THE BRITISH ACADEMY OF STAGE & SCREEN COMBAT

Question 1

How can I join the BASSC?

Answer

Annual membership costs £25 and runs for a year commencing on April 1st. Fill in the Membership Application Form.

Question 2

What do I get for my membership fee?

Answer

All BASSC members get a discount to all official BASSC workshops, as well as some workshops run by BASSC teachers. You will receive our regular newsletter containing information about news and events in the world of stage combat, details of upcoming classes and workshops and news about the running of the organisation. Members are also entitled to vote and stand for office in the Executive Committee. We are currently working on delivering more benefits for our members, watch this space for more information.

Question 3

I'm not an actor / have no experience, can I still attend classes?

Answer

Yes you can. We welcome everyone from martial artists to fencers, directors and stage managers, and people with no connection to the entertainment industry. If you are willing to have a go and enjoy learning something new then you will be welcome! All our workshops are open to everyone regardless of experience or background. There are also regular classes that are designed for beginners - check out the Courses & Workshops section for more information.

Question 4

I've got experience as a martial artist or performing in fight scenes in plays/films/re-enactment. Can I join an intermediate/advanced class or workshop?

Answer

If you wish to attend the Intermediate/Advanced Actor Combatant Workshop at the British National Stage Combat Workshop then you must have current actor combatant certification in rapier and dagger and unarmed combat with the BASSC or its equivalent with a recognised stage combat organisation eg BADC, SAFD, FDC, SAFDi etc. Please contact the BNSCW Co-ordinator before applying to discuss your previous certification if it is not with the BASSC. Some single weapon courses and workshops run by BASSC Certified Teachers may be identified as intermediate or advanced level. Please contact the teacher of the class to check on what experience or qualification you will be expected to have before you can participate in an intermediate/advanced class.

Question 5

How can I become a stage combat teacher?

Answer

The BASSC runs a Teacher Training Programme (TTP) every three years which runs for one academic year and concludes with the Teacher Certification Workshop (TCW). The next TTP will commence in September 2020. The entry requirements include: -Proof of BASSC membership on entry to the TTP -Documentation showing that the applicant has passed all BASSC recognised weapons: Rapier & Dagger, Sword & Shield, Broadsword, Unarmed Combat, Smallsword, Rapier and Cloak, Quarterstaff, Single Rapier and Knife. All certificates must be current at the time of application to the TTP. -Proof of Advanced Actor/Combatant status in the BASSC ie, passes in a minimum of five current BASSC certificates including Unarmed and Rapier & Dagger of which at least five must be at 'Pass with Distinction' level. -Proof of current Emergency First Aid at Work or equivalent certification. -Proof of a certificate in Mental Health First Aid from a course of at least one (1) day in duration. -References by two BASSC teachers and also a professional reference -Candidates must pass all the requirements of the Teacher Training Programme to enter the TCW. -Candidates may exit the TCW with a Pass, Pass with Probation or Not Pass. -Candidates must have proof of membership of the BASSC for at least 3 years in order to become Certified Teachers For further information please contact the Chair of the Teacher Review Board taylorhohman@gmail.com

Question 6

How can I become a fight director?

Answer

The BASSC supports the Equity Fight Director's Register. Equity has a training program in place to assess all new Fight Director candidates. One of the initial steps is to gain an Advanced level qualification from a stage combat training provider such as the BASSC. For more information on becoming a Fight Director please check the Equity Fight Director's requirements PDF from the Documents section, send us an email or alternatively contact Equity.

Question 7

How can I find a teacher for a workshop?

Answer

Please email the teacher you want to contact in the first instance and provide a phone number and contact email address so that they can respond to you. Please also give as much information as possible about the workshop: location, dates, times, numbers of students and ages if under 18. Alternatively you can fill out the contact form and we will contact the teachers for you.

Question 8

Where can I buy/hire weapons for a production?

Answer

There are many companies both here in the UK and abroad that hire / produce stage combat weapons. If you want to know where we get ours from then please contact us for further information.