Fighting with the sword is one of most exciting and rewarding skills that the actor can have in his bag of tricks. The ending of Hamlet, King Lear and Pirates of the Caribbean conclude with a fight scene. The student will be exercised in the sword and work towards its perfection. An emphasis on fencing with the foil, epee and sabre may become part of the student’s regimen to teach better coordination and focus as well as the practical applications thereof. The second half of the semester will be spent working on sword technique in rehearsal style classes. The students will perform two fight scenes. One will be for the mid-term and the other for the final/adjudication. Certification with the Society of American Fight Directors is possible at the end of the semester. Note: Prior to spring 2009, the course title was “Advanced Stage Combat.”