Membership Levels and Fees

Through the Academy of Fight Directors Canada, we offer four levels of training for performers- Youth, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. We use a progressive approach to actor training, allowing actor/combatants to build on prior skills and to eventually achieve a world-class standard of performance.

The Academy also offers apprenticeship and training for Fight Instructors who are qualified to teach all twelve disciplines across all actor/combatant levels.

Membership in Fight Directors Canada and The Academy of Fight Directors Canada costs $40 per year, and allows members in good standing access to our newsletter and online training resources, discounts at participating schools and props rental houses, and a voice in the future of FDC. There are discounts on memberships for Youth members, and for Basic members who are currently enrolled at a post-secondary school.

For a one-time fee of $30, members can also have a personal online profile in our searchable member directory. More member benefits are being added all the time!

New members can register at any time through our online registration page. Current or returning members should visit our membership renewal page (note that you must be logged in to view this page).

Details of the various levels can be found below.

Membership Levels and Fees

Through the Academy of Fight Directors Canada, we offer four levels of training for performers- Youth, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. We use a progressive approach to actor training, allowing actor/combatants to build on prior skills and to eventually achieve a world-class standard of performance.

The Academy also offers apprenticeship and training for Fight Instructors who are qualified to teach all twelve disciplines across all actor/combatant levels.

Membership in Fight Directors Canada and The Academy of Fight Directors Canada costs $40 per year, and allows members in good standing access to our newsletter and online training resources, discounts at participating schools and props rental houses, and a voice in the future of FDC. There are discounts on memberships for Youth members, and for Basic members who are currently enrolled at a post-secondary school.

For a one-time fee of $30, members can also have a personal online profile in our searchable member directory. More member benefits are being added all the time!

New members can register at any time through our online registration page. Current or returning members should visit our membership renewal page (note that you must be logged in to view this page).

Details of the various levels can be found below.

Membership at the Associate level is opening to anyone who is interested in joining FDC. Associate members are not certified as actor/combatants, but otherwise enjoy all the benefits of FDC membership- a vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM),  access to online resources, and discounts for many FDC events. 

While Basic Actor/Combatant training is limited to adults age 18 and up, AFDC's Youth certification allows people aged 14-17 a chance to begin their training before they are eligible for Basic.

This preparatory course serves as an introduction to stage combat, including concepts like stage awareness, partnering, and creating believable illusions. The Youth Actor-Combatant is competent in the weapon systems at this level, and above all, safe. Youth students will also learn about the history and practice of stage combat, and the current practices within the industry.

The weapons at this level are Unarmed and Single Sword.

Unarmed

Unarmed combat is the most often used fighting in any performance. This includes falls, slaps, hair pulls, chokes, among others. High emotion drives these ordinary people to violence, so it is a great starting-point for actors.

Sword

Generic swordplay may be taught using a variety of swords, most commonly epee blades. FDC insists on blunt metal swords. The style is ahistorical, but may be characterized as “swashbuckling” or “sabre-like”. It is, however, based on proper fencing concepts and forms a foundation for historical styles studied later.

 

A Youth Certification is valid for three years, and can be renewed should it lapse before the student turns 18. A discounted membership rate of $50 for the duration is offered to all Youth members.

Note that FDC policy states that all prospective Actor/Combatants must hold a valid membership for the duration of their certification prior to testing.

The first level of certification is considered to be essential for all professional actors. The Basic Actor-Combatant is competent in the weapon systems at this level, and above all, safe.

The candidate must complete a course with a certified FDC Instructor (or higher) with a minimum duration of 60 hours.

The weapons at this level are Unarmed, Single Sword, and Staff.

Unarmed

Unarmed combat is the most often used fighting in any performance. This includes falls, slaps, hair pulls, chokes, among others. High emotion drives these ordinary people to violence, so it is a great starting-point for actors.

Single Sword

Generic swordplay may be taught using a variety of swords, most commonly epee blades. FDC insists on blunt metal swords. The style is ahistorical, but may be characterized as “swashbuckling” or “sabre-like”. It is, however, based on proper fencing concepts and forms a foundation for historical styles studied later.

Staff

Staff fights are less common in professional theatre, but the skills learned in staff class are highly transferrable and pave the way for further advancement. Training in staff from the beginning gives the actor the challenges of a long weapon, using two hands simultaneously, and judging different distances.

 

Basic Actor/Combatant certification is for 3 years, and membership fees are C$40 per year ($120 total). Note that there is a discount rate for post-secondary students ($25/year, $75 total).

The second level of certification begins a study of historical fighting styles in broad strokes. The Intermediate Actor-Combatant is skilled in the weapon systems at this level, and always safe.

The candidate must complete a course with a certified FDC Instructor (or higher) with a minimum duration of 80 hours.

The weapons at this level are: Unarmed Martial Arts, Smallsword, Two-Handed Sword, and Sword and Companion

 

Unarmed Martial Arts

A continuation from Basic Unarmed, at Intermediate we take inspiration from formal martial arts styles and the portrayal of trained/skilled characters.

Smallsword

The latest evolution of the dueling sword was the smallsword, a light thin blade that was mostly a thrusting weapon. The ability to manipulate such a light and fast weapon with precision and safety is challenging.

Two-Handed Sword

If one hand is good, two is better! These weapons teach leverage, momentum, and the illusion of power. Weapon possibilities include but are not limited to: Longsword, Claymore, Dadao, Katana, Miaodao, Nodachi, or even Laser Sword.

Sword and Companion

The coordination of two hands with two different weapons is a special challenge. With a sword in the dominant hand and a smaller companion weapon in the other, the actor learns the tools and techniques that figure in some of the most exciting stage fights. Weapon possibilities include but are not limited to: Rapier and Dagger, Daishō (i.e. Katana and Wakizashi), Cutlass and Tomahawk, and more.

 

Intermediate Actor/Combatant certification is for 3 years, and membership fees are C$40 per year ($120 total).

The final level of certification for performers refines and perfects the actor’s skills and knowledge. Fight Directors Canada only awards Advanced Actor-Combatant to those candidates who appear flawless, fast and unfailingly safe.
The candidate must complete a course with a certified FDC Instructor (or higher) with a minimum duration of 100 hours.

The weapons at this level are: Advanced Martial Concepts, Advanced Point Work, Weapon and Shield, Complex Weapons, and Found/Environmental Weapons

 

Advanced Martial Concepts

This discipline will focus on the advanced application of time, distance, proportion, and footwork as it relates to unarmed martial arts. Focus will also be given towards advanced applications of weight sharing, tighter cueing, and closer distance combat. A small, single-handed weapon (e.g. knife, short stick, spike) may be used, and the opportunity is also available, to introduce students to transitioning techniques from stage to other mediums (such as film or motion capture).

Advanced Point Work

This can be any point-based, primarily thrusting weapon or weapon style that is operated with one hand. This discipline will focus on the advanced application of time, distance, and proportion, and footwork as it relates to the point.

Weapon & Shield

Visibility is a major challenge for this weapon combination. The actor will also master the different ways of using a shield for defense and attack. Weapon or style possibilities include but are not limited to: Sword and Buckler, Greek or Medieval Sword and Shield, Spear and Shield, Macuahuitl and Shield, Zulu Stick and Shield, and more.

Complex Weapons

Complex weapons of any origin may be explored in this discipline, provided they are different in shape/movement to weapons explored in previous levels. A portion of the course must be dedicated to the use of a flexible weapon. Possibilities include but are not limited to: Rapier and Cloak, Case of Rapiers, Double Stick, Fan, Gunstock War Club, Halberd, Hook Swords, Jian, Jutte, Kama, Katar, Khopesh, Kusari-Fundo, Naginata, Ngulu, Nunchaku, Rope, Shuang Dao, Tomahawk and Knife, Tonfa, and more.

Found/Environmental Weapons

The object used as a weapon instead of its intended use can be a source of comedy, or a sign of frantic desperation. The actor must be aware of the behaviour and limitations of those objects, and their use to optimum effect in a scene.

 

Advanced Actor/Combatant certification is for 5 years, and membership fees are C$40 per year ($200 total).

After completing Advanced Actor/Combatant training, members who wish to become Fight Instructors must apply to become an apprentice to begin their training as a Fight Instructor. Prospective apprentices are supervised by at least one Fight Master and/or two Fight Directors throughout their apprenticeship, and are expected to complete at least 350 hours as an assistant, to act as a Journeyperson at the Nationals or equivalent workshop, and have certifications in First Aid/CPR and firearms safety, as well as have a strong understanding of FDC standards and techniques at all levels, our Policies and Procedures, and more. A complete list of requirements for apprentice application and course of study can be found in our Policies and Procedures, section 3.

A prospective Fight Instructor must be a member in good standing for 3 years prior to becoming an apprentice, and for 5 years before testing.

Fight Instructor certifiation is good for 5 years, and must be renewed in order to continue to be valid.

For inquires regarding the apprenticeship process, please contact our Director of Administration at membershipadmin(at)fdc.ca.

The Registry of Fight Directors is not a training program overseen by the Academy of Fight Directors Canada, but rather an association of stage combat professionals. It is not necessary to be a member of FDC prior to applying, nor do you need to have trained as an FDC Actor/Combatant or Instructor.

Individuals wishing to become FDC Fight Directors are expected to have an extensive list of professional stage combat direction credits, to be able to demonstrate knowledge, professionalism, adaptability, diplomacy, and creativity.

Complete details on the application process and requirements can be found in our Policies and Procedures, Section 4.

Fight Director certification is good for 5 years, and is renewed automatically upon payment of membership dues for the new certification period.

For inquires regarding the application process, please contact our Director of Administration at membershipadmin(at)fdc.ca.