Who We are

Who We are

The mission of the Society of American Fight Directors is to promote the safe and effective dramatization of violence in the entertainment industry.

The Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) comprises brilliant innovators, generous collaborators and exceptional practitioners in the art of stage combat. Our members teach at prestigious theatre training programs through the United States and choreograph on professional stages around the world. Through rigorous training, certification, and a commitment to lifelong learning, we cultivate the next generation of stage combat professionals and enhance the works of today’s global entertainment industry.

Rapier fight

GOVERNANCE

The Governing Body of the SAFD is elected by its dues-paying membership and serves as its board of directors maintaining policy and direction for the organization.

Fight Director Representative

Mason Tyer

CT

Secretary

Leraldo Anzaldua

FM/FD/CT

IDEA Representative

Jonathan Rubin

CT

Treasurer

Jason Paul Tate

FD/CT

Vice President

Christina Traister

FM/FD/CT

President

Member Representatives

Tonya Lynn

FD/CT

Fight Director Representative

Nick Sandys

FM/FD/CT

Fight Master Representative

Matthew Crider

CT

Certified Teacher Representative

Andrew Rathgeber

AAC

Advanced & Intermediate Actor/Combatant Representative

History

Founded in 1977, the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) was formed in order “to bring together those individuals who earn a living choreographing fight scenes for stage and film.” Influenced by a British society with similar purpose, the SAFD began publication of a magazine, titled The Fight Master, in early service to its current mission of promoting safe and effective dramatization of violence throughout the entertainment industry.

The SAFD now enjoys a healthy reputation in the entertainment industry, both at home and abroad. Its membership is represented around the globe and its Skills Proficiency Tests are offered in numerous colleges and universities and at various private training facilities across the country. They are called upon regularly to consult with performer and director/choreographer unions to provide standards for safety and recognition in the industry at large. The National Stage Combat Workshop still serves as the flagship training program of the SAFD every summer, and more than 20 regional workshops celebrating the combative arts are hosted by SAFD members throughout the year.