Spit and Vinegar: Unarmed and Knife Skills for Stage and Screen

Four week Stage Combat Course

Led by Rachelle Dart
Tuesdays | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM | May 13, 20, 27 & June 3
Final Performance: Friday, June 7 at 7:00 PM

General Students: $225 | Enrolled (AZAA) Students: $200

Get gritty, get grounded, and get into the fight.

This high-impact course isn’t just about throwing punches—it’s about telling the story behind every strike. Under the expert guidance of certified fight director and badass performer Rachelle Dart, students will train in unarmed combat and knife work for stage and screen. Think hand-to-hand combat, street fighting realism, and killer stage presence.

But we don’t stop at technique. Every move is infused with intention, character, and relationship dynamics. Students will work from a selected screenplay, diving deep into scenes to explore the emotional stakes and power shifts that make a fight truly unforgettable.

Culminating in a public performance on June 7, this course blends stunt-level skill with actor-level storytelling. Come ready to sweat, connect, and unleash your inner fighter.

Limited spots. Serious fun. Real skill.
Let’s bring the drama—and the danger.

About the Instructor: Rachelle Dart (she/they/all)

Rachelle Dart is a nationally recognized Fight Director, traditional storyteller, and performer with certifications from the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). She has choreographed and taught and choreographed stage combat across the country for theatre  specializing in unarmed, knife, 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, film productions, and academic institutions, where she brings a strong focus on safety, clarity, and collaboration.

Whether coaching seasoned professionals or emerging artists, Dart is passionate about empowering actors to fight smart, tell bold stories, and connect deeply to the physical life of their characters.

Rachelle's SADF Profile

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2025 Registration Stage Combat
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Class Waiver & Policies For Current & Return Students

• PAYMENT Your total tuition fee will be presented before submitting and charged upon completed registration using the information provided.
• REFUNDS  Tuition  for this class is non-refundable. If you have to cancel your class please reach out to us to see how we can support you.
• INSTRUCTOR EMERGENCY In the event of emergency, we will send email notifications if classes are cancelled. Any cancelled classes will be offered a make-up class with ample time to adjust your schedule.

• Class Etiquette
We strive every day to create the safest creative environment for artistic development. This requires a working space of the highest integrity for personal risk taking and artistic exploration, both on and off the stage. Please review our student expectations.

Class Waiver & Policies For New Students

Terms of Enrollment
• PAYMENT Your total tuition fee will be presented before submitting and charged upon completed registration using the information provided.
• REFUNDS Tuition for this class is non-refundable. Please contact us if you have to cancel so we can discuss ways to support you.
• INSTRUCTOR EMERGENCY In the event of emergency, we will send email notifications if classes are cancelled. Any cancelled classes will be offered a make-up class with ample time to adjust your schedule.

• CLASS REQUIRES PROOF OF VACCINATION

• Class Etiquette
We strive every day to create the safest creative environment for artistic development. This requires a working space of the highest integrity for personal risk taking and artistic exploration, both on and off the stage. Please review our student expectations.

Waiver of Liability:
As a participant in any program or class at Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC), understand and agree that in participating in any acting/voice/movement class, workshop, rehearsal or performance, there is a possibility of physical injury or death. I recognize and acknowledge there are certain risks of physical injury, and I agree to assume the full risk of injuries, including death, damages or loss that I or my minor child may sustain as a result of participating in any activities connected with or associated with such program or class. I agree to waive and relinquish all claims I or my minor child may have as a result of participating in any program or class against Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs. (Hotchner Studios LLC) and its officers, agents, servants, employees and independent contractors. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless and defend Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) and it's officers, agents, servants, employees an independent contractors from my claims resulting from injuries including death, damages and losses sustained by me or my minor child that arise out of, in connection with, or in any way associated with the activities of this program.
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