Upskill at Central: Dramatic Combat

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Course Title

Upskill at Central: Dramatic Combat 

British Academy of Dramatic Combat Standard Level Certification in Unarmed Combat 

Want to try your hand at fighting for stage and screen and gain an industry recognised certification in the process? Then join us for Dramatic Combat this Summer!

This 5-day intensive course focuses on the fundamental skills and principles required for performing effective, believable and safe unarmed (hand to hand) combat for stage and screen- the most frequently used skill in any actor-combatant’s toolkit.

Course Content

The training will enable participants to gain understanding and confidence in physical techniques and performance skills, participants will learn how to:

  • Collaborate with a partner and remain safe in physical action
  • Sell a convincing attack
  • Construct and perform believable reactions
  • Use intention and character in physical storytelling
  • Combine and fully embody action and text

The training is progressive and culminates in a fight performance which is assessed by a British Academy of Dramatic Combat Examiner. Participants perform a choreographed fight with a partner within the context of a scripted scene. If successful, performers will attain a BADC Standard Level Certification in Unarmed Combat, which is industry recognised by Equity and Spotlight.

Due to the nature of the course minimum training hours are required to enter the Examination therefore you must have 100% attendance for the full 5 days. Please note that the course is intensive, very active and requires sustained mental and physical engagement each day.

Stage and screen combat practice is designed to be inclusive for the management of pre existing conditions or learning needs. Please mention this information on sign up so the the tutor can be informed prior to the start of the course.

Course Fees - £550
Course Dates

Monday 8 July - Friday 12 July

1 week, 5 sessions (Mon - Fri), 10am – 5pm | Book your place


Booking Information

Our courses are available on a first come, first served basis in order of payment.

To secure a place, please take the following steps:

  • Read through our Terms and Conditions before booking
  • Click on ‘Book your place’ above. Please make sure you are booking for the correct course and option (i.e. Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu if more than one option is available)
  • Click ‘Select’ and follow the steps through to the completion of booking
  • If your preferred dates are sold out, you can click ‘Join Waiting List’ and we will let you know if a place becomes available

This course is suitable for anyone over the age of 18 who is interested in developing their stage combat skills. No previous experience required. 

Days Various. This course is delivered over 5 days.
TimesAll times listed are either GMT or GMT +1 (depending on the time of year). If you’re joining from overseas, please use a timezone convertor before booking to establish what the local time will be for you. 
AgeThe minimum age is 18 on the first day of the course. There is no upper age limit.
Max. class size14 students
Course DeliveryAll of the Summer Short Courses take place onsite at our Swiss Cottage campus in London. 
International students

We welcome International Students to our courses, however please ensure you are on the correct visa.

As our Summer Short Courses are classed as part-time, non-accredited short courses they are not eligible for a Tier 4 Student Visa however you may be eligible for a Short Term Study Visa.

Language requirementsApplicants must be confident speaking and reading English to a conversational level (IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent). You may be expected to read texts/scripts that have advanced vocabulary.
AttendanceDue to the structure and the collaborative nature of the courses, full attendance is requested.
RefundsWe are able to offer a full refund up until 7 days before the course begins. After this, the course will become fully non-refundable.
Cancellations Central reserves the right to cancel this course if we do not meet the minimum number of participants. In this instance, a full refund will be made to you. We are unable to refund any other costs you may have incurred.

We have a limited number of bursary places available for this course. 

To be eligible, you must live in England and meet one of the following criteria:   

  • I am from a black or global majority background
  • I have a registered disability

To apply, please complete a bursary application form.

A member of the team will be in touch with the outcome 2 weeks prior to the start of the course. If you have any questions, please contact us at short.courses@cssd.ac.uk.

Alumni of undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma courses are eligible for 10% off this Artist Development course.

You will be able to claim the discount when offered a place on the course, by contacting short.courses@cssd.ac.uk.

What our students say...

“The training has greatly influenced me as a performer, by sharpening my focus and awareness as well as giving me the tools I needed to specialise in an area I love. I think it will greatly enhance my casting.” 

Rouven, 2019

“For me, it was a perfect balance between armed and unarmed fighting. The kit helped me to learn the basics of those two areas but also to get a better awareness of my whole body.” 

Patrick, 2019

Recent Tutors

Bethan Clark

Bethan Clark is a Fight Director, Action Coordinator and Certified Senior Teacher with the British Academy of Dramatic Combat.

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