In The Event That...

Your Saber Didn't Come with Instructions

by Ptah Gabrie

Stage Combat WorkshopSat.-Sun., Oct. 6-7, (register by Oct. 1), $150-$250, Gershman YMCA, 401 S. Broad St., 215-802-3885, www.philascw.org

Whether you're an experienced swashbuckler or an amateur ninja, there's always room for improvement. Actors and closet buccaneers can step up their game at the Stage Combat Festival, an annual workshop presented by University of the Arts and the Society of American Fight Directors.

Beginner workshops will focus on hand-to-hand combat, as well as techniques with weapons including broadswords, knives and quarterstaffs. Advanced classes for experienced brawlers will examine less traditional ways of duking it out. Wearing heels, in a skirt and need to defend yourself against multiple attackers? No problem. According to UArts stage combat teacher Charles Conwell, these obscure classes and unusual weapons — such as cavalry sabers and bayonets — are what really appeal to people. "Combat people like to get together and be exposed to unusual things," he says. "Combat people like to fight with anything."

Even if you're not planning to go at it onstage, it's always nice to know how to properly handle a sword and shield. "I think you can get a macho thrill out of it," says Conwell. "You get to be your own hero."