At the Summer Stunt Academy, we aim
to educate campers
about the techniques behind what we do, to teach them the basic
practices of swordplay and stunt work, and to make the experience
enjoyable for everyone.
Every summer, the Ring of Steel Action Theater welcomes young people ages 8 to 18 to join them in learning the art of stage combat and stunt work.
Ring of Steel Stunt Academy is a five day-long day camp for children ages 8-18 who are interested in learning theatrical and film fighting, including extensive technique in swordplay (also with lightsabers!), tumbling, stunt work, whip, and basic theater skills. Campers can attend as many camps as they choose, and during the rest of the year they are welcome to join the Ring of Steel Action Theater for regular practices if they are fourteen or over. Younger particpants can join our Afterschool Classes.
Run by Maestro Christopher Barbeau and staffed by members of the Ring of Steel, campers can learn to safely simulate stage violence and perform stunts such as high falls, flying, and mini-trampoline jumps. Our emphasis is on theaterical swordplay. Although our swords are made with genuine carbon steel blades, they are not sharp and we handle them with the highlest possible level of safety. Campers are taught in small groups, each with an instructor and an assistant instructor so that each camper receives a high level of personal attention and development.
Learning how to weild a sword is great, but what about the science behind how it moves? What are the names of all of its parts? Part of our goal at the Stunt Academy is to not only teach campers how to swing swords and perform stunts, but to teach them the science behind everything it is they are doing, and to provide definitions and histories for all the different activities and pieces of equipment. For instance, campers will learn why the mini-trampoline is angled away from the landing mat instead of toward it. Seems counter-intuitive, right? And why does a sword have a "blood groove?" (Here's a hint: the "blood groove" has nothing to do with blood. In fact, that's not even its real name.)
Back to TopAll campers are first taught the science and technique behind the activity they are about to practice.
In order to ensure safety for all participants, campers are first
given a demonstration of what it is they are about to do, broken down
into easy-to-understand elements. Explanations are given for each
step of the process so that campers can understand why something needs
to be done. Once the instructor is satisfied that the campers are
ready, they are allowed to begin practicing the activity.
Dates to Remember
The dates for Ring of Steel's Summer Stunt Academy 2010 are :
June 28th-July 2nd, Ann Arbor MI
July 5th-July 9th, Ann Arbor MI
July 26th-July 30th, Grand Rapids, MI
August 9th-August 13th, Ann Arbor, MI
Additional sessions planned:
August 16th-August 20th, Cuba NY
August 23rd-August 27th, Boston, MA
August 30th-September 3rd, ??
Enrollment deposits are due ASAP after registration and no later than
a week before the start of the session.
Academy t-shirts will be handed out during the week of each session.
Tuition and Fees
The cost of attendance for a single camper is $280 per five-day
session. For siblings enrolling during the same session, the cost is
$280 for the first camper and $235 for each additional camper.
(Sorry, the sibling discount applies to siblings ONLY, not to friends,
cousins, etc.) An enrollment deposit of $80 is required no later than a
week before the academy session begins.
The cost of tuition includes five days of instruction, weapons fees,
room rental, equipment usage, a camp t-shirt, and two snacks a day.
After-care may be requested for an additional fee.
After your registration, is received, a confirmation email will be sent to your email address.
The confirmation will contain the details you entered in your registration form. It will also provide you with the address you can send your enrollment deposit(s) to as well as any necessary instructions. The week before the session starts, Maestro Barbeau will send out an email to all enrolled compers detailing everything they need to know for their upcoming session.
Back to TopIn the event of an injury or other emergency during a session, the Ring of Steel will notify whoever was designated as the emergency contact during registration.
Although the Academy has never had any serious injuries, we know
it's always best to be prepared. The Ring of Steel is equipped to
handle minor injuries on-site, including scrapes, minor cuts and burns
(sometimes sustained during whip work), bug bites and stings,
mild dehydration, and other small problems. We administer both
allopathic and homeopathic treatments. Parents and guardians may
request for one or the other to be used if they so desire. Small
injuries like bruises or minor scrapes
aren't generally considered grounds for notifying parents; however
campers are always welcome to request their presence if they feel it is
needed. If more serious injuries occur, the Ring of Steel
will provide as much care as possible while notifying emergency
contacts
and, if needed, an ambulance.
The activities taught at the Academy all involve a slight amount of
risk, even with our numerous safety precautions. There has never been a
serious injury in the history of the Academy, but we want parents and
campers to be rest assured that we are prepared to respond to any
situation that might arise.
All campers are sorted into groups according to age.
A camper who is 8 years old can't be expected to perform at the same level as a camper who is 18 years old. Campers are divided into three groups according to age. Some campers may be moved to an older age group based on a high level of experience. Friends and siblings who enroll for the same camp sessions may be placed in the same group if requested. Being placed in a higher age group does not indicate being "better" in any way than people in lower age groups; it is simply an observation of the fact that older campers are more physically developed and can handle a faster pace and a higher level of instruction.
Back to TopCampers have to be signed out each day they are present.
In the event of an absence, we request that the Academy is notified if not the day before than the morning of the day of absence. Attendance is taken as campers arrive every morning. Sign in is not necessary. At the end of the day, a parent or guardian is required to sign campers out. If several campers are carpooling, we request that the driver notify us in advance. Any changes in pickup procedure, including someone else picking a camper up than the person who usually signs them out, should be reported to a staff member. Campers who commute by walking or by bike can arrange to be able to sign themselves out.
Back to TopNo one has to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Let's face it, not everyone wants to fall backwards through the air from a ten foot-high platform. If anyone is left feeling uneasy about trying something, then they don't have to. It's as simple as that. Campers who don't wish to participate in the designated activity can either watch or participate in an alternate activity. The Summer Stunt Academy is a low-pressure learning environment geared firstly toward providing a fun and action-filled five days for campers. If the action isn't to a camper's taste, it's not a problem.
Back to TopHealthy snacks are provided twice daily every day for no extra charge.
At the Summer Stunt Academy, we know that in order to keep our
campers at peak performance they need time to refuel and recharge.
Twice a day, campers are provided with healthy snacks including
fruits like watermelons, cherries, and grapes, multi-grain crackers,
cheese cubes, and some form of dessert. All food is prepared on-site by
Academy staff members and served to campers
outside where they can enjoy the fresh air, or inside in the event of
inclement weather. In order to be as allergy-friendly as possible, we
do not serve any products containing peanuts.
Based on the information we receive from all the campers in a session,
we may also cater to other dietary needs or restrictions. No matter
what the case, we always make sure there are plenty of nutritious and
refreshing
options for campers to choose from.
Lunch is not provided at the Academy and must be packed daily.
Cold, clean water is provided at the Academy at all times.
A pair of coolers will be located in the front entrance of our Ann Arbor location and in similarly accessible spots at our other Academy sites. The coolers are stocked daily with water and ice in order to help campers stay cool and well hydrated. Paper or styrofoam cups are also provided. Once a camper has been given a cup for the day, they're not allowed to have another one. We provide pens to write names down so that campers can keep track of which cup is theirs. Campers are also allowed to bring their own water bottles, although we request that they be kept in the lunch area. Campers are given regular breaks to go get water and can request to get a drink at any time during the day.
Back to TopFor parents and guardians who are unable to pick their children up after the day is done, the Academy is willing to provide after care.
Because this is a special service not automatically provided, there is a minimum requirement of five campers needing after care before the service is offered. A $5 per hour fee will apply, with a maximum of two hours per day. A camper's time in after care will not be spent reviewing techniques covered during the day, but we are happy to play games, engage in acting exercises, and show them some of our weapons stock.
Back to TopIf a camper does not follow directions, antagonizes other campers or instructors, purposefully damages Academy property, or otherwise misbehaves, the Academy will take disciplinary action.
Campers who are consistently disruptive during activities will receive warnings from the instructors. If they continue to misbehave, they will be removed from the activity area and taken to see Mr. Barbeau who will discuss the problem with the camper. Parents will be notified if necessary. We want the Academy experience to be as enjoyable as possible to everyone, and people who prevent others from enjoying their time will be taken aside. We are happy to give second chances to campers who have been disruptive. Multiple infractions, however, may result in a camper being asked to leave the session.
Back to TopCampers are not required to bring any of their own equipment, but for those interested, the Academy is a licensed dealer of theatrical weaponry.
All wooden practice swords (bokken) and steel swords are provided to the campers. People who are interested in purchasing their own weapons for home use may talk to Mr. Barbeau or to a staff member about buying from the Academy. During the course of our Summer Stunt Academy, we sell bokken (pronounced BOW-ken), shanai (bamboo weapons used in kendo), and "ninja stars." Other items are available on request, although the listed items are the most popular, and are generally the only ones that fall within the budget for most campers. Due to the nature of these items, we request that a parent or guardian be present to approve the purchase. We take care to make sure that our entire stock of sale weaponry is of top quality and reasonably priced. Purchasing weapons is not limited to campers; weapons can be bought for or by friends and family members as well.
Back to TopWe are happy to accomodate any medical conditions or special needs that campers might have.
During registration, applicants will be given the opportunity to inform us about any medical conditions, special needs, or other factors that may require the attention of the staff during the course of the session. This information is kept private from other campers and is shared only with the staff so that they can act accordingly. Factors to list include things like allergies, attention problems, daily medication, etc. Anything that you think might be necessary for us to know about is appropriate.
Back to TopCampers are always welcome to come and join the Ring of Steel throughout the year!
Even though the Summer Stunt Academy may come to an end, the Ring of
Steel is active all year-round and we're happy to have our campers
coming back during the year to take more lessons from us!
Campers over the age of fourteen are welome to join the Ring of Steel
as regular club members, learning alongside the academy instructors and
participating in our events. If a camper is between 8 and 13
years old, then they're welcome to join our Younglings classes! For
more information about younglings clasess, please email