I found out that I got the grant on November 17, 2009. I had convinced myself that I wouldn’t get it, trying to avoid disappointment, only to find out that yes, I would be traveling to study with some of best Fight Directors I know of, and people whose work I have admired for a long time. I was so excited I could hardly sleep that night! Shortly after I received confirmation, I started confirming plans with the Fight Directors.
Plans, however, quickly grew. The original concept was that I would spend 6 weeks with each of these gentlemen, during which time we would conduct some experiments and workshops. Brad Waller then came up with a great idea. Geographically he’s relatively close, so I’ll be spending about week with him and his students every 2 months or so. This will allow me to observe more of his classes, and to track his students’ development. I can see what is working best for them, and what information is most useful to them. This is one of many ways that I will be gathering information so that when the 6-week experimentation periods come at the end of the year, I can be confident that I have covered as many bases as possible.
So, my first visit with Brad is coming up at the end of the month!
It’s funny though. After applying for the grant last summer, I’ve already been thinking a lot about how we communicate stage combat technique and choreography. I’ve even had a few opportunities to try things out in classes I’ve taught and shows I’ve been working on. It’s rather obsessive. I think about it all the time.
Let’s see where it goes…