Workshops/Other Training

Explore specialized stage combat workshops and hands-on training designed for performers, educators, and creative teams. From weapons and movement to film preparation and personal coaching, Rapier Wit offers practical training tailored to your goals.

Rapier Wit offers a selection of workshops according to demand and instructor availability. If you’re interested in a workshop that isn’t on the schedule right now, please let us know, and we’ll notify you about the next session. For the full schedule, check out our Upcoming Classes page.

Rapier Wit’s PAL/Stage and Screen Firearms Workshop

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. Rapier Wit’s Possession and Acquisition License Course will give participants the opportunity to earn both their restricted and non-restricted firearm licenses and train in safe and effective performance techniques for stage and film.

This unique course takes place over three days and covers training in non-restricted firearms, restricted firearms, and blank-firing replicas which are prohibited devices. During the stage/screen portion of the workshop our participants will be firing blanks from eight different types of firearms and learning how to use these props safely and effectively in performance by training in safe angles, proper stances, draws, movement and carry. Firearms covered: pump shotguns, break shotguns, lever-action rifles, bolt-action rifles, single-action revolvers, double-action revolvers, single-action self-loading pistols, and double-action self-loading pistols.

Next session: TBA. Usually runs 2 – 3 times a year. Contact us to be notified of the next session.

Kenjutsu (Katana)

Katori Shinto Ryu is one of the oldest styles of Japanese sword and was created during the Warring States Period (c. 1460). It is an elegant style and very classical, being an actual sword style created by a samurai to train other samurai for battlefield fighting. Over the course of this special seminar, you will learn the fundamentals of Katori Shinto Ryu kenjutsu: body posture and movement, stances (kamae), basic attacks (kogeki), basic defence (uke), and selected basic techniques. Come and experience this rare art which has been handed down in secret from generation to generation for over 600 years.

Next session: TBA. Let us know if you’re interested in this workshop!

The Rapier Wit “Survivors” Introductory Stage Combat Workshop

You might call this a crash course in stage combat basics. Maybe you have a project coming up that requires some fighting, or maybe you’ve just always wondered which end of the sword goes in the other guy. Either way, this compact session is a great 1-day training opportunity. Come for the day and get acquainted with unarmed and single sword foundation techniques – you never know when they might suddenly come in handy!

Next session: TBA. Let us know if you’re interested in this workshop!

Other Workshops

Over the years we have offered workshops in a wide range of subjects, taught by Rapier Wit instructors or guest experts. Examples of past sessions include Bartitisu/Gun Fu/Wolf System with Tony Wolf, Theatrical Blood with Casey Kaleba, Commedia Dell’arte with Matthew Wilson, Rapier and Cape with FM Ian Rose, First Aid Certification with the Red Cross, and innumerable speciality weapons workshops – axe, broadsword, rapier and cape, cutlass, and many others. On the horizon are workshops for motion capture, fighting for film, and scene study for actor combatants. Is there a subject you’re interested in, or a suggestion you’d like to make? Let us know!

Next session: TBA. Please contact us to suggest something or to be notified of scheduled workshops. You can also check out our Upcoming Classes page.

Personal Coaching/Custom Classes

School Workshops

Yes, we do high school workshops! Material is determined by class age, number of students, and teacher input. Rates vary according to the number of students, the number of sessions, equipment needs and travel requirements. Sessions can take place at your school or at the Rapier Wit studio if feasible. Talk to us about how we can give your class or cast an unforgettable experience!

Corporate Classes

Rapier Wit has hosted team-building initiatives in the form of classes and games for a number of organisations over the years. Got an idea for a session to help pull your team together?

Personal Coaching

An opportunity for you to polish your skills, work on new material, or get help with a specific problem. Particularly helpful for performers seeking specialised audition or role preparation that involves dramatic violence, weapon handling or related movement. Also helpful for younger performers. Contact us to see what we can do for you!