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What's New - Classes and Events

Theatrical Stage Combat Classes

Unless otherwise noted, all of our classes take place at the Rapier Wit Studio. Rapier Wit is one block south of King Street and just west of Bathurst Street. Wellington is a one-way street going west, and the Rapier Wit studio is the third unit in the second building on the south (left) side. We're easy to spot from the street, being the only people in the neighbourhood with a big ol' rapier painted on our garage door! We are accessible by Bathurst and King streetcars. Parking is available in front of the studio if you're early, or nearby on Wellington Street. Local landmarks: The Wheat Sheaf pub, Waddington's Auction House, Factory Theatre.

Please note that our minimum age for class participation is 18; we will consider admitting younger students only on a case-by-case basis.

Classes and Workshops at Rapier Wit

Rapier Wit's

PAL (Possession and Acquisition Licence)

Stage and Screen Firearm Safety Course

Saturday Feb. 27, Sunday Feb. 28 and Sunday March 7, 2010

at the Rapier Wit Studio

Rapier Wit’s Possession and Acquisition License Course will give participants the opportunity to earn their firearm licenses while training in safe and effective performance techniques for stage and film. This is a ‘must’ course for actors, directors, and stage managers. Its depth and focus on the entertainment industry make it the only one of its kind in Ontario. For liability and safety reasons, it is best practice for all theatre companies to have a licensed PAL holder on staff if firearms or replica firearms are being used in a production. This unique workshop takes three days to complete with over twenty hours of training and testing in non-restricted, restricted firearms, and prohibited devices.

PAL portion (days 1 & 2) taught and examined by Canadian Firearms Safety Course Instructors Greg Jacobs and David Kwok.

Stage and screen practical course (day 3) taught by FDC Fight Master Daniel Levinson.

Tuition covers:

Non-restricted firearm textbook, training and testing
Restricted firearm textbook, training and testing
Stage and screen combat-specific topics: safety, aesthetics, choices in blank ammunition and instruction in stage and screen combat performance scenarios
Experience firing various blank firearms (long arms and handguns)

Class dates and times:

Saturday, February 27 9 AM – 6 PM

Sunday, February 28 9 AM – 6 PM

Sunday, March 7 10 AM – 3 PM

Workshop fees:

Regular fee: $505.00 CDN (includes GST)

Professional discount: $388.50 for members of Rapier Wit, FDC, ACTRA, Equity, and IATSE if paid in full before Monday, February 15th.

Please note: there is an additional $80 that must be paid directly to the Canadian Government for the Possession and Acquisition License. This fee will not be paid at the time of the workshop. Instructions for paying it will be given during the course.

Notes:

Space is limited. A $100 non-refundable deposit is needed to hold a place in the workshop..
Times and instructors are subject to change, but as much advance notice of changes as possible will be given.

Have questions? Want to register? Call us at (416) 534-1947, or send an e-mail to danielatrapierwitdotcom.

Rapier Wit's

Winter 2010 Stage Combat Classes

at the Rapier Wit Studio

Wondering how to start the new year? Choose a career enhancing, body building, soul-enriching workshop at Rapier Wit, Canada’s oldest continuous stage combat school. Join a Rapier Wit class and start improving your physical acting technique immediately in a safe, supportive and fun environment!

This January, join some of Canada's best industry professionals as we take you through training designed to help you grow as a physical performer. These weekly classes will focus on acting fundamentals combined with techniques for successfully creating the illusion of violence. Participants will have the opportunity to test for certification with Fight Directors Canada, Canada's only nation-wide and internationally recognized stage combat association. The rigorously-developed FDC syllabus, known worldwide for its depth and quality, includes a wide range of industry-tested techniques taught by certified, experienced instructors. Space is limited, so register early!

General notes:

Students are welcome to take any class à la carte. In order to be eligible to test for Fight Directors Canada certification, however, participants must take all disciplines within the desired level.
All hours below are training hours only and do not include the free extra time given to participants for their certification exams or rehearsal hours.
Certification package includes classes, exam training days, all paperwork, and adjudication fees.
Learning to partner effectively is a key component of stage combat training. Please note that students are partnered for exams, and partner rehearsal time is necessary in order to prepare adequately for testing. Space is available at the Rapier Wit studio free of charge to students for rehearsal, and schedules can be worked out between partners according to what works best for both parties. Students wishing to pursue certification should bear in mind that in order for everyone to achieve the best possible results, it will be necessary for them to dedicate some time outside of regular classes to partner practice and to make a sincere effort to honour their commitments to their partners.
We are committed to helping our students achieve their goals and are always happy to answer questions. Feel free to call or e-mail us with whatever inquiries you have regarding certification, testing, time commitments, class schedules, stage combat disciplines, physical requirements, FDC...anything you want to know!
Times, dates and instructors are subject to change where absolutely necessary, but every effort will be made to give reasonable notice.

Class dates and times

Basic Level/Foundation Winter 2010

Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 7 PM to 10 PM

Unarmed Tuesdays January 12 to February 9, 2010

Single Sword Wednesdays January 13 to February 10, 2010

Quarterstaff Tuesdays February 16 to March 16, 2010

Exam prep Wednesdays February 17 to March 24, 2010

Minimum 6 students, maximum 10

Intermediate Level Winter 2010 (continuing) *course full*

Friday mornings 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Broadsword & Small Sword Friday January 15 - March 26, 2010

Final Week Intensive Monday March 29 to Saturday April 4, 2010, 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM

*Participants must take both Fridays and Final Week Intensive to be eligible to test for FDC certification*

Minimum 6 students, maximum 8

Course Fees

All prices below include GST and are in Canadian funds.
A $100 deposit is required in order to hold a space in a class.
We accept cheques, credit cards (through PayPal), and cash. Please note that there will be a 20.00 charge for NSF cheques.
Payment may be paid in $100 installments for certification courses; full balance must be paid by exam date.
The term 'members' refers here to members of Rapier Wit, Fight Directors Canada (FDC), Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA) and ACTRA. Member rates are only applicable when fees are paid in full before the first class. Membership with Fight Directors Canada is $40 per year. Visit www.fdc.ca to join and save!

Individual classes ("à-la-carte" option):

$556.50 per individual discipline for non-members, $446.25 for members.

Class packages, no certification (no additional prep classes or final week intensives):

*Non-members save 20%, members save 33%

Basic package (3 disciplines) - $1335.60 for non-members, $897.75 for members

Full certification packages (includes exam training days, all paperwork and adjudication fees):

*In order to certify students must become members of Fight Directors Canada. $40 membership fee payable directly to FDC.

Basic package (3 disciplines) - $992.25

Have questions? Want to register? Call us at (416) 534-1947, or send an e-mail to danielatrapierwitdotcom.

Monday Open Technique Nights at the Rapier Wit Studio

Mondays, 7 PM to 10 PM

A long-running Rapier Wit tradition, these ongoing Monday evening drop-in workshops are open to everyone. Each night is a complete class, and you are welcome to come as often as you like. Material covered is varied and tailored to the desires of those in attendance. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of stage combat, keep your skills up, or just unwind after a hard day! Evenings run from 7:00-10:00. Classes run every Monday year-round, subject to instructor availability. If we have to cancel a Monday, we usually post a notice here in advance. However, if you're coming from afar and want to double-check that there will be a class, please feel free to call to confirm that the Monday you're planning to attend is running. As always, questions are welcome! For more information you can call us at 416-534-1947, or send an e-mail to danielATrapierwitDOTcom.

One Monday of each month has now been designated 'Master Monday'. Master Mondays will feature Rapier Wit or guest instructors giving a three-hour overview of a particular technique or weapon. Descriptions of upcoming Master Mondays will be posted below, along with any training prerequisites that are preferred. As always, feel free to call or e-mail us with questions.

Fee: $10 for FDC and Rapier Wit members per evening, $15 for non-members; Master Mondays are $15 for FDC/RW members, $20 for non-members.

Prerequisites: No stage combat background required, unless otherwise stated for Master Mondays. Please come dressed for movement, with clean athletic footwear.

Instructors: Primary instructors are Daniel Levinson and Kevin Robinson. Guest instructors are occasionally featured.

Coming Up On Master Monday Open Technique Nights

Dates: TBA

Time: Master Mondays run 7 PM to 10 PM

Location: The Rapier Wit Studio (575 Wellington Street West, Toronto)

Skill level: As specified by class

Fee: $15 for members, $20 for non-members (prices include GST)

Have questions? Give us a call at 416-534-1947, or send an e-mail to danielatrapierwitdotcom.

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