Sword & Shield Stage Combat Cerification Course

ENROLLMENT CLOSES APRIL 8, 2025.

MARCH 25- JUNE 25, 2025 | TUESDAYS | 6:30 PM- 8:30 PM

S T. MARY'S AT PENN | 3916 LOCUST WALK | PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104

All experience levels are welcome!

Open to artists, students, and enthusiasts.

Ages 18+ | (16+ with signed Parent/Guardian Consent)

Due to the physical nature of this course and requirement for close proximity, all students must be fully vaccinated upon enrollment.

Argent Combat is a Philadelphia-based organization of students, performers, choreographers, and instructors of Theatrical Violence and Stage Combat. We are dedicated to promoting safety and fostering the excellence and proficiency of action-oriented entertainment.

Stage Combat refers to all acts of conflict, danger, and violence performed for entertainment. A slap to the face, a fall down some stairs, an epic fifteen-person battle with swords and axes - all of these are stage combat. More than just set moves, true stage combat uses violence to tell a story, just as dance choreography, set design, or costuming can.

All of Argent Combat’s Stage Combat classes emphasize a nonviolent approach to stage violence as well as the actor’s rights and responsibilities when required to perform fight scenes. Our Classroom Decorum and Conduct can be found here.

Each class in this course will begin with a physical warm-up and an evening class focusing on the Sword & Shield Stage Combat discipline. These classes will be led by J. Oliver Donahue, Certified Instructor with both the Society of American Fight Directors and Fight Directors Canada. Classes will also feature "bite-sized" lessons in Theatrical Thanatology (study of death performance and morbidity) led by Brittany Holdahl Donahue, CEOLD.

After fulfilling a minimum of 30 hours of class time, students will have the opportunity to take the Society of American Fight Directors' Skills Proficiency Test to potentially become certified in this discipline.

Payment plans and scholarships are available for those experiencing financial hardships.

Email [email protected] to learn more!

Video: Sword & Shield fight feat. J. Oliver Donahue & Roman. Videographer Credit: 95 Runagates

Featured: J. Oliver Donahue & Steve Wei. Photographer: Kenny Nguyen

Featured: J. Oliver Donahue instructing students at the Philadelphia Stage Combat Workshop 2019. Photographer: Kenny Nguyen

Featured: J. Oliver Donahue instructing students at the PSCW 2019. Photographer: Kenny Nguyen

Host or Publisher Argent Combat