FAQ's

What will the Schedule be like?

8:30- Doors unlock, registration 

9:00- morning meeting and warm up

9:30- dismiss to classes

9:45-11:15- Class 1

11:15-11:30- Transition

11:30-1:00- Class 2

1:00-2:30- Lunch

2:30-4:00- Class 3

4:00-4:15- Transition

4:15-5:45- Class 4

5:45- Transition

6:00- closing meeting

Who can participate?

Actors, theatre students, designers, stage managers, stunt people, cosplayers, Renfaire people, anyone who is interested in learning how to safely look like you are injuring your friends, this is for you.  We believe everyone should be able to learn stage combat, we can accept students 16 and older. We welcome everyone regardless of current skill or ability level. Need accommodations in class? That just makes us strong teachers.

Can I show up unregistered?

As long as there are spots left at the workshop you are more than welcome to join us day-of. However these spots are not guaranteed, so we urge you to pre-register to secure your place at a better rate.

Are there any discounts?

We are trying to keep it affordable for everyone so we are offering very few discounts, i.e. we don’t have group or union discounts. But if you register early (before September) or are a student we have savings for you, and check out our Scholarship program, applications due August 15th.

What’s the refund policy?

If something comes up after you register and you need to cancel, we are able to refund you 95% of your registration before September 12th, and 85% if it’s requested on Sept 13th or after. We will also let you defer and come next year. 

 Will SAFD/ DAI certification be available?

We are not providing enough hours to fully certify in a weapon, and will not be offering testing. But all training hours are beneficial, even if they don’t directly contribute to certification.

I’m from out of town, where should I stay?

There are multiple hotels in the area around Greensboro college, at various price points, along with quite a few Airbnb / Vrbo options. We do not have any preferred lodging this year.

Is there parking?

There is plenty of free on campus parking for the workshop. We will send out maps closer to the workshop with detailed information.

What should I bring?

The workshop is over 12 hours of physical classes:

-Clothes that allow for flexibility and movement, including closed toed shoes. (life hack: on long days on your feet, changing your socks at lunch can help refresh yourself)

-Gloves, padding, things that help protect your body in the work (gloves will also be rentable for the weekend if you don’t have any)

-Braces, KT tape, pain killers, thing to support your body with all the additional movement of the weekend

-Deodorant and other things to keep you smelling fresh with all the activity and how close you may get to people, but please do not over do the body sprays

-Water bottles and snacks (there are water fountains to refill your water)

-Notebook or way to take notes, by the end of the weekend it can be information overload so having a place to write things down so you don’t forget is really great.

What do the class experience level mean?

Beginner: Intended for those with no experience, to minimal experience. You’ve maybe taken a class or two on a weapon at another workshop, or performed a couple of fights on stage. When you hear terms it takes you a minute to remember what that means or need it demonstrated, and that’s okay!

Advanced: You’ve studied this weapon extensively, probably have completed multiple long form classes with organizations like SAFD, DAI, or FDC, and might be certified. These classes can jump straight into choreography or advanced techniques, and will gloss over basics of the weapon. You should be confident in the fundamentals of the weapon before heading into these classes.

Intermediate: If you mostly have it down, but you still need reminders sometimes. You are probably intermediate.

Open: Open classes are meant to be open to all levels of experience, they are often special topic classes that have content easily adaptable to all skill levels.

Please keep in mind you can be on different levels on different weapons, and that is completely valid. And even advanced students can still find benefits in taking beginner classes. 

If you have a question about the level of a class please ask either the teacher or a coordinator. 

Am I allowed to bring my own weapons?

This year we are not allowing personal weapons, we will provide you whatever weapons you will need for class.

How do I find out what classes are being offered?

We will be announcing the class schedule soon. Every period will have at least a beginner and open level class.

Saturday you will sign up for a track level and Sunday will be “choose your own adventure” picking classes individually.

Our goal is to let you dive deeper into some of the weapons on Saturday, and then have fun play time on Sunday.