Workshop
Stage Fencing

Stage fencing has long been a core part of drama school training — and for good reason. Ilian Simeonow teaches fencing as a performative art: technically precise, scenically convincing, and safe for everyone involved.

What This Workshop Develops

Alongside the obvious advantages at castings for relevant productions, stage fencing training builds the following qualities:

• Concentration — precision in the moment, focus on your partner
• Fitness & Endurance — fencing is physically demanding
• Inner Calm & Confidence — control under pressure
• Responsibility for Your Partner — safety as a shared goal
• Precision — exact execution of every movement

Fencing is also an excellent way to build general health, fitness and athleticism.

Who Is This Workshop For?

This workshop is open to sport fencers, interested laypersons and actors alike. Brave beginners are also very welcome — you will learn something regardless of your level.

The training content is similar to a beginner fencing workshop but at a higher level, with the emphasis on tactics and their application in stage combat.

Renaissance weapon combinations such as rapier and dagger or cloak and rapier are historically central — the workshop focuses on the rapier as the primary weapon. Single- or two-handed weapons and combinations such as shield and axe or lance are also possible on request.

What Will You Learn?

Key elements of the course:

• Physical Conditioning — general and fencing-specific
• Strength & Endurance
• Reaction & Stretching
• Technique & Tactics
• Footwork
• Partner Exercises
• Attack & Defence Techniques — culminating in a short staged choreography

What to Bring

• Comfortable sportswear
• Indoor sports shoes
• Gloves
• Good mood

No prior experience in stage combat is required. Weapons are provided — but feel free to bring your own.