Spit and Vinegar: Actor Conditioning and Combat Training for Stage and Screen
Ongoing Stage Combat is Closed
Led by Rachelle Dart
Saturdays | 10:00 AM – 11:30/12:00 PM
Arizona Actors Academy
General Students: $225 monthly
Enrolled (AZAA) Students: $150 monthly add on discount
Train like a fighter. Perform like an actor.
Back by popular demand, this stage combat class now runs Saturday’s and continues to blend precision fight technique with deep character work. Under the expert instruction of Rachelle Dart, SAFD Advanced Actor Combatant, you’ll develop combat skills tailored for stage and screen.
But this isn’t just choreography. Every punch, cut, and takedown is rooted in story, emotion, and relationship. You’ll work on scripted scenes, develop safe and dynamic fight sequences, and learn to embody high-stakes conflict with authenticity and skill.
Perfect for actors looking to level up their physical storytelling and have a blast doing it.
Open to all levels. Ongoing enrollment. Showcases throughout the year.
Let’s bring the drama—and the danger.
Note: this is a highly physical class, please let us know of any injuries or accomodations you may need to participate. All are welcome.
Students are welcome to select the class audit to try the class as a participant.
OCTOBER FOCUS
Make it bleed (on cue): SFX blood, slasher-scene choreography.
We’re kicking off our Spit and Vinegar – Stage Combat class this Fall with Horror & Gore. Learn to mix convincing fake blood, set up mess-controlled gags, and play out horror-movie scenes with partner-safe choreography. You’ll drill angles, distance, cueing, and reactions so every slash, fall, and scream reads on stage and on camera. Big impact, zero real harm. It’s technical, it’s theatrical, and yes, it’s bloody fun.
In October we’ll feature:
- Fake-blood basics: color, thickness, placement, and fast reset/continuity.
- Horror beats: slashes, grabs, hair-pull sells, chokes, bites (all partner-safe).
- Story & scare: timing, breath, and reaction work that lands with the audience.
- Safety culture: consent, clear cueing, distance, and repeatable choreography.
Good to know:
- No experience required. We’ll match partners and level you appropriately.
- Safety first. Consent, clear cueing, and repeatable choreography are non-negotiables.
- Wear movement-ready, darker clothing (in October you may encounter SFX blood in controlled drills).
About the Instructor: Rachelle Dart (she/they/all)
Rachelle Dart is a certified Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD), a certified teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework®, and traditional storyteller trained by Liz Weir MBE. She has choreographed and taught stage combat across the country for theatre, specializing in unarmed, knife, single sword and a wide range of weapon styles.
Known for her dynamic, story-driven approach, Dart emphasizes the emotional and psychological truth behind every move; helping actors merge technical skill with authentic character work. Her extensive credits include work with regional theaters,, and academic institutions, where she brings a strong focus on safety, clarity, and collaboration.