MELBOURNE
Next course coming: Autumn 2026
The only course of its kind in Australia, this 8-day intensive course offers industry-recognised training for professional stage combat performance certifications
in Australia and the U.K. – The Society of Australian Fight Directors Fundamentals Certification, and the British Academy of Dramatic Combat Standard Certification.
What is it?
This exciting intensive course gives you training in stage combat that equips you for the demands of professional performance work. If a casting says that “stage combat is required”, these are the certifications that prove you have what they need.
The SAFDi Fundamentals and BADC Standard (Level One) Certifications are the industry entry-level in dramatic combat training, and are recognised in Australia, the U.K., and internationally. These courses train you in the essential technical and performance skills that you need to perform dramatic combat safely and effectively for stage, screen and motion capture.
Working with Fight Directors Lyndall Grant (SAFDi, BADC) and Josh Bell (SAFDi), the 8-day workshop will lead you through rigorous training in stage combat technique, illusions, forms and craft for unarmed combat, and working with a single sword.
Importantly, we also explore how you best achieve as an individual artist, developing challenge areas and drawing on strengths, so that you gain the understanding, proficiency and agency you need to unlock your best work in this exciting aspect of performance. So we also explore movement, conditioning, rehearsal techniques, story-telling, and applying consent-based practice to free up creativity and performance in a space.
The certification courses culminate an a choreographed fight scene performed under exam (‘opening night’) conditions, as the assessment for the certification.
Successful completion of the certification provides you with an industry benchmark, and gives you the tools to deliver your best work on the job – performing safe, impactful and reliable scenes of conflict with thrilling results. You will also have an incredible experience working with life-minded creatives, and holding space for your own skills development for a week.
*A minimum of 40 hours for the BADC and 50 hours for the SAFDi certifications are required to be eligible for certification, therefore participants must attend each workshop day. Please note that undertaking the course does not guarantee successful certification – however you still will have benefited from the training*.
The SAFDi Fundamentals and BADC Standard certifications are prerequisites for training towards becoming a Fight Director and Stage Combat Teacher.
When is it?
2026 dates will be announced shortly.
Intensives run Saturday – Tuesday, (Wednesday rest day), Thursday – Sunday.
10:00am to 6:00pm.
Where is it?
Dancehouse Carlton
150 Princes Street, Carlton North, 3054
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for performers from a range of backgrounds: actors, musical theatre performers, opera performers, stunt performers, dancers etc. We also welcome creatives and crew.
The training is designed for those who are complete beginners, or experienced performers who would like to dive deep into fundamental skills for their craft. We cater for all levels of physical fitness and abilities, although do note that intensive traing does have a (satisfying!) physical impact.
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?
- EARLY BIRD: $955 +GST (register by closing date)
- CONCESSION: $1055 +GST
- STANDARD: $1155 +GST
PLEASE NOTE: Exams fees are payable in addition to the workshop fees and will be collected just prior to examination: $50 for BADC, $50 SAFDi
How do I join the course ?
Entry to the course is highly competitive, and therefore is by application. We are interested in hearing why you would like to train in a certification course and how you will apply your skills in the industry.
Applicants will be informed by email as to the outcome of the application. Please allow that this process may take a couple of months from the time you submit your details. To apply, fill out the online form.
Successful applicants will be asked to fill out a course registration form, and will be asked for a deposit of at least one-third of the course fees to hold their registration. Places are confirmed only on completion of full payment. Please note we are unable to hold places without a deposit, and any payments made are not refundable.
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.