INTRODUCTION TO STAGE SWORDPLAY

INTRODUCTION TO SWORDPLAY

February 27th, 2016 | 2PM to 5PM
#50 Sahali Centre Mall | 945 Columbia Street West

Do you want to learn how to sword fight? We’ve got good news for you! Chimera Theatre is hosting an Introduction to Stage Swordplay workshop that explores the fundamentals of swordplay in regards to stage combat.

Taught by Melissa Thomas, certified member of Fight Directors Canada, and Andrew G. Cooper, the Artistic Producer of Chimera Theatre and an award-winning choreographer, this three hour workshop will teach you the basics of swordplay with a focus on rapier combat. During the class, you will build a solid foundation with the rapier as you practice posture, movement, footwork, cuts, slashes, parries and storytelling for stage combat. The course will also cover proper safety for actors, creating the illusion of violence on stage and adding acting and drama to your choreography. No prior experience is necessary.

This is a hands-on workshop ideal for beginners aged 15 and up. All levels of physical abilities are welcome. All the swordplay equipment required to participate is provided. Cost is $50 per participant.

We have a special deal this season for members of the Chimera Theatre Society! Purchasing a membership with a donation totally $25 or more will earn you a Snake Membership which will entitle you to a 10% discount off ALL the Chimera Theatre workshops and classes for the season! Check out our Membership Page for more information.

To register and find out about our payment options, email info@chimeratheatre.com.

About Melissa Thomas

Melissa Thomas holds an MFA in Directing from the University of Calgary and a BA in Theatre from Thompson Rivers University. Melissa has been a part of the Kamloops arts scene for the past fifteen years. She has hade the pleasure of working with Western Canada Theatre, Project X Theatre, BC Living Arts, Saucy Fops, and looks forward to working with Chimera on their workshop series.

Melissa is the Co-Artistic Producer of Project X Theatre and has directed many productions: Alice in Wonderland, Fantastic Mr. Fox, James and the Giant Peach. She has also appearing in several X-fests over the past eleven years: Munsch Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, As You Like It, and The Tempest. She has assistant directed several shows at Western Canada Theatre: Silent Chap, Fiddler on the Roof, and Trying. Last fall Melissa also had the pleasure of directing The Patron Saint of Stanley Park at Theatre North West.

About Andrew G. Cooper

Andrew G. Cooper received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Thompson Rivers University and is the founding Artistic Producer of Chimera Theatre. He has been working as a dance instructor and choreographer for the last seven years and recently won two awards for Outstanding Choreography for his work with The Academy of Dance. As a playwright, his works have been produced across British Columbia, from Nelson to Victoria. His play The Untold Tales of the Brothers Grimm was nominated last summer for Best New Play and Best Comedy at the Victoria Fringe Festival.

Andrew's favourite choreographer credits: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Shakespeare Show (Project X Theatre Productions), The Beaux' Stratagem (Thompson Rivers University Actors Workshop Theatre), Seussical Jr. and Sleeping Beauty (Western Canada Theatre's Stage One Theatre School).