2024 Drop-In Classes Are Here!

We hope you’ve had the best start to the New Year! Happy 2024–May it be a year full of storytelling and being absolute badass! Now–let’s talk stage combat classes…

Mondays!

We are excited to start this new year on a new (returning to our old) day and time!  This winter and spring we will be holding classes every other Monday from 7:00pm-9:00pm. We will continue to have our classes hosted at Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement, 225 Sterling Rd, Unit 103, Toronto, ON M6R 2B2. 

Sign Up for Class

We will announce exact weapon systems closer to each class date, allowing for guest instructors (we know, very exciting!) and popular demand! Our first class of 2024 is Unarmed and will take place January 8, 7:00pm-9:00pm.

You can sign up for all our upcoming classes here: 

Jan 8, 2024

Jan 22, 2024

Feb 5, 2024

Feb 19, 2024

March 4, 2024 

March 18, 2024 

April 1, 2024 

April 15, 2024 

April 29, 2024 

May 13, 2024 

May 27, 2024 

June 10, 2024 

June 24, 2024 

July 8, 2024 

July 22, 2024 

Or, purchase a Semester Pass.

The Semester Pass is BAAAACK!

We welcome the return of the semester pass–buy five classes and you get six! 

If you buy a semester pass you MUST email us to confirm which six classes you would like to attend. You must tell us a minimum 24-hours before the class, and classes fill up on a first-come-first-serve basis. Basically, the sooner you tell us, the less likely we will fill a class and you would have to miss it.  Sign up for a semester pass here. 

Please note: These will expire. You will be able to see the dates the pass is valid for when purchasing online.

We look forward to seeing you at our Toronto drop-in classes this year! Whether it’s your first time in a stage combat class or the 100th, we are excited to learn and work on this acting skill together.

The Art of Dying: A Multimedia Approach to Performing a Horrible and Painful Death

The Art of Dying: A Multimedia Approach to Performing a Horrible and Painful Death 

A workshop focused on the performance of pain and death.

Violence in Motion is excited to announce we are working with Nicolas Van Burek to bring you The Art of Dying: A Multimedia Approach to Performing a Horrible and Painful Death on November 26, 2023, at Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement. The goal of this workshop is to focus on the performance of pain and death, and how that can change depending on the medium.

The two-hour course is priced at $150.00. You can sign up for the course here.

About the Workshop

There is a famous story about Sir Christopher Lee (there are several stories about Christopher Lee) on the set of The Lord of the Rings. As director Peter Jackson was describing the way he’d like him to act out the death, Lee corrected Jackson, explaining the exaggerated noise that Jackson was looking for would never happen because the air would be driven out of the body when stabbed in the back.

But… how does one act being stabbed in the back? What’s the difference between dying by fire or blunt trauma? How do those different deaths sound, look and feel different? How do I remain safe and preserve my voice?

This workshop will focus on the reaction side of stage combat. How to perform a variety of types of reactions, and the visual differences in reactions between types of physical pain across various media; film, theatre, voice and motion capture.

Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement. Bring water, a notepad and a willingness to experiment and have fun in a safe and professional environment!

About Your Guest Instructor: 

Nicolas Van Burek is a Toronto-based actor, stunt actor and teacher. Fluent in French, Spanish and English, Nicolas has performed, taught and directed all across Canada, in the US and El Salvador. With over 35 years of professional experience, Nicolas works in theatre, film, television, voice, video games and teaches at the secondary and post-secondary levels.

The Agreed Need: an Introduction to Sexual Choreography

The Agreed Need: an Introduction to Sexual Choreography

Creating the Illusions of Intimacy through Constructed Choreography

Violence in Motion is excited to announce we are working with Anita Nittoly to bring you The Agreed Need: An Introduction to Sexual Choreography on November 5, 2023, at Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement. The goal of this workshop is to introduce students to the process of creating illusions of intimacy through choreography. 

The two-hour course is priced at $150.00. You can sign up for the course here.

About the Workshop

In 2018 HBO committed to using Intimacy Coordinators and the industry has embraced this new role offering safety for performers on screen and stage. Since the industry has come back from the Covid19 pandemic more productions are starting to use staged intimacy professionals. This is knowledge that is important for any performer, director, or those looking to pursue a career in intimacy direction. 

Students can expect: 

• collaborative intro: what does intimacy look/sound like?

• non-contact/contact ice-breaker games 

• creative partner assignment to create the illusion of intimacy

• conversation about individual needs and room requirements as performers/creatives/designers in the rehearsal hall and on set

*Student participation is not mandatory. 

About Your Guest Instructor: 

Anita Nittoly is a Toronto-based Intimacy Choreographer, Fight Director, and Stunt Performer. From Stratford to Star Trek, Anita arrives with professionalism and innovative intimacy/fight design; she meets the challenges of the day with kindness and efficiency. Her approach to the work is both serious & playful, technical, collaborative, and high-spirited. She continues to be a supreme support to accomplished performers and creatives alike, building a safe atmosphere and supporting individual needs.

Selected Fight Director and Sexual Choreographer credits: Wildwoman (SoulPepper), Hamlet (The Rose); Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (TIP), Fall on Your Knees (CanStage/NAC); Counter Offence (Segal Centre); Fairview (Canstage); Prodigal (Crow's Theatre); Trojan Girls and The Outhouse of Atreus (Outside The March/Factory Theatre); Our Place (Cahoots/TPM); The Last Wife, The 39 Steps, Successions (Centaur Theatre); Whole World (Carousel Players); Don Quichotte, Die Walkure, Carmen (Canadian Opera Company, *Associate Fight Master). 

Stage Combat Instructor, Fight Director, and Sexual Choreographer: National Theatre School

Selected stunt performer/stunt actor credits: Law & Order Toronto, SEE, Star Trek: Discovery, Pretty Hard Cases, Titans, The Boys, Rabbit Hole, What We Do in the Shadows, various Ubisoft motion capture productions. 

Upcoming: Angels in America (Buddies in Bad Times), Bad Roads (Crow's), Jesus Christ Superstar (Here for Now), Truth (YPT), The Retreat, The Flood (Imago), Stratford 2024.

Violence in Motion Classes August 2022

Our stage combat classes return at Railpath Arts Centre starting August 3, 2022.

WE’RE BACK! That’s right, Violence in Motion, Toronto’s favourite stage combat company returns with five classes this month. Talk about a happy summer! 

Julia Dyan will be teaching Unarmed, Back to Basics on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 starting at 7:00pm.

Classes will take place 7:00pm-9:00pm every Wednesday at the Railpath Arts Centre, 35 Golden Ave Suite 108, Toronto. Our semester starts with Julia Dyan, teaching Unarmed Basics. Due to the close proximity of unarmed stage combat, masks will be mandatory in this class. 

Classes students can sign up for are:

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

If you purchased a semester pass in 2020, please contact us as your passes will apply to the new lineup. 

New Trivia Night Packages: Sugar Chic Candy and Kame & Kettle Beer Works

Candy and Beer Trivia Night Packages!

Who can have a trivia night without snacks?

That’s why Sugar Chic has come on board as our sponsor!

Sugar Chic takes you back in time with their collection of all your favourite childhood candies and treats! Each set comes with 6 of our Signature Triangle of goodies straight out of our childhoods, packaged in our sleek and sophisticated box-- which is anything but childish.

For each Trivia Night Set purchased a $5 donation to Women's Habitat will be made.

Set Includes: Sour Watermelons, Rosebuds, Sweet Peaches, Chocolate Covered Raisins, Sour Strawberries, Chocolate Covered Almonds

This set is vegetarian friendly. If you have dietary restrictions give Violence in Motion a call and we can help you out.

What is trivia without beer?

We are so lucky with our Trivia Night sponsors!

Announcing Kame and Kettle as our beer sponsor!

Kame and Kettle have a great beer package. $15 +shipping. $5 from every package sold goes to Women’s Habitat. Featured is their tallboy can line up: Any four! Add your preferences to your order notes.

Mmmm beer.

2020 Here We Come!

Welcome to the Twenties!We are super excited to start 2020 in our new home at the Creswell Dance Academy! Here is our Winter/Spring line up!February 12— Unarmed for Film with Neil AdamsFebruary 26— Unarmed with Julia DyanMarch 11— Rapier with Brianna LoveMarch 26— Broadsword with Jamie TreschakApril 8— Unarmed for Film with Neil AdamsApril 22— Rapier and Dagger with Jamie Treschak and Brianna LoveMay 6— Small Sword with Julia DyanDon’t forget to get you semester pass— get five of our seven classes for the price of four!Keep an ear to the ground for our Master Class annoucements.  

ACTORS' SUMMER SEMESTER IS HERE

Calling all actors! The summer is for you!Violence in Motion is gearing up for summer, and we have a whole semester worth of classes designed for ACTORS-- including a Tactical Master Class with Steve Wilsher himself!

(Don’t forget you can choose a semester pass for four classes and save!)

June 5th- Weapons in Film - For Actors

Our instructors Neil Adams and Julia Porter team up to show us how to handle a variety of weapons used on set. Firearms, knives, hatchets, and Kali bastoni will be featured. Action films here we come!

June 19th- Staff Fighting - For Actors

Jamie Treschak brings us one of the most versatile and beautiful weapons in Western-style Quarter Staff.  Learn how to work in your body and develop connectedness with your weapon. You will be ready for Robin Hood in no time! 

July 3rd- Fighting for Film - For Actors

Neil Adams is back with our most popular class! Learn to adapt fight choreography for the variety of camera angles needed on set. Actors and first-time fighters, this class is for you! 

July 17th- Sword - For Actors

Julia Porter is bringing us the most popular sword in film and theatre, the Rapier! If you've ever wanted to look like Errol Flynn, a Musketeer, or a Pirate in the Caribbean, this class is for you! 

August 14th- Sword and Dagger - For Actors

Jamie Treschak is back to teach us the graceful art of effectively using two weapons simultaneously. Sword and Dagger is a popular weapon combination in theatre and film. 

August 28th- MASTER CLASS Tactical Movement for Actors with Steve Wilsher

Using training props and equipment, Stunt Coordinator and Fight Master of the Academy of Dramatic Combat. Steve Wilsher joins us to instruct on the use of action props and tactical movement. All too often, performers arrive on set with little or no training in how be comfortable and convincing using theatrical firearms. Steve will help us look professional BEFORE arriving on set!***THIS IS A MOVEMENT CLASS, NOT A LIVE-FIRE EXERCISE. NO BLANK AMMUNITION WILL BE USED OR PRESENT DURING THIS CLASS. ONLY TRAINING PROPS WILL BE USED*** All of our summer classes take place at the Toronto Dance Theatre, at 80 Winchester St in Toronto, Ontario. 

Fall 2018 Class Schedule Is Here!!

Oh! Hi there, Toronto.  It's September, and you know what that means. Sweaters come out of storage, TIFF is bringing all the stars, our days on the beach are numbered, but most importantly: Our fall schedule is here!Preregister for all our fall classes here.It is a busy season for all of us, so pay attention to the dates of classes for this session, and for updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages.We will see you all this Wednesday for Neil Adams' Unarmed for Film class! 

Summer Classes!

Violence Motion is ready for the summer! Are you?Now that the ADC intensive has finished (Congrats to all the students and instructors involved!) Violence in Motion is back.  All of our summer classes are currently online here.June 27- Single Sword, Jamie TreschakJuly 11- Unarmed,  Neil AdamsJuly 25- Weapon System TBA, Jamie TreschakAug 8- Weapon System TBA, Julia PorterAug 22- Unarmed, Neil AdamsSept 5- Weapon System TBA, Julia Porter See you all at the Toronto Dance Theatre, 80 Winchester St, in a couple of weeks!

The Academy of Dramatic Combat Annual Intensive Is Almost Here!

Who is excited for May? We are! Our parent organization, the Academy of Dramatic Combat, is holding the 19th Annual Stage Combat Workshop and Conference May 22nd- June 3rd.This is the perfect opportunity to get your next certification. Whether you are just starting out with Basic or gearing up for Intermediate and Advanced, the intensive is the perfect place.  You'll even see a friendly face or two from Violence in Motion teaching this year!For any questions, or to reserve your space, please contact:Steve Wilsher, Master Instructor Emeritus416-899-7966havocssi@aol.comVisit the Academy of Dramatic Combat website for more details!

WE'RE BACK FOR 2018!

Happy New Year everyone, and a big thank you to all of our students and guest Master Class Instructors for an incredible 2017!We are back NEXT WEEK, in our new location and new day.  Starting January 10th, every other other Wednesday, you can find us at the Toronto Dance Theatre 6pm-9pm.  First up, we have Julia Porter teaching SINGLE SWORD.Our Full Class schedule for Winter/Spring 2018 is:

Jan 10: Single Sword with Julia Porter

Jan 24: Unarmed with Neil Adams

Feb 7: Rapier & Dagger with Jamie Treschak

Feb 21: Broadsword with Neil Adams

Mar 7: Unarmed with Julia Porter

Mar 21: Quarter Staff with Jamie Treschak

Apr 4: Small Sword with Neil Adams

Apr 18: Case of Rapier with Julia Porter

All these classes will take place at the Toronto Dance Theatre, 80 Winchester Street, Toronto, Ontario M4X 1B2. See you all next Wednesday at 6pm!

Windsor Workshops!

Violence in Motion is pleased to announce that we will be in Windsor Oct 21 and 28, offering workshops at the University of Windsor.  Instructor Jamie Treschak (a UWindsor alumni) will be offering two different workshops, one on Unarmed Combat for Stage, and one on Single Sword, only $25 each.On October 21,  JOIN US  from 10am-1pm in the Jackson Dramatic Art Centre for an introduction into Unarmed Combat for Stage.On October 28, JOIN US from 10am-1pm in the Jackson Dramatic Art Centre for an introduction into Single Sword.Both classes are great if you are new to staged combat, or need to refresh your existing skills.  You do not have to be a student at the University to attend!

ANNOUNCING: Day 2 of Fighting on Set with James Binkley!

Due to the overwhelming response for Fighting on Set with James Binkley, we have added a second day! Space is limited so do not wait!On October 21st, 2017, JOIN US at Revival 629 from 12pm-4pm for Day 2 with stunt coordinator James Binkley!James’ stunt credits number well into the hundreds, including Rookie Blue, Breakout Kings, Cinderella Man, RED, The Incredible Hulk, and Land of the Dead, and he has been the stunt coordinator for tv shows, like The Republic of Doyle, and movies such as Cyborg Soldier, Adoration, Animal 2, and The Last Sect. James has over 200 professional production credits as a fight director including 10 seasons at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and 11 seasons at the Canadian Opera Company.This is a fantastic opportunity for all performers wanting to develop the invaluable skill of combat for the camera!Sign up here!

Fighting on Set-- with James Binkley

Fighting on Set with James BinkleyWe are proud to announce the third instalment of our Master Class Series, Fighting on Set with James Binkley.On October 14th, 2017, JOIN US in Tarragon Theatre’s Rehearsal Hall from 12pm-4pm to learn from stunt coordinator James Binkley!James’ stunt credits number well into the hundreds, including Rookie Blue, Breakout Kings, Cinderella Man, RED, The Incredible Hulk, and Land of the Dead, and he has been the stunt coordinator for The Republic of Doyle and movies such as Cyborg Soldier, Adoration, Animal 2, and The Last Sect. James has over 200 professional production credits as a fight director including 10 seasons at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and 11 seasons at the Canadian Opera Company.This is a fantastic opportunity for all performers wanting to develop the invaluable skill of combat for the camera!James Binkley on IMDBTo register click here!Fighting on Set with James BinkleyWhen: October 14th 2017, 12pm – 4pmWhere: Tarragon Theatre 30 Bridgman Ave Toronto, ON M5R 1X3Cost: $100 + HSTJames Binkley is a Senior Instructor with the Academy of Dramatic Combat and a member of the Society of Canadian Fight Directors.  He has over 200 professional production credits as a fight director including 10 seasons at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and 11 seasons at the Canadian Opera Company. He has worked throughout Canada with numerous companies including the Shaw Festival, Canadian Stage Company, Soulpepper, the National Ballet, the National Arts Centre, Obsidian Theatre Company, the Factory Theatre, Tarragon Theatre, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Big Art Productions in Montreal, and (r)evolution theatre in Vancouver.He also works as an actor, stunt performer and stunt coordinator. His acting credits include Nikita, Flashpoint, Beauty and the Beast, The Border, and Heartstopper, credits as a stunt performer number well into the hundreds including Rookie Blue, Breakout Kings, Cinderella Man, RED, The Incredible Hulk, and Land of the Dead, and he has been the stunt coordinator for The Republic of Doyle and movies such as Cyborg Soldier, Adoration, Animal 2, and The Last Sect.

Announcing: Corporate Workshops

Violence in Motion is excited to announce we are now offering Corporate Team Building Workshops.Do you want to provide an unforgettable team building experience for your company? Our instructors will have you away from your desks working as a team, building trust, using active listening, communication, and countless other transferable skills while feeling like Action Stars! Our corporate team building workshops are affordable, interactive, flexible, and fun. Break out of the board room, get on your feet, and build long-term benefits for your team!Our core belief is that “the fight is not important.” What we do find important is the story. Whether that story be on stage, on film — or even in the boardroom. Since moving full-time to the corporate world, Jamie Treschak (Treschak Enterprises and Co-Founder of Violence in Motion,) has been relying on the skills he mastered while working as a professional fight director and stunt performer.  Along with his partners at Violence in Motion he is now sharing these transferable skills to help your team break away from the cubical, and begin to work together, always making each other and your company look like a star.No prior Martial Arts experience necessary! Violence in Motion runs physical workshops, but we have the ability to accommodate all body types, injuries, and specific physical needs. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please do not hesitate to contact us. Based in Toronto, Ontario. However, we are able to travel and can book sessions at your headquarters if the work space will accommodate. If not, we will arrange a location with one of our partners to suit your needs.After completing this workshop, you and your team will have an expanded grasp on the importance of staying on brand and supporting your teammates. Mutual respect, trust, listening, and communication, among other transferable skills, will all be strengthened while learning an active new skill.Contact Brianna Love, Violence in Motion Booking Coordinator, to create a fully-customizable, action-packed workshop for you and your team. We look forward to hearing from you!emailviolenceinmotion@gmail.com (416) 530-0080 

"Fighting for Film" with John Stead EXTENDED- October 29th, 2016

We’re adding another day!

As you know John Stead’s workshop “Fight for Film” sold out in under 2 weeks! Due to the overwhelming response, and growing wait list, John has agreed to a second day, Saturday, October 29th. 2016.  Sign up today, because this opportunity won’t happen a third time!

John Stead on IMDB

To register click here!

John Stead: Fighting For Film Workshop

When: October 29th 2016, 10am – 4pm

Where: Opia Studios – 587A College St. Toronto, ON

Cost: $100 + HST

JOHN STEAD 

John Stead is Head of Stage Combat for the Stratford Festival of Canada, a Master Instructor with the Academy of Dramatic Combat, Stage Combat Coordinator for The National Theatre School, and a member of the Society of Canadian Fight Directors. He has over 500 professional theatre credits as a fight director including 23 seasons as the fight director for the Stratford Festival and 17 seasons with the Shaw Festival. He has worked across Canada and the U.S. with numerous companies including Soulpepper Theatre, Canadian Stage Company, the National Ballet, Mirvish Productions, Theatre Passe Muraille, Tarragon Theatre, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Factory Theatre, the National Arts Centre, Studio Arena Theatre, the Geva Theatre in Rochester, the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C., Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Los Angeles Ahmanson Theatre and the Lincoln Centre on Broadway. He has stunt performed on over 250 TV episodes and films and stunt coordinated the action sequences for more than 450 film and television episodes in Canada and abroad. As a Director, John has directed for several television series including Dark Matter, Bitten, The Bobby Buck Show, Lost Girl, XIII, The Dresden Files, Mutant X, Tracker, Earth: Final Conflict and The Adventures of Sinbad. His short films include The Hot Flash for Wishing Field Entertainment, End Game for Wake Up Fast Productions, Charon’s Obal for Right Side Up Productions and the multiple award winning film, The Waking for Boomerang Films. He has also directed the feature films Troubled Waters for Genius Productions/Peace Arch Entertainment, Cyborg Soldier for Nu Image/Peace Arch Entertainment and Good Morning Tomorrow for Southern Ice Films. Mr. Stead has taught at the National Theatre School, as well as, the Universities of Toronto, Waterloo, Humber, Saskatchewan and Wilfred Laurier. He’s been awarded an Award of Excellence (Canadian International Film Festival), a Genre Award for Best Suspense (BNFF), the Derek F. Mitchell Artistic Director’s Award (Stratford Festival), the Judges Choice Award (15 Minutes of Fame International Film Festival), a Tyrone Guthrie Award (Stratford Festival), Best Short 1st Runner-Up (Ticket to Hollywood International Film and Screenplay Festival) and nominated for a Best Short Award (Directors Guild of Canada).

Affiliations include:DGC CAEA ACTRA ADC SCFD