HIGH IMPACT FIGHT DIRECTION
FOR YOUR PRODUCTION
Moments of conflict, violence or heightened action can make or break your show.
Don't break your actors in the process.
Book a professional fight director to help you craft your staged violence with safety and quality top of mind.
IMPACT, SAFETY AND STORY GO
HAND-IN-HAND
AT BREATH & SINEW
fight director
joshua bell
Fight Director and movement specialist Joshua Bell brings specialised movement expertise to create visceral, story-driven stage combat.
Working shoulder-to-shoulder with directors and actors, he establishes safe, supportive environments that build physical resilience and empower performers to deliver the absolute best performance they are capable of.
why you should book a fight director
Protect your performers
Staged violence carries inherent physical risk. Hiring a professional Fight Director ensures your cast is protected and your production upholds its Occupational Health & Safety obligations. We build robust physical storytelling frameworks so your performers can command the space and tell bold stories safely, night after night.
Tell Stories with impact
Staged violence needn’t be clunky or gratuitous; at it’s best, dramatic conflict is the absolute peak of narrative tension. An expert Fight Director decodes the script to ensure every strike, fall and parry is a direct manifestation of the character’s internal stakes. We turn raw physical conflict into a meaningful drama.
connect vision with execution
Translating a director’s overarching vision into an actor’s safe physical execution of staged violence requires a specialised artistic language. With roots firmly planted in theatre-making and acting, alongside a deep knowledge of movement mechanics, Josh will ensure the choreography never feels tacked on, instead blending seamlessly into the design, pulse and emotional arc of your production.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If your script requires a slap, a fall, a tussle, a modern knife fight, or historical swordplay, or something in between, then you should consider getting a Fight Director. Beyond the creative necessity of making these moments look convincing, hiring a Fight Director is a key element to ensuring the safety of performers and meeting mandatory OH&S standards in creative workspaces. We transform unpredictable physical risk into a rehearsed, reliable, and deeply impactful piece of theatre.
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A Fight Director’s involvement can span the entire lifecycle of a production. It begins with rigorous script analysis and deep consultation with the creative team to align with the project's scope, budget, and vision. From there, we design the choreography, train the actors to perform the movements safely, and provide technical support during dress runs or ongoing maintenance for long-running shows.
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The earlier, the better. Engaging us during pre-production or the early casting phase allows for comprehensive script analysis, creative alignment, and weapon sourcing assistance before rehearsals even begin. This ensures that physical safety and narrative depth are woven into the very fabric of the production from day one.
However, we can provide support at whatever stage of production you are in. You may not realise you need any stage violence until the moment reveals itself in rehearsal. Get in touch and we’ll do our best to support your show to be safe and effective.
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Because every production demands a unique physical language—ranging from a brief, unarmed scuffle to an intricate, historical longsword sequence—our fight direction services are completely bespoke. We work closely with major companies and indie producers alike to tailor a package that respects your production budget and scope.
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Breath & Sinew is built on a rare intersection of theatrical expertise and high-performance movement knowledge. Founded by Joshua Bell—a VCA-trained actor and theatremaker who undertook a rigorous apprenticeship under renowned Fight Director Lyndall Grant—our approach embeds a breadth of experience in physical theatre training, strength & conditioning and biomechanics directly into stage combat. We don’t just block movements; we develop resilient, adaptable bodies capable of telling deep stories through raw, visceral action.
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Expect a direct, collaborative, and highly professional process. I am a clear communicator who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with you to service your vision, while helping you unpick complex aspects of the violence you didn't know your project needed. From the initial script analysis through to active rehearsals and final technical runs, we establish a protective, supportive environment. The goal is simple: ensure your actors feel entirely secure so they can deliver the absolute best physical performance they are capable of.