Stephen E. Rees, chairperson of the Department of Theatre and Dance, announced that 12 students recently attained Society of American Fight Directors certification in the use of the Broad Sword and Small Sword during skills proficiency testing May 13.
"Having these skills on their resumes will make these students more attractive to potential employers in the entertainment industry," Professor Edward Sharon, their trainer, said.
The SAFD tests students worldwide in eight weapon/styles.
The students, under the long-term tutelage of Professor Sharon, were adjudicated by J. Allen Suddeth of the SAFD. Suddeth, one of 15 Fight Masters in the SAFD, and author of “Fight Directing for the Theatre” has performed this adjudication process at SUNY Fredonia previously. He is well known for his work in staging fights for Broadway, Off-Broadway and television productions for nearly 30 years.
During May's testing, 100 percent of those who were evaluated passed the certification tests.
David Ebert, Katharine Fahey, Joanna Hernandez, Caitlyn Herzlinger, Adam Kane, Karson LaForce, Jean Liskiewicz, Aaron Muserallo, and Amy Van Deusen passed their test in the use of the Broad Sword.
Matt Hughes, Sanford Holsapple, and Roger Mulligan passed exams in both Broad Sword and in the use of the Small Sword.
