What does a Theatre Fight Director do?

A Fight Director is responsible for planning, choreographing and overseeing staged combat (fights) in a play. They act as a consultant for the performance. Fight Directors can also be referred to as Fighting Directors, or Fight Choreographers and they are experts at making a fight look realistic while ensuring it is safe for the Actors and other participants.

What are the main responsibilities of a Theatre Fight Director?

Choreograph combat sequences (fight sequences) which can range from martial arts to swordplay to mock gunfights while keeping the Director’s vision in mind
Ensure the safety of the Actors performing the stage combat and other participants
Ensure the sequence looks realistic and works well within the play
Using the correct techniques that are appropriate to the historical period in which the scene/play takes place
Fight Directors can teach other Directors and Actors the craft of staged combat in a non-production environment

What qualifications do I need to be a Theatre Fight Director?

To be a Fight Director you will need a formal qualification in stage combat such as BADC certifications. Having understanding in performance, directing and performing arts is also useful.

Find opportunities in stage combat from across the theatre industry here

What skills do I need to be a Theatre Fight Director?

Physical agility
Attention to detail
Research skills
Historical knowledge
People skills
Dance skills
Creative flare
Knowledge of theatre productions
Health and safety understanding

Search through training, experience and funding opportunities to help you get into theatre here

What does a career in fight directing look like?

You can be a Fight Director whilst doing other job roles at the same time. For example, a theatre Choreographer can often move into a Fight Director role as both roles require similar skills. Fight Directors are often freelance and take on different kinds of jobs in lots of different settings.

Read our blog ‘How to become a freelancer in theatre’ here.

How much can a theatre Fight Director earn?

The Independent Theatre Council notes that the minimum session rate starts at £107. Often, shows will need two to several fight sessions for rehearsals, with a ‘fight call’ needed before each performance to ensure safety is maintained.

The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.

You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here