Abbotsford's Gallery 7 Theatre & Performing Arts Society, is pleased to be presenting its final workshop of the 2011/2012 series, Stage Fighting: An Introduction with Certified Fight Master Paul Gelineau on April 20 & 21, 2012 at the MEI Theatre, 4081 Clearbrook Road in Abbotsford.

At times, stories express conflict through physical violence in order to explore important themes. This "hands-on" workshop will teach participants how to create the illusion of violence that is effective, but safe for the performer. Professionally accepted techniques for slaps, kicks, punches, trips and hair pulls will be explored as well as basic sword fighting techniques used on all professional stages and film sets. Come prepared to move, dodge and grunt!

"It may seem strange to offer a workshop such as this," explains Ken Hildebrandt, executive Artistic Director. "At the heart of drama is conflict, and sometimes that conflict is expressed physically. It's important for actors, directors, and producers to learn how to recreate that physicality realistically and safely so we can more honestly examine the reasons behind the conflict."

This exciting special workshop is taught by Certified Fight Master Paul Gelineau, who has created Fight-Action choreography and coordinated combat workshops for such theatres as The National Arts Centre, The Shaw Festival, The Banff Centre for the Arts, The Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary and the Vancouver Opera. He holds a MFA from the University of Alberta and resides in Chilliwack, B.C.

Stage Fighting: An Introduction runs Friday, April 20th, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Saturday, April 21st, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Cost for the workshop is $65 and includes the workshop, a snack and bottled water. For more information, or to register for the course, please call 604-504-5940 or register online at the theatre's website at www.gallery7theatre.com. Space is limited so people are encouraged to register early.

"You won't find so high calibre of a workshop lead by so experienced an instructor for so low a cost in Vancouver," concludes Hildebrandt. "This is a rare opportunity right here in our own community to really dig deep in to the heart of powerful and more professional acting."