The Art of Violence for Modern Actors
Saturday, May 11th 10AM to 4PM AND Sunday, May 12th 6 PM to 9PM
Instructor: Eli Lynn
As an actor and a fight director, something I frequently hear from other actors is that they'd love to learn more about stage combat, but that they don't feel comfortable taking a traditional semester-long class - either they don't have the time or interest in training towards a certificate, or they worry that the physical demands will be too much, or they just feel they aren't the stage combat "type." But even actors who aren't the stage combat type encounter violent stories in their work all the time! Shoving, struggling, brandishing, falling down ... violence isn't restricted to the Mercutios and MacDuffs.
This class is intended to teach the basics of the most common onstage violence, and to explore bridging the gap between ABC's of safe technique and fully embodied acting of violent stories.
Topics covered will include:
Basic Firearm Safety, Consent & Boundaries, Basics of slapping/punching, Chokes, Dragging, Falls, Hair pulls, Intro to Death, Looking competent with a weapon, Making a fist, Shoves, Struggles - and more!
The workshop will begin by teaching the techniques and theory behind basic stage violence, and will then move on to applying these techniques to scenes - so come prepared to act! You do not need any stage combat or movement experience to attend, and actors of all genders and physical abilities are encouraged to join.
NOTE: You must be 18+ to take this class
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About Eli Lynn – Eli (they/them) is an actor, Barrymore-nominated fight director, and IDC-certified Intimacy Director. They began their stage combat training over 14 years ago with the Society of American Fight Directors, and have also trained and certified with Fight Directors Canada, Society of Australian Fight Directors, the British Academy Of Stage & Screen Combat, and the Nordic Stage Fight Society. They have been mentored by and served as assistant to Broadway Fight Masters Ian Rose and J David Brimmer, and have worked as a fight director themselves at numerous regional theatres, including PA Shakespeare Festival, The Wilma, People’s Light, Playwrights Horizons (NYC), Philadelphia Artists’ Collective, The Arden, Quintessence, 1812 Productions, Theatre Exile, and Azuka Theatre.