2010 National Stage Combat Workshops - Teacher Certification Workshop

The Application Deadline for the 2010 TCW has expired.

 
Held every three years, the Teacher Certification Workshop is an intense testing program for certification as a teacher by the SAFD. In order for the SAFD to not only publicly endorse but also certify someone as a safe and effective teacher of stage combat, there must be a thorough examination of the candidate’s skills over a wide variety of techniques and abilities.
 
It is required that participants in the TCW have thorough training in all eight weapons disciplines tested by the SAFD, and that they be able not only to perform the various techniques but demonstration understanding of the logic of the technique, its use, and how to teach it. Experience in choreography and teaching are essential.
  
The screening of applicants is intended to select those who are ready for assessment at this level. Please give serious consideration as to whether you are prepared for the 2010 TCW. As an applicant to the TCW, it is important that you have a clear understanding of what this program is, what is expected of you, and what you can expect from it.
 
If you have any questions regarding the 2010 TCW, please submit your question to Coordinator J. David Brimmer at JdavidBrimmer [at] aol [dot] com (subject: TCW%20Candidates) (JdavidBrimmer [at] aol [dot] com).
 
TCW Application Information:
 
All materials must be submitted electronically via the SAFD website. This application will become available in the last few months of 2009, and will be announced to the membership when it is available. Tuition for the 2010 TCW is $3000.  Housing costs, if you choose to stay on campus, are $785.
 
If accepted, a $300 security deposit is required to be submitted to the SAFD no later than April 15, 2010 to reserve a spot in the 2010 TCW. This payment may be made through our website after March 31, 2010 or sent directly to the SAFD Secretary.
 
The SAFD does not guarantee acceptance into the TCW for individuals submitting application materials. Candidates fulfilling all application requirements in a timely manner will be given full consideration. The SAFD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or political beliefs. In addition, the selection committee reserves the right to weigh physical space and pedagogical needs when determining acceptance.
 
TCW Application Requirements:
  1. A letter of intent.
  2. Statement of Stage Combat Teaching Philosophy as it relates to Actor Training.
  3. $30 non-refundable application fee. (payable online at www.safd.org)
  4. A letter of recommendation from a past employer or professional contact.
  5. Two SAFD FM, FD or CT references able to comment specifically to the applicant’s teaching ability.
  6. Photo copies of current SAFD Skill Proficiency certificates in all 8 weapon disciplines. If you are unable to locate a current SAFD certificate, please attach a word document that lists the missing information: weapon, date, teacher, and adjudicator. We will confirm with the SAFD Secretary and contact you with any questions.
  7. Current vitae, which must include:
    1. Experience as a teacher rather than as an assistant. This doesn’t need to be teaching stage combat.*
    2. Experience choreographing fights.*
  8. Documentation showing a minimum of 40 hours trained in each weapon discipline.
  9. Documentation showing training with a minimum of two teachers in each weapon discipline.
  10. Documentation of an undergraduate degree in performance studies or equivalent training.
  11. A photo copy of current First Aid and CPR Certificates from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association and/or other certifying bodies recognized by the SAFD Governing Body.
  12. Recent footage taken of the candidate performing one phrase of their own choreography in Unarmed and Rapier & Dagger.
  13. A photocopy of the candidate’s SAFD membership card, showing that the applicant is an Actor/ Combatant member in good standing, and has been for a minimum of five years. If you are unable to locate your membership card, please outline your membership history in a word document. We will confirm with the SAFD Secretary and contact you with any questions.
Strongly suggested training and experience; not required:
  1. Demonstration of a thorough understanding regarding the logic, tactics, and usage of each weapon discipline.
  2. Experience in researching the real life application and evolution of the 8 weapon disciplines from a historical perspective. This would include both civilian and military usage as well as their geographic significance.
  3. Experience performing fights.
  4. Actor Training.
  5. Training in other movement disciplines such as martial arts, mask work, commedia del arte, clown, Suzuki, Pilates, Alexander, Feldenkrais, dance, period movement and manners, etc.
  6. Demonstration of familiarity with principal works of western dramatic literature, specifically those that require the use of stage combat.
Application Deadline:
All applications must be submitted no later than February 1, 2010.
 
Acceptance Notification:
All applicants will be notified regarding acceptance or denial by March 31, 2010.
 
* The SAFD does not encourage individuals to teach any discipline or choreograph fights that they are not qualified and confident to teach.