An Explanation of all levels within ACTT

STANDARD.

Requirements (N/A)

The level one received at Drama School/ university training, therefore the “Standard” that a Drama school student receives and sets upon graduation. A performer at this level is competent at a basic level with the broad weapon types that are clearly separate from one another (Broadsword, Single Sword, Knife, Staff, etc), can speak the language that a Fight Director speaks, has a knowledge of universal footwork and technique, and understand the core principles of Stage Combat.

INTERMEDIATE.

Requirements – 3 Merits at Standard (1 sword, 1 unarmed, 1 other).

Bridging the gap to Advanced, Intermediate introduces specific weapons that branch from the broad base type. Single Sword is a specified in branches to Rapier, 18th Century Small Sword, and Sabre, for instance. This is a new element to introduce, and so, though there are more moves to learn, and become slightly more complex, the style of choreography limited to that of the classic theatrical aesthetic.

ADVANCED.

Requirements 3 Merits at Intermediate (Any weapon).

Now that competency is showed at Intermediate, Advanced delves into the historical and martial use of the weapon. Unarmed, for instance, utilises techniques derived from specific martial arts. Asian weapons such as Staff, Tonfa, and Kama, utilise techniques from specific Okinawan Kata, while Longsword uses techniques from recorded HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). At this level, you display a physical understanding of the choreography but are not needed to know the style of the weapon, this will be covered during the course.

SPECIALIST level ex

This is. Short course designed for BTec, Community theatre groups or those looking to start training before going into Standard level.  

Requirements – 10 Advanced modules – at least 3 Distinctions plus and the maximum of merits.

The purpose of the specialist grouping is to provide the performer a performance route into the highest attainable levels of Theatrical Combat within ACTT as a performer, which will give them a specialism with which to apply for roles pertinent to the weapon groupings they have achieved at the Specialist Level.

Actors in the past have felt the need to apply for teacher training roles because it proves an elevated level of performance, but this often distracts them from achieving performance as a goal. The Specialist grouping resolves that issue, allowing them to keep their branch of performance and career as performers in mind.