Introduction to Stage Combat invites participants into the thrilling world of theatrical combat, where safety meets spectacle and choreography blends with storytelling. In this dynamic workshop, students will learn the fundamental techniques of stage combat, including unarmed combat and choreographed fight sequences. Led by experienced fight directors and instructors, participants will explore the principles of timing, distance, and precision essential for creating convincing and safe combat on stage. Through hands-on training, demonstrations, and rehearsal, students will develop the skills to execute realistic and dramatic fight scenes while prioritizing the safety of themselves and their scene partners. Whether you are an actor, director, or simply intrigued by the art of stage combat, this workshop is for you.
About the Instructor
Gregg Lloyd, MFA, is a Professor of Acting and Stage Combat at Christopher Newport University and the resident Fight Director for the Virginia Stage Company and the Virginia Opera. He received his M.F.A. in Acting from Western Illinois University, is a Certified Teacher of Stage Combat with the Society of American Fight Directors, and holds Black Belts in Hapkido, TangSooDo, and Kabuto. As an actor, director, and fight director, Gregg has professional credits from around the country, from Chicago to Dallas and from the east coast to the Mississippi. He has worked in a variety of venues ranging from regional theaters and rep companies to amusement parks and Medieval Times.
His recent acting credits include: Red, 1776, Comic Potential, Sunday in the Park with George, The Foreigner, and Little Shop of Horrors. Fight direction credits include: The Great Gatsby, Actus Fidei, Romeo and Juliet, Our Country’s Good, Ragtime, I Hate Hamlet, Of Mice and Men, The Tales of Hoffman, and Il Tovatore. He has also directed When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder, Once Upon a Mattress, Be Aggressive, The Adding Machine and I Hate Hamlet at CNU. Gregg dedicates his work to his lovely wife Laura and his awesome children, Gwyneth and Spencer.
This class is produced in partnership with the Hampton Arts.
