MELBOURNE
28th September to 2nd October 2026
Train in essential skills for Stage and Screen Combat over five focused days. This exciting course will teach how you to perform safe, dynamic and effective fights with unarmed combat and single sword, for theatre, film and motion capture.
This intensive is part of our OPEN STREAM training pathway, and is created for all levels of experience.
What is it?
The Foundations Course is a new intensive designed to target the core techniques, forms and illusions used in stage and screen combat.
Fight scenes are some of the most exciting moments in performance. However by nature they can also be highly complex – using specific choreography and technical elements to look impactful while staying safe. When performing, there may not always be enough time or support available for you to embody this work effectively, leaving you exposed to clunky, unconvincing or unsafe scenes. The solution is to train ahead of time, and be ready.
This course is your opportunity to explore the work in a dedicated, supportive and informed space, giving you knowledge and autonomy in performing your best work. Working with industry-leading fight directors, over five days you will dive into comprehensive training for unarmed combat and single sword, which also includes movement, conditioning, acting approaches, character development, historical context, industry protocols, rehearsal techniques and performance practice.
The week will culminate in performing a full dramatic fight scene (which you may film).
Overall, at the end of the week you will have gained:
- industry-ready skills
- knowledge and competency to stay safe
- new industry connections
- expanded movement range
- expanded casting
This course is part of our OPEN STREAM training pathway, and is an essential first step for those seeking experience to enter the PROFESSIONAL STREAM.
When is it?
Monday 28th September to Friday 2nd October 2026
10:00am to 5:00pm
Where is it?
Showfit Studios
15 Albert St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Who is it for?
This workshop is ideal for performers from a range of backgrounds: actors, musical theatre performers, opera performers, stunt performers, dancers. We have crafted it particularly as a supported entry-point to working in stage and screen combat – for example for those who are curious about the work, who have not yet had a large amount of performance experience, who would like to invest time to embody techniques before embarking on a more intensive course.
We will encourage you both to utilise your preexisting strengths as well as explore new skills. As such we cater 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?
- EARLY BIRD: $635 +GST (closes 1st Aug 2026)
- CONCESSION: $655 +GST
- STANDARD: $695+GST
A Min. 50% deposit is required for registration.
How do I register and get a spot?
To register, simply follow the link above.
Places are very competitive – we have strict capacity limits and places sell out quickly. So register early to save your spot.
After you register you should receive a confirmation email. A tax 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 your registration will not be processed until receipt of a deposit or full payment, and your spot won’t be held until this point. Places are fully confirmed on receipt of all payments.
meet the team
your tutor
Josh Bell (he/him): TUTOR
Josh Bell is an associate fight director for Captivate, actor and theatre-maker based in Melbourne.