FAQ's

What is the minimum age requirement?

18 years old.  If you are younger then please contact the workshop coordinator in order to discuss the possibility of being admitted.

What are the physical requirements for participation?

Participants should have a basic level of physical fitness. If you can jog around the block or easily tackle a two mile hike, you are probably going to enjoy your experience to the fullest. Participation is optional and at the discretion of the participants and instructors.

Do I need to be a member of Art of Combat to take the workshop?

No. You are welcome to register for the workshop and take advantage of the training at any level. Your hours and work will not count towards moving up in the ranks of AoC unless you are already a member though.

Where is the workshop?

The workshop is held in the center of the world – New York City. Exact location will be announced soon.

How much is the workshop?

The workshop is $700 for an entire week of training (there are discounts for early registration).  You will be working over 60 hours in 6 days so be prepared for an intense experience.

Where can I stay?

For more information please go to the Accommodations page.

Will I get a “certification”?

The workshop is intended to be a training camp in order to learn the skills that make you stand out as a fighter or fight director. With that in mind, we build the workshop around the needs of the participants. If you are a AoC member working towards fulfilling certain requirements within the organization then let the workshop coordinator know what your needs are and we will do our best to facilitate them during the week.

What do I need to bring?

Scenes, roles and the “director’s concept” will be assigned in advance so that you have time to prepare. Time is short so Combatants and On Track participants will be expected to have lines memorized prior to arrival. This will allow us to focus on the acting and combat to quickly get each scene performance ready.

All participants should start thinking about costumes, props, etc. Bring anything you have that would be useful. These can be elaborate or simple “suggestions” of a character. Please bring extra (if you can) to share with fellow participants which will help enhance the scenes and overall production.

If you have fencing equipment please plan to bring it as well as any relevant weapons you have.

What is the “Participants’ Page”?

Participants will receive a login and password with their final confirmation.  This will let you access your scenes, talk to your partners, fight director or combatants in advance to help coordinate.

What are the levels or ranks in Art of Combat?

CERTIFIED UNIVERSITY INSTRUCTOR
A Certified University Instructor, or CUI, is an FD who has fulfilled the requirements to be certified by AoC to teach university level classes. They have all the responsibilities of the Fight Director listed above, but also may appoint assistants for any classes they teach at the college/university level.

FIGHT DIRECTOR
The Fight Director in Art of Combat holds all the responsibilities of the Combatant level, and also represents AoC in any and all physical work sequences and fight choreography. FDs have full voting rights and are responsible for appointing Combatants to positions listed below, promotions to FD status, and final resolution on any and all disciplinary measures. Every four (4) month period from their promotion to FD, they must attend no less than four (4) fight related events.

AUTHORIZED COMBAT INSTRUCTOR
The Authorized Combat Instructor, or ACI, is a Combatant who has successfully completed a specified number of hours training actors in stage combat under the direct supervision of an Art of Combat Fight Director, and who has been given permission to teach a specific style of combat for stage to members of AoC as well as non-members. The ACI may call and host workshops for AoC members, and take jobs teaching workshops to clients in those styles in which he/she has been granted ACI status only.

COMBATANT
These members represent AoC at the non-choreography level. Combatants may serve as fighters, extras, weapons masters, class assistants, trainers, fight captains and assistant fight directors. Combatants carry full voting rights in the company on policies and procedures. They may propose Amendments to the By-Laws. Every 4 month period, from their promotion to Combatant, they must attend no less than four (4) fight related events.