Member Article

En garde - stage and screen combat course brings drama to Merseyside

A Merseyside college is due to host an intensive two-week training master class on combat choreography for TV, film and theatre.

Hugh Baird College, based in Bootle, is opening its doors to Rc-Annie, one of the UK’s leading “dramatic action” companies.

Rc- Annie delivers combat performance training for many genres including West End productions and feature films to community projects and music videos. It will lead the specialist course, running from April 7 to 18, in the performance pod at the college’s new £8m L20 Building, which was opened earlier this year.

Students enrolling on the course, which still has places available, will receive a nationally recognised certificate from BADC (British Academy of Dramatic Combat) on completion.

Hugh Baird College performing arts programme manager Nathan Marsh said the event signals their intent to deliver industry leading tuition and training opportunities.

“We are very pleased to be welcoming Rc-Annie to roll out this unique training experience,” said Mr Marsh. “The company is well established and respected in the industry having delivered training for major UK and international drama schools and universities.

“We are delighted to be one of a select few higher education providers on Merseyside to introduce stage combat as part of its course offering. The intensive two-week workshop is also open to professional actors.

“Our partnership with Rc-Annie is a perfect example of the ambition we have at Hugh Baird College to develop links with industry at a national level to elevate education experiences for people across our region.

“Two of our college students, studying first year foundation degrees in Creating Performance, have been offered scholarships to take part in the event. Another three college students are using their college bursaries to take part.”

Rc-Annie was set up in 2005 by Ruth Cooper-Brown and Rachel Cristi Bown-Williams who have broad experience as BADC teachers and fight directing for theatre and film.

They have delivered courses and training at internationally recognised institutions including The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, University of London, and Florida State University. Its team of associate teachers has experience in Sanjuro martial arts, fight choreography and stage combat tuition.

Ms Cooper- Brown said: “We are very excited to be delivering our combat training master class at a Merseyside college for the first time. The North West region is renowned for its passion in performing arts. We are looking forward to presenting an entirely new opportunity.

“Screen and stage fighting requires a complex combination of movement, control and coordination while at the same time maintaining the emotional truth of a character. Our team benefits from worldwide experience across many platforms including TV, film and theatre.

“We can promise all those taking part a high-octane and hugely enjoyable fortnight of first class stage and screen combat training.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .