Training Information
Training Waiver
All participants must fill out our online waiver before taking part in class:
Our Refund Policy
We understand that life in this industry can be hectic and gigs always come first. While there are no-refunds, we do have a make-up class policy:
-Weekly class students can arrange to a different weekly class as a makeup.
-This must be done at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled class.
-Make-up classes must be in the same calendar month.
* Please note: Missed classes can not be made up
*This policy does not apply to Special Classes, Sunday Seminars or Saturday Tracks*
Training Etiquette & Expectations
We believe that Safety is paramount during training at NYCSS and that goes beyond the inherent physical safety in stage and screen fights.
We ensure this by creating an inclusive environment that requires partner work focused on professional actor training. Students are expected to act respectfully, wear appropriate attire and maintain fundamental hygiene.
NYCSS has no tolerance for harassment or disruptive behavior. This includes but is not limited to: physical or verbal intimidation, offensive verbal comments, sustained disruption of classes, inappropriate physical contact, stalking, and unwelcome attention. This policy is in relation to, but not limited to: race or ethnicity, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion and citizenship.
If a person engages in harassing or disruptive behavior, NYCSS Staff will take action of any form they deem appropriate, including expulsion from NYCSS with no refund. When you’re at NYCSS, follow these simple rules: be respectful, be professional, and be kind to each other.
Stage Combat vs Stunts
There is a big difference between Actors who want to perform their own fights (on stage or screen) and stunt performers. While both require fundamental fighting skills, they are very different fields.
Stage Combat
If you want to perform your own action in front of the camera or on stage, come train with NYCSS. Classes focus on unarmed fight training before moving into weapons that you would use like rapier, longsword, knife and sabre and many more. You also train the performance of the fight (“acting the fight”) through character intention and the understanding of violent storytelling. Stage combat involves minimal calculated risk for the performer so at the end of the day you should be in the same condition you arrived in; just sweaty, sore and fulfilled from a job well done!
Stunts
Stunt performers focus on unarmed fighting training but put much more time into training falls and wrecks. We recommend UATW for this training. After that they focus on specialized skills that actors don’t need to have like: stunt driving, fire burns, wire work, rigging, and scuba. Performing stunts involves a calculated risk for the performer. You will often be bruised, you may be a little bloody, but you should not be broken.
Our Training Space
Our space is located at 246 West 38th Street, #702
A few notes and instructions about entering the space:
-Please arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to the start of your class.
-When you arrive, tell the attendant at the front desk you are going to the 7th floor (#702).
-If there is no one at the desk, a member of our team will be there to let you in.
-When you enter the studio, you must remove your street shoes (there are shelves for storage by the door).
-The space has changing rooms where you will be able to get ready.
– For training we must wear clean, indoor shoes in the space. If you are unsure about the shoes you have, check with your instructor upon arrival (It will be fine if you need to work in socks or bare feet)
F.A.Q's
Do I need experience in Stage Combat to train at NYCSS?
NYCSS Classes are designed for all skill levels, including beginners!
In class, students are organized into groups so that you’ll be working with people in a similar experience level.
Can I get certified in Stage Combat through NYCSS?
NYCSS does not provide certifications. Our emphasis is on teaching the skills necessary to perform fights exceptionally. Certifications are of minimal use to you in the industry. Where and how you train matters more. When auditioning for a fighting role, the stunt coordinator/fight director cares about what you can do. The more work you put into training, the better you will be. THAT is what will get you hired in fighting roles. There’s a reason no one asks a piano player or dancer for a certificate.
Once your skills reach the necessary level we start creating choreography to perform for stage or screen (depending on your focus). This gives you the opportunity to contextualize your training (performance stress changes everything).