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Stage Combat Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Facilitate playtesting and feedback sessions to iterate on combat systems and fine-tune them based ... stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will ...

Senior Game Designer Combat

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145.10 - $181.40/hr

Facilitate playtesting and feedback sessions to iterate on combat systems and fine-tune them based ... stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will ...

... stage testing, and advanced troubleshooting working on the advanced Naval Radar systems currently ... Experience with combat system operation and maintenance, including radar system installation ...

... stage testing, and advanced troubleshooting working on the advanced Naval Radar systems currently ... Experience with combat system operation and maintenance, including radar system installation ...

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Stage Combat information

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$13

$54

$75

How much do stage combat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for stage combat in California is $54.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.29 and $74.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a stage combat?

A Stage Combat job involves choreographing and performing safe, realistic-looking fight scenes for theater, film, and television. Professionals in this field use techniques from martial arts, fencing, and other combat styles to create dynamic action sequences while ensuring actor safety. They may work as fight directors, stunt performers, or trainers, collaborating closely with directors and actors. Proper training and certification from recognized organizations, such as the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD), are often required.

What are the typical responsibilities of a stage combat professional during a theatrical production?

Stage combat professionals are responsible for choreographing, teaching, and performing fight sequences that are both safe and visually compelling. Their duties often include collaborating closely with directors and actors to integrate combat elements into the script, attending rehearsals to refine movement, and ensuring all performers understand and maintain safety protocols. They may also be tasked with maintaining and inspecting combat props and weapons. Clear communication and adaptability are key, as fight choreography must often be adjusted to suit each cast and staging environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the stage combat position, and why are they important?

To thrive in stage combat, you should possess strong physical fitness, mastery of combat techniques, and a background in theatre or movement arts, often supported by certification from organizations like the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). Training typically involves the use of prop weapons, stage-safe combat equipment, and adherence to industry safety standards. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability are valued soft skills, enabling effective collaboration with directors, actors, and crew. These abilities ensure that fight scenes are performed safely, convincingly, and in harmony with the overall production.

What are the most commonly searched types of Stage Combat jobs in California?

The most popular types of Stage Combat jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Stage Combat jobs in California?

For Stage Combat jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Stage Combat jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Stage Combat jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Stage Combat jobs?

Cities in California with the most Stage Combat job openings:

Infographic showing various Stage Combat job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,657 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Fall Play Fight Choreographer

San Francisco University High School

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$2.5K/wk

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Description

About San Francisco University High School:

UHS is a coeducational independent day school in San Francisco, California, with 514 students in grades 9-12. Founded in 1975, the school's mission is to challenge each individual to live a life of integrity, inquiry, and purpose larger than the self. UHS is located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.


The Fight Choreographer designs, teaches, and oversees all physical combat, physical altercations, and high-energy stage movement for the high school's fall production. This role focuses on translating the director's vision into safe, repeatable, and dramatic stage choreography while mentoring student actors on safety protocols, body control, and physical storytelling.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Choreography Design: Create dramatic, story-driven combat sequences (unarmed or staged prop weapons, depending on the script) tailored to the physical capabilities of student performers.
  • Actor Instruction: Teach actors core stage combat techniques, focus, distance control, and physical partnership during scheduled rehearsal blocks.
  • Safety & Protocol Management: Establish strict backstage and onstage safety guidelines, leading mandatory daily physical warm-ups and "fight calls" before every run-through and performance.
  • Collaborative Staging: Partner with the Director and Stage Manager to integrate fight beats seamlessly into broader scene work, lighting cues, and floor space restrictions.
  • Maintenance & Consistency: Refine and clean up movements throughout dress rehearsals to ensure choreography remains controlled, safe, and believable every night.


Requirements

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in stage combat instruction or martial arts/dance choreography for theater.
  • Certification or training with a recognized stage combat organization (e.g., SAFD) preferred.
  • Strong commitment to performer safety, body awareness, and injury prevention.
  • Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for mentoring adolescent actors of varying experience levels.
Compensation:

This is a seasonal, part-time position.  Compensation $2,500.00


Non-Discrimination Statement:

University High School values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds. All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, creed, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.


Application Process: 

Apply through the school's website.