About
Ever wondered how stage combat looks so real and effortless? Join industry pro Matt Richardson in our Introduction to Stage Combat Workshop and find out how it's done!
Jump in and learn an overview of stage combat principles, safety, choreography and more. Learn hand to hand combat, professional practice and hear what it’s like to be a Fight Director and fight performer. Participants of all levels are welcome, and are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable clothes they are able to move in.
Free and open to current U of T students via registration.
Instructor
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Matt Richardson
Matt Richardson is celebrating over 30 years of experience in the study, practice and refinement of the art form of Stage Combat. He has been studying stage combat since before Fight Director training became available in Canada, and has been directing fights almost as long. He is recognized as a professional Fight Director by Canadian Actors Equity Association. His teaching talents are appreciated in the International stage combat community, having taught at the International Paddy Crean Art of the Sword workshop. In fact, his directing, teaching and professional development has had him working with experts from all around the world, including instructors from Scotland, England, Australia and all over the USA and Canada. He’s worked as a fight director in theatres across Ontario, most notably as the fight director and local fight instructor for Disney Cruise Lines. He has taught “Introduction to Stage Combat” to thousands of students of all ages, from children to seasoned professional actors.
In recent years, Matt has been intensely pursuing several forms of historical, western martial arts for conversion to stage. Some of these include tomahawk, bowie knife, German and Italian longsword, Spanish side sword and Scottish backsword. With help from Western Martial Arts experts, Matt is at the forefront and cutting edge of a renaissance in how we approach and present theatrical fighting.
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