTRY FOCUS
Professional Stream
Our Professional Stream training is focused, practical and rigorous, concentrating on the specialist skills required by working performers for stage and screen combat.
The Professional Stream includes
- the Stage Combat Certification pathway
- specialist workshops in stage and screen combat
- training in movement, voice and acting technique
These programs build upon your existing craft through deep-dive training in technique, form, illusion, rehearsal practice and performance craft.
Entry to Professional Stream workshops is by application.
Certification in Stage Combat Performance
The Captivate Stage Combat Certification Pathway provides a structured and standardised approach to developing professional stage combat skills. Ratified by the Society of Australian Fight Directors (SAFDi) and the Academy of Performance Combat (APC), it combines progressive training with objective assessment, resulting in an industry and internationally recognised benchmark of competence.
- Standard Certification (SAFDi Fundamentals / APC Basic) – Establishes the industry baseline for safe and effective dramatic combat, covering unarmed combat, knife and single sword.
- Intermediate Certification (APC Intermediate) – Builds technical proficiency across additional weapon systems, more complex choreography and increasingly demanding performance contexts.
- Advanced Certification (APC Advanced / SAFDi Specialisation) – Develops the breadth and versatility expected of performers working across commercial and mainstage theatre, professional independent theatre, Shakespeare, film and motion capture.
Certification training is recognised under the MEAA Equity Stunt Grading criteria through the Body Control competency. Advanced Certification is also the prerequisite for performers wishing to train as a SAFDi Fight Director or APC Stage Combat Teacher.
Your next training opportunities
CORE SKILLS
Open stream
Our Open Stream is designed for anyone looking to train in physical performance skills.
Training and courses focus on key areas of action and movement performance, allowing skills to build progressively through a layered approach.
The Open Stream includes
- drop-in classes
- Stage Combat Foundations Course
- Weekend workshops and Fight the Good Fight stage combat intensive
- specialist workshops in motion capture, film fighting, movement, acting and voice.
The Open Stream provides preparation for Professional Stream training.
