As You Like It
Photo © Andrew Billington, Northern Broadsides
HI, I'M BETHAN
I am a Fight Director, Action Coordinator and Certified Senior Teacher with the British Academy of Dramatic Combat.
As a Fight Director and Action Coordinator, I always aim to work sensitively to the needs of the scene, as well as with the strengths and skills of the performers involved. Whether you require a safe and convincing way to fall, an epic, bloody sword fight or multiple gun battle, I can facilitate and collaborate to make action which is bold, dramatic and truthful.
My aim as a teacher is to encourage and empower my students for the practical application of their skills in the industry. My route to dramatic combat came via my work as an actor. I trained at Drama Centre (MA Classical Acting) and at Exeter University gaining a first class BA (Hons) in Drama. After gaining Advanced Actor Combatant status with the BADC I worked professional as an actor and fight performer in theatre and film. I understand the demands of the industry and the training required to make violent action safe, repeatable and believable. Making the performance the centre of the action which fuels the movement, intentions and interactions is my priority.
Prior to my teacher training and alongside acting I was an applied drama workshop facilitator for 12 years. I worked with all ages and backgrounds of participants and specialised in working with offenders, using drama and theatre as a creative and explorative outlet. This extensive experience of drama facilitation enhances my work with theatrical violence as I am experienced at devising bespoke courses and workshops to meet a variety of requirements. Recent clients include York Theatre Royal, Geese Theatre Company, St Georges International School Luxembourg, The Wellcome Collection, Queen Mary University of London.
The Lord of the Flies
Photo © Sam Taylor, Theatre Clwyd
CREDITS
Thick as Thieves
Photo © Pamela Raith, Clean Break & Theatre Clwyd
TEACHING
MetFilm School on BA Acting for Screen: intensive course on fundamentals of unarmed and armed fighting for film for film. Training systems are unarmed, knife, longsword and handguns.
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama: Summer School BADC Foundation Course in single sword and unarmed. Also taught BADC Standard Level for the MA Contemporary Acting. Fight Direction for RCSSD includes Boudica, Bones and Cymbeline.
Identity School of Acting: created a unique combat course exploring the fundamentals of unarmed dramatic combat.
University for the Creative Arts on BA Acting and Performance Degree in Farnham: stage combat tutor. Devised an unarmed and knife course that complements a module focusing on violence and revenge in classical texts.
Wimbledon School of Arts (UAL) on BA Acting and Performance Degree: masterclasses in unarmed stage combat.
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
BADC Certification Courses are now booking for 2022! Follow the link below for full details. Bespoke workshops and 1-1 training are available upon request.
A View From The Bridge
Photo © Ian Hodgson, York Theatre Royal
GALLERY
