Michael Saubert (He/Him/His)

Advanced Actor Combatant, Co-Founder of Open Gate Movement Arts

Michael is a multi-talented artist based in Chicago, with a diverse range of skills and experience. As an actor, teacher, choreographer, and stuntman, he brings a unique blend of creativity and physicality to his work. 


Michael holds a BFA in Performance from The University of Illinois at Chicago, where he honed his craft and developed a strong foundation in the arts. 


In addition to his work in the theater, Michael is a founding member of Open Gate Movement Arts, an organization dedicated to providing accessible stage combat training in the Chicagoland area. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills with others, and is recognized as an Assistant to Fight Master Chuck Coyl at the Actors Gymnasium.


Michael's talent extends beyond the stage, as he is also a member of two motion capture teams for Netherrealm Studios and Raven Studios. His work can be seen in popular video games such as Mortal Kombat 11, Mortal Kombat Aftermath, Mortal Kombat Onslaught, MK 1, Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War, and Call of Duty Vanguard.


Outside of his professional pursuits, Michael is a dedicated practitioner of Shaolin Kung Fu and Sanda, further enhancing his physical abilities and discipline.


With his impressive range of skills, experience, and dedication to his craft, Michael is a dynamic and versatile artist who continues to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry.


Skill Proficiency History

Date Weapon Location Grade

Open Gate Movement Arts Winter 2022

Dec 10, 2022 Broadsword Chicago, Illinois Recommended Pass

Quarterstaff Test 1 Fall 2022 AG

Dec 4, 2022 Quarterstaff Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Actor's Gym Summer Firearms Course

Sep 18, 2022 Firearm Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Spring SPR Workshop, second round

Mar 20, 2022 Rapier and Dagger Chicago, Illinois Recommended Pass

Spring SPR Workshop

Mar 6, 2022 Small Sword Chicago, Illinois Recommended Pass
Mar 6, 2022 Broadsword and Shield Chicago, Illinois Recommended Pass

Single Sword SPR

Jan 23, 2022 Single Sword Chicago, Illinois Recommended Pass

Knife SPR Workshop

Oct 30, 2021 Knife CHICAGO, Illinois Recommended Pass

Unarmed SPR

Oct 2, 2021 Unarmed CHICAGO, Illinois Recommended Pass

Midsommer Flight SPR Workshop

Dec 7, 2019 Broadsword Chicago, Illinois Recommended Pass

Quarterstaff renewal

Dec 1, 2019 Quarterstaff Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Actor's Gym Rapier and Dagger Winter 2019

Mar 31, 2019 Rapier and Dagger Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Actor's Gym Fall 2018

Dec 2, 2018 Unarmed Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Small Sword Actor's Gym June 2018

Jun 3, 2018 Small Sword Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass
Jun 3, 2018 Unarmed Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Spring 2018 Single Sword Test

Mar 25, 2018 Single Sword Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Actor's Gym Spring of 2017 Knife

Jun 4, 2017 Broadsword and Shield Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass
Jun 4, 2017 Knife Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Broadsword Spring of 2017

Mar 19, 2017 Broadsword Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass
Mar 19, 2017 Quarterstaff Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Rapier and Dagger Fall of 2016 Actor's Gym

Dec 18, 2016 Rapier and Dagger Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Spring 2016 Actor's Gym Quarterstaff

Jun 5, 2016 Quarterstaff Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Spring 2016 Actor's Gym Single Sword

Feb 21, 2016 Single Sword Evanston, Illinois Basic Pass

Actor's Gymnasium Fall of 2015

Nov 22, 2015 Unarmed Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Spring 2015 Smallsword test

Jun 7, 2015 Small Sword Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Actor's Gymnasium

Feb 8, 2015 Knife Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass
Nov 30, 2014 Broadsword Evanston, Illinois Recommended Pass

Actor's Gym

Jun 8, 2014 Broadsword and Shield Evanston, Illinois Basic Pass