On a lively afternoon at St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School, 25 enthusiastic students had the unique opportunity to engage in a hands-on stage combat workshop led by the skilled and dynamic Ms. Lauren Lafayette Brooks. The session was designed to give students an introduction to the essential techniques of physical storytelling, emphasizing both safety and the theatricality of combat movements. The Quinte Arts Council provided funding for this class through its Arts Education program.
From the moment the students entered the drama room, they knew they were in for an action-packed day. Ms. Lafayette Brooks, a seasoned professional Actor, wasted no time in introducing the fundamentals: the importance of precision, timing, and the concept of making it look real without actually causing harm.
The workshop covered a wide range of techniques, including how to convincingly deliver punches, kicks, and chokes—each move carefully designed for the stage to ensure both drama and safety. The students were guided through each maneuver, emphasizing the critical importance of communication between partners and the need for trust and control.
One of the day’s most memorable exercises involved the students practicing “walking into walls.” While this might sound simple at first, it quickly became clear that this skill required careful attention to body positioning, balance, and controlled falling. The students were amazed at how much physicality and technique went into such an everyday-looking movement, and they quickly appreciated how stage combat is an art form in itself.
Throughout the afternoon, laughter filled the air as students, many of whom had no prior experience with stage combat, got into the rhythm of the workshop. Ms. Lafayette Brooks’ guidance made the complex moves approachable and fun, while also ensuring the students were learning practical dramatic skills that could be applied to future performances.
By the end of the session, the students had gained not only a new set of physical skills but also a deeper understanding of how stage combat enhances storytelling on stage. They left the class with big smiles, energized by the experience and eager to incorporate what they’d learned into their own performances.
The Stage Combat workshop with Ms. Lauren Lafeyette Brooks was an unforgettable experience that blended fun and learning, giving students the tools to bring more dynamic energy to their dramatic work both safely and creatively.
Photo provided by Corey Diening
