Introduction to Stage Combat: Level 1
This new two-day intensive workshop introduces you to the art of stage combat.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Sat 18 – Sun 19 Jul 2026
- Course times:
- 9.30am–4.30pm
- Age:
- 18+
- Art form:
- Drama
- Fees:
- £295
- Deadline:
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 3 July 2026 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+)
- Mode of study:
- In-person
- Venue:
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- When:
- Summer Schools (July–August) | Weekend Courses
Course info
Book Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early
- Bookings close at 5pm on Friday, 3 July 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity
- Please note: accommodation is not provided
- View our terms and conditions
Ages 18+
Course Dates & Times
Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 July 2026
9.30am–4.30pm
About Introduction to Stage Combat: Level 1
This new two-day intensive workshop introduces you to the art of stage combat.
You’ll explore the principles behind using violence and conflict safely within storytelling, and learn the essential techniques of both armed and unarmed combat for performance.
Who is the course for?
Anyone aged 18 and over. No previous experience necessary.
This course is ideal for:
- Beginners curious about stage combat
- Performers seeking to refresh previous training
- Anyone interested in the methods taught in major British drama schools and widely used in film, TV, and theatre.
What can I expect?
The course combines theory and practice with presentations on the logic of violence, conflict communication and the fundamental principles of skill.
The practical elements will include movement fundamentals, structured fight sequences, and weapon work (sword and dagger) alongside unarmed techniques and how they may be used in a performed fight.
Do I need anything for the course?
- Comfortable, loose clothing for movement
- Trainers or sports shoes
- A water bottle
And most importantly, a willingness to engage and move!
Course fee
£295
Book Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early
- Bookings close at 5pm on Friday, 3 July 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity
- Please note: accommodation is not provided
- View our terms and conditions
Eligibility
- We welcome participants from all ages 18 and over
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
About the Course Tutor
The course is taught by Jonathan Waller.
Jonathan Waller has been teaching stage combat for over 30 years, including at Guildhall. Trained by his father, John Waller, and Rodney Cottier, Jonathan’s experience spans leading drama schools such as LAMDA, ArtsEd, and international institutions including Rutgers University and Mexico’s Centro Universitario de Teatro.
He has taught many courses in Mexico, including the Centro Universitario de Teatro, University of Mexico, amongst others and has been instrumental in the founding of the Escuela Mexicana de Combate Escénico, the first stage combat organization in Mexico,
With over 100 Fight Director credits for theatre and opera, including Shakespeare’s Globe, Cheek By Jowl, The Chichester Festival Theatre, Mischief Theatre.
Film and television drama and documentaries work includes the BBC, The History Channel and combat for puppeteers for Netflix series The Dark Crystal and recently the film of Hamnet. Commercials include Strongbow utilising his skills as a Master Archer.
He is also a researcher in conflict communication, in its cultural context, across different societies and time periods. This has involved fighting and riding in different armours and historical clothing. He has researched and taught the historical martial arts of Europe, in the UK, the US and across Europe and had articles and research published.
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