Slings + Arrows

So, I hosted my first ZOOM workshop today.

It was weird.

*_{God only knows what my neighbors think.}*

In an effort to stay connected and stay active, I put together a footwork workshop on ZOOM. It was so strange to be teaching via a livestream, rather than in person.

Physical presence – and being mindfully present – is at the heart of stage combat and HEMA work – and it felt so strange not to be able to make eye contact, interact in real time, and be together.

The missing connection reminded me of why we come together to do this in the first place – to use moment, bodies, connection, to tell full stories.

It was weird, but I’m so glad we did – it’s strange to find new ways of working and adapting our craft during COVID-19.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in staying sharp with your skills – while staying safe at home – get in touch to learn about our next workshop!

I’m Michael.

I’m an STL-based stage combatant, aspiring fight director, teaching artist, actor, and student of HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). The widespread shutdown of arts organizations during social distancing (aka COVID-19) has left me with…well, a little more time on my hands, so I’m finally getting around to this whole website thing.

*Also, I apparently look like this guy in a painting at SLAM. It’s by Elisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun, 1773, who fled revolutionary-era France to became a celebrated neoclassical painter.*

I’m interested in creating a team of actors, directors, fight choreographers, and HEMA enthusiasts to train, teach, and create a standard of excellence together.

The Slings and Arrows project is launched as a way to keep in touch, share resources, and plan for the future together.

So, if we don’t know each other in real life, please reach out, get in touch, and let’s visit!

Well, that was weird.

Hello!