SAFD NATIONAL STAGE COMBAT WORKSHOPS - TEACHER CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP (TCW)

The SAFD Teacher Certification Workshop (TCW) is an intensive testing and assessment program toward certification as a teacher of stage combat by the SAFD.

In order for the SAFD to publicly endorse and certify an individual as a safe and effective teacher of stage combat, the workshop conducts a thorough examination of the candidate's teaching abilities and technical skills over the range of disciplines offered by the SAFD.

It is required that TCW candidates have thorough training in all eight stage combat disciplines tested by the SAFD. Additionally, candidates must be able to perform the various techniques with precision, demonstrate a clear understanding of the logic of a given technique, its use, and — most important — how to teach it. Experience in choreography and teaching are essential.

Individuals applying to the 2022 TCW must submit all application materials using the SAFD.org website.

The screening of applicants is intended to select those who are truly ready for assessment at this level. Please give serious consideration as to whether you are prepared for the 2022 TCW. As an applicant to the TCW, it is important that you have a clear understanding of what this program is, what is expected of you, and what you can expect from the program.

Because of the nature and demands of the workshop, TCW candidates must be onsite for the entire three weeks, attend all scheduled classes, teaching sessions, presentations, etc. Sundays are a day off. If accepted into the 2022 TCW, make it a point to reserve those three weeks in your schedule.

Tuition for the 2022 TCW is $3525 (includes membership until the next CT renewal cycle, and diversity training with diversity.edu) and does not include housing or meal plans.

Those who wish to apply must first complete the 2022 Teachers Certification Workshop Online Application and pay a $30.00 non-refundable application fee by credit card using our secured checkout (preferred), or you may opt to send check or money order for that amount. Please note that your application will not be considered until this fee has been received.

If accepted, a security deposit of $300.00 is required to be submitted to the SAFD no later than May 30, 2022 to reserve a spot in the 2022 TCW.

This payment may be made through the SAFD website as early as May 5, 2022; or sent directly to:

SAFD Business Manager
3501 N. Southport Ave. #302

Chicago, IL 60657

The SAFD does not guarantee acceptance into the TCW for individuals submitting application materials. Individuals who fulfill all application requirements in a timely manner will be given full consideration. The SAFD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or political beliefs. In addition, the TCW Admissions Review Board reserves the right to weigh physical space and pedagogical needs when determining acceptance.

If you have any questions regarding the 2022 TCW, please submit your questions to NSCW Coordinator at nscwcoordinator@safd.org

2022 TCW APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Below are the 2022 TCW application requirements, guidelines, and forms to help prepare your application materials.

Please read the following before you apply:

The online application will be open between February 1 – April 1, 2022

The closing date for all online applications has been extended to April 1, 2022.

Once the online application is open for submissions, each applicant will have access to their application files so they are free to add, adjust, and amend their application before they submit.

If you intend to apply for the 2022 TCW, it is important you prepare all application materials prior to the opening date of the online application. Once the online application is open for submissions, you will be able to upload all documents, letters, forms, etc.

Please double check that all your information is complete and that all files and appropriate materials are uploaded. Each applicant is responsible for the content of their own application.

If an applicant experiences any difficulties uploading information, please contact SAFD IT Admin at itadmin@safd.org

NO APPLICATION MATERIALS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER APRIL 1, 2022.

Beginning April 1, 2022, the TCW Admissions Review Board will begin reviewing all applications. The TCW Admissions Review Board includes the following SAFD individuals: CT Rep, FD Rep, FM Rep, TCW Coordinator, TCW Co-Coordinator. The Secretary and Business Operations Manager will ensure applications meet criteria for dues and weapons and pass those qualified applications on to the Reviews Board.

Offers of acceptance into the 2022 TCW will be sent to applicants beginning May 5, 2021.

A $300.00 deposit must be made to accept and reserve your spot and paid no later than May 30, 2022.

Full tuition must be paid by June 15, 2022.

2022 TCW APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The 2022 TCW Online Application will become available between February 1 - April 1, 2022. Below you will find all the requirements for application so that you can prepare for your submission. All required materials will be submitted via the online portal in PDF format.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

In order to apply to the Teacher Certification Workshop, one must be a current SAFD member in good standing, and hold the rank of Advanced Actor/Combatant at the time of application, meeting and/or maintaining proficiency in all recognized movement disciplines offered by the SAFD as dictated by the Actor/Combatant Skills Proficiency Test (SPT, see Section 2.1.8 of the SAFD P&P). The applicant must be current in all 8 weapons with a recommended pass in at least 4 of them.

Please verify that all of your test history is showing on your profile. Once logged into the site you can view both your test history and your current membership status on the "Edit Profile" page listed under your username in the top right hand corner of the site.

If you are not current, please pay your dues to renew.

If your test history is not complete, please contact the Secretary right away so that we can start tracking it down. Please email the Secretary directly at: secretary@safd.org with the subject line “TCW Applicant Test History”.

Updating your SPT and Payment records can and should be done well BEFORE you submit your application.

1. CURRENT SELFIE / HEADSHOT.

Full body shot not required. We want to see what your face looks like.

2. A LETTER OF INTENT.

A formal letter defining the applicant's career objectives and goals, professional experience, leadership skills, and unique attributes that set them apart for consideration.

It allows the applicant to demonstrate personality as well as communication skills.

A successful Letter of Intent will be informative, professional, and persuasive.

Always keep in mind the end goal of the letter is acceptance into the TCW.

3. STATEMENT OF STAGE COMBAT TEACHING PHILOSOPHY AS IT RELATES TO ACTOR TRAINING.

The Statement is a one to two-page document that provides a clear, concise account of your teaching approach, methods, and expertise. A Teaching Philosophy Statement should answer four fundamental questions:

1. Why do you teach stage combat? How does that relate to actor training?
2. What do you teach? How does that relate to actor training?
3. How do you teach?
4. How do you measure your effectiveness?

4. THREE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION FROM THE FOLLOWING:

• SAFD Certified Teacher or SAFD Fight Director
• Past Employer or Professional Contact
• SAFD Fight Master. This letter must be emailed as a pdf directly from the FM to the TCW Coordinator and Co-Coordinator. The FM letter of recommendation will not be solicited by the TCW Staff. The applicant must make the request of the FM, who in turn, submits their letter to the TCW Coordinator and Co-Coordinator.

Submit two letters via the online application: one from the SAFD Certified Teacher or SAFD Fight Director, and one from the Past Employer or Professional Contact.

The letter from the SAFD Fight Master must be emailed directly from the FM to the TCW Coordinator and Co-Coordinator. Please note it is essential that your letters of recommendation come from CT's, FD's, FM's, past employers and/or professional contacts who have seen you teach. Inclusion to the TCW is based on the applicant's ability to teach. Past employers and/or professional contacts who have seen the applicant teach something besides stage combat is acceptable.

IMPORTANT: The applicant is responsible for acquiring these letters.

The applicant should confirm with recommending FM's that their letter of recommendation has been received by the TCW coordinators.

The TCW coordinators will not track them down in any way.

It is also the applicant's responsibility to collect the letters of recommendation from the other parties for submission at the same time as the rest of the TCW application.

5. CURRENT CURRICULUM VITAE

A comprehensive curriculum vitae which must include:

• experience as a teacher rather than as an assistant. This doesn't need to be teaching stage combat.*
• experience choreographing fights.*

6. DOCUMENTATION SHOWING TRAINING WITH A MINIMUM OF TWO SAFD CT'S, FD'S, AND/OR FM'S, AND A MINIMUM OF 40 HOURS IN EACH SAFD STAGE COMBAT DISCIPLINE.

Download the required template in Microsoft Excel format here: TCW Training Template.

Submissions in another format will not be accepted. You can use this document to enter your training history, save it, and then upload it as part of your online application.

7. DOCUMENTATION OF AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN PERFORMANCE STUDIES OR EQUIVALENT TRAINING.

No transcripts please. CV documentation of education is evidence and sufficient.

This document can be submitted as a PDF or JPEG.

8. DOCUMENTATION OF CURRENT FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION.

Upload certificates from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or other certifying bodies recognized by the SAFD Governing Body. Copies must be right side up when up opened, with the document clear and legible. This document can be submitted as a PDF or JPEG.

9. RECENT VIDEO FOOTAGE SHOWING EXAMPLES OF THE APPLICANT PERFORMING THEIR OWN UNARMED AND RAPIER & DAGGER CHOREOGRAPHY.

The purpose of the choreography is to demonstrate clear technique, including footwork, as laid out in SAFD set moves. This choreography is less about your ability to sell your fight, or be "interesting"- it IS about your fundamental ability to demonstrate proper technique.

Be sure to "Slate" at the top of the video. You should state your name, your partner's name and announce what weapon you are performing.

The space used for filming should be well lit, sufficiently large and free of obstacles. It may be indoor or outdoor so long as the performers may be clearly seen.

Be certain you and your weapons can be distinctly visible. For instance, a white top against daylight or a dark top against black curtains does not help you show your best work.

Neither set nor props, other than Rapiers & Daggers, may be used. We also recommend the choreography be suitable for the stage rather than film (fighting). Sequences filmed in an indoor theatre or rehearsal space is best, though an outdoor theatre space may work as well.

Create and submit two videos

1. Unarmed
2. Rapier & Dagger

• These two videos should feature required techniques from the two disciplines (Unarmed and Rapier & Dagger respectively), include as many moves as the applicant feels necessary, but be a minimum of at least 16 moves.
• Each video should be between 40-60 seconds.
• Each video must be one continuous shot (panning and following if needed) maintaining the performers within the full frame. No cutting-and-editing of sequences.
• To submit your two videos, please upload them to YouTube as UNLISTED (not private, and not public) and be prepared to copy and paste the links into your application.
• Please record and upload your videos in HD or high resolution.
• You will be asked to provide links to your two videos in the online application.

10. $30.00 NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE. (PAYABLE ONLINE)

STRONGLY SUGGESTED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (BUT NOT REQUIRED):

1. TFST (Theatrical Firearms Safety Test) is not Required, but is highly recommended. The TFST will NOT be offered as part of the TCW Curriculum.
2. Experience in researching the real life application and evolution of the 8 weapon disciplines from a historical perspective. This includes both civilian and military usage as well as their geographic significance.
3. Experience performing fights.
4. Actor Training.
5. Training in other movement disciplines such as martial arts, mask work, commedia dell'arte, clown, Suzuki, Pilates, Alexander, Feldenkrais, dance, period movement and manners, etc.
6. Demonstration of familiarity with principal works of western dramatic literature, specifically those that require the use of stage combat.

Apply for the TCW here!

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

All applications must be submitted no later than April 1, 2022.

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION:

All applicants will be notified regarding acceptance by May 5, 2022.