Frequently Asked Questions

 

About Mitten Mayhem

Started in 2023, the Mitten Mayhem regional workshop was created with the goal of expanding stage combat training opportunities in Michigan, exchanging new ideas and thoughts with a diverse group of instructors, creating new ways to create stories of action and violence, and fostering networks and new friendships from across the country.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all persons without discrimination against age, race, nationality, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, social class, or ability.

Mitten Mayhem is produced by Theatrica Gladiatoria, LLC, a stage combat academy for stage and film that teaches classes year-round in Ypsilanti, MI.

 

FAQs

Got more questions? Email us at info+mm@theatricagladiatoria.com

  • Stage combat is the development of choreographed violence for the stage or screen. Using techniques developed by industry professionals, actors can perform exciting and heart-pounding choreography, all while maintaining the highest level of safety and peak performance.

  • Training! Like any skill that can degrade over time, stage combat, martial arts, and physical movement are important to practice if you want to be able to use it when asked. If you’re an actor, often times the training you receive during a production is just enough to be proficient for a performance, and it takes significantly more hours of study to be an expert.

    Stage combat workshops like Mitten Mayhem aim to provide continuing education opportunities for our communities, to exchange thoughts with other artists and industry professionals, and to push the art forward. Plus, swords are cool.

  • Workshop tuition covers a full weekend of classes taught by some of the best instructors of theatrical violence from around the world.

    It does not cover housing or food (with the exception of light breakfast options). However, there are a multitude of hotels and restaurants within a couple of miles of Ypsilanti, MI. Check out our Travel & Location page for more details.

  • No! Everybody of every skill level is welcome at the Mitten Mayhem. There will be plenty of options for all levels of students, from those who have never studied stage combat before to Advanced Actor/Combatants.

    If you’ve had very little experience (or none) with training in stage or performative combat (such as just for a show here or there), we invite you to try our introductory track!

  • You need to be minimum 16 years of age to participate in Mitten Mayhem. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to have a parent or guardian complete waivers and releases.

  • The workshop is a two-day workshop. It will involve very strenuous exercise with 5 classes a day lasting 90 minutes each.

    • Please bring clothing that will allow you flexibility and freedom of movement.

    • Bring any braces, pads, and supports that will assist you in gaining the most out of each class.

    • You must have court shoes or shoes with non-scuffing soles. Running shoes, boots, sports trek shoes, and black-soled shoes are NOT allowed.

    • Full-fingered gloves that allow dexterity (e.g. leather, baseball, riding, etc)

    • Water or a refillable bottle (water fountains are available) and snacks

    • Deodorant (or anything else you need to keep you feeling and smelling fresh.

    • Notebook and a writing utensil!

  • Nope! We will provide all the weapons and equipment you need. If you would like to bring personal weapons, please contact us ahead of time at info+mm@theatricagladiatoria.com so we can arrange it with the armory. Please check with the instructor of the class before class begins to get approval to use your weapon in the class.

  • Most likely! More details to come later in 2025.

  • Workshop attendees are not required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Masking is not mandatory at this time (although this is subject to change depending on the health and risk threat levels in SE Michigan). Attendees are welcome to wear masks all weekend if they would like to.