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From First Line to Final Bow – Master the Art of Acting

Acting classes

Stage Combat - An Introduction

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From slaps and hair pulls to punches, kicks and knife* technique, stage combat is a vital skill for many actors. This practical Acting Course is designed to give you a safe, thorough introduction to unarmed and armed combat techniques, helping you to bring fight scenes to life without risk of injury.

Suitable for complete beginners, this course is perfect for anyone with an interest in theatre, musical theatre or film. You will learn how to make stage fights look convincing while keeping both you and your scene partner safe. Guided by an experienced fight instructor, you will explore choreography, timing and character work, gaining skills you can apply in productions across multiple genres.

This course is delivered in association with Independent Drama. Your training hours will count towards the recognised academy hours needed for a professional Fight CV, as well as towards more advanced accreditation courses with the British Academy of Stage & Screen Combat.

*No real blades are used in class.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

By the end of this course you will:

  • Learn fundamental stage combat techniques in unarmed and knife work
  • Apply these techniques by performing choreographed fights
  • Work effectively as a fight partner with clear communication and trust
  • Understand essential safety principles and how to recognise good and bad practice
  • Act the fight, combining technique with character and intention
  • Perform fights convincingly for an audience from stage or screen perspective
  • Build a foundation for further stage combat training and professional accreditation

 

BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE

Stage combat training doesn’t just improve your performance skills — it boosts your confidence, safety awareness and versatility as an actor. Whether you’re auditioning for theatre, film or musical theatre, these skills can make you stand out and open up new casting opportunities.

You will:

  • Gain specialist skills that enhance your acting CV
  • Learn to approach fight scenes with confidence and safety
  • Build trust and teamwork skills by working closely with scene partners
  • Enjoy a fun, physical and highly engaging training environment
  • Develop physical coordination, timing and control
  • Lay the groundwork for advanced stage combat qualifications

 

🎓
Perfect your choreography
Apply your skills in fully staged fight sequences that are both safe and convincing.
🙂
Build trust on stage
Work closely with a fight partner, using clear communication and mutual awareness.
🔀
Safety at the core
Recognise good and bad practice to keep every scene risk-free.
🎓
Bring the fight to life
Combine combat technique with character and intention for powerful storytelling.
⚙️
Perform for any audience
Adapt your fight performance for both stage and screen perspectives.

USEFUL INFORMATION

1
Do I need any previous combat or acting experience?
No, this course is suitable for complete beginners as well as actors looking to refresh or expand their skills.
2
Is it safe?
Yes. All techniques are taught under expert supervision with strict safety guidelines in place.
3
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement and trainers or soft-soled shoes.
4
Will I be assessed?
This course focuses on building core skills rather than formal assessment, but your hours will count towards professional accreditation with the British Academy of Stage & Screen Combat.

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
29 Aug 2026
Sat
10:30-17:00
1 day
City Academy, Farringdon
£129.00
22 Nov 2026
Sun
10:30-17:00
1 day
City Academy, Farringdon
£129.00
29
Aug
29 Aug 2026
£129.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-17:00
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Acting Tutors
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
22
Nov
22 Nov 2026
£129.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:30-17:00
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Acting Tutors
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon

PAYMENT OPTIONS

You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.

ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS

Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.

Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .

CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS

Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.

If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.

INDUSTRY TUTORS

City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.

CANCELLATIONS POLICY

We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.

We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.

(For more information please see our terms and conditions)

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:

City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:

All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.

Acting Tutors
Acting Tutors

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses: