About Us
[they fight] Stage Combat School exists to teach safe and well performed stage violence. Founded in 2001 by Don Preston, [they fight] follows the precepts and teachings of the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). Safety is stressed above everything else.
Don Preston, Founder
Classes are taught by Don Preston, the only Certified Stage Combat Teacher in Minnesota.Don has been a visiting artist at North Carolina School for the Arts, a featured teacher at workshops at UNLV, Columbia College in Chicago, Louisiana Tech University, and many more. He is the resident teacher of stage combat at Park Square Theatre’s immersion days and his choreography can be seen throughout the Twin Cities at Park Square Theatre, Artist’s Shakespeare, MN Shakespeare Projects and many local college and high schools.
His performances include a production of Carmen at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and The Capulets and Montagues at the Minnesota Opera Company.
Don specializes in fights for Shakespearean productions that are safe and dynamic for all ages.
The SAFD is dedicated to training and improving the quality of stage combat and choreography and is committed to the highest standards of safety in the theatrical, film, and television industries.