Sierra Stages to Offer Introductory Stage Combat Workshop in Nevada City, 5/10

Sierra Stages is pleased to offer a unique workshop led by Joey Fechtel (fight choreographer for our summer production of J.M. Barrie's PETER PAN) on Saturday May 10 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sierra Stages Rehearsal Studio in Nevada City. "SOCK IT TO ME: Making Stage Combat Safe" introduces actors and theatre lovers to the basics of stage fighting.

In this 2½ hour "hands-on" workshop, participants will learn about slaps, punches, falling safely, choking/grabs/holds, acting the pain, acting aggressive/violent energy, kicks, blocks, safe targeting principles, and principles of safe partnering on stage. The workshop begins with basic safety principles and movement work/warm ups, and moves into a series of simple techniques, slowly stringing them together to create a short piece of choreography that contains all the elements covered, ending with a chance for participants to pair up and perform for the group.

Joey Fechtel is an actor, choreographer, and playwright based in Austin, Texas. His training began with Renbudo Karate-Do, Kobudo, and Kempo and has continued through the Stage Combat disciplines of Hand to Hand, Rapier and Dagger, Broadsword, Sword and Shield, and Knife. Joey has choreographed for stage and film, including Sierra Stages' 2013 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. He is also choreographing the fight scenes for this summer's production of Peter Pan at the Nevada Theatre

The fee for participants: is $30.00 and for observers is $15.00. For further information and to reserve a space as a participant or observer, visit www.sierrastages.org/workshops.html or call 530.346.3210.

Sierra Stages is currently in its sixth season of presenting quality nonprofessional theatre for western Nevada County. Its production of the Pulitzer Prize-wining drama PROOF is currently playing through May 18 at the Off Center Stage in Grass Valley. Following PROOF, Sierra Stages presents J.M.Barrie's PETER PAN from July 10 - August 2 at the Nevada Theatre in Nevada City and YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN from September 18-October 12 at the Off Center Stage in Grass Valley. For more information, visit www.SierraStages.org or call 530.346.3210.

Pictured: A fight scene from Sierra Stages' 2013 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.