Abby's 2024 Nationals Funding

Dear friends,

My name is Abby and I am a soon-to-be graduate of Texas Tech with my MA in Theatre Arts. I work professionally as a fight director and intimacy coordinator for stage and screen as well as an instructor for various theatre classes in the Lubbock, TX area. This past summer, I attended my first Fight Directors Canada Nationals, where I received my Basic Certification as well as the Rookie of the Year and the Training Boost Grant.

Being a part of Fight Directors Canada has been an incredible journey, and I'm thrilled to continue this path by pursuing my Intermediate Certification this summer. This August, I'll be diving into four disciplines: Unarmed Martial Arts, Smallsword, Two-handed Sword, and Sword and Companion.

I've already taken care of my plane ticket and housing arrangements, but the last hurdle is covering the remaining tuition fees. Despite working for Texas Tech, holding a part-time job, and doing contract work within the theatre community, certifications come with a hefty price tag.

I'm reaching out to you with humility, asking for your consideration in supporting this important professional development opportunity for me. Stage combat isn't just a theatrical skill; it's been a source of immense joy. Over the past two years, I've had the privilege of using my expertise as a fight director to empower actors of all ages, from elementary students to retirees, in the Lubbock area. This certification helps me ensure that I am able to make the rehearsal space as safe as I possibly can for the actors I work with while empowering them to tell stories through stage combat. I recently defended my master’s thesis at Texas Tech where I expressed my deep interest in expanding the academic scholarship of stage combat. By continuing this training, I am able to add valuable auto-ethnographic findings to this research.

Your contribution will not only assist me in achieving my certification but will also enable me to continue spreading the love and artistry of stage combat within my community. Thank you for considering supporting my journey!

Warm regards,

Abby Wolff-Smith