How does one become a professional stuntperson. What skills are essential for a career in stunts. Where can aspiring stunt performers receive top-notch training. What does a typical day look like at a stunt boot camp. How do stunt schools prepare students for real-world film and TV productions.
The Thrilling World of Stunt Performance: An Overview
Stunt performance is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the film and television industry. These daring professionals bring action sequences to life, risking life and limb to create the heart-pounding moments that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. But how does one break into this exciting field?
Aspiring stunt performers have several options for training, with dedicated stunt schools and boot camps offering comprehensive programs to hone the necessary skills. One such renowned institution is the International Stunt School, run by the United Stuntmen’s Association, which has been training the next generation of stunt performers for over 30 years.
Essential Skills for Aspiring Stunt Performers
Becoming a successful stunt performer requires mastery of a diverse set of skills. The International Stunt School’s three-week Stunt Performer Course covers 15 essential abilities that form the foundation of a stunt career:
- Foot Falls & Rolls
- Stair Falls
- Western Combat
- Martial Arts
- Weaponry
- Stunt Driving
- Fire Burns
- High Falls
- Air Ram
- Mini Tramp
- Wire Work
- Ratchet
- Rappelling
- Parkour
- Acting the Action
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the diverse challenges they’ll face in the industry. But what does training in these skills actually entail?
Mastering the Art of Falling
Falling safely is a cornerstone of stunt work. Students learn techniques for controlled falls on various surfaces, from simple tumbles to dramatic stair falls. These skills are essential for creating convincing action sequences while minimizing the risk of injury.
Combat and Weaponry Training
From Western-style brawls to intricate martial arts choreography, combat skills are crucial for any stunt performer. Training includes both unarmed fighting techniques and the safe handling of various weapons, ensuring students can adapt to any action scenario.
Vehicular Stunts and Precision Driving
Stunt driving is a specialized skill that goes far beyond everyday motoring. Students learn techniques for precision maneuvers, high-speed chases, and even dramatic crashes, all while prioritizing safety.
Advanced Aerial Techniques: Taking Stunts to New Heights
For those looking to specialize in aerial stunts, the International Stunt School offers an Aerial Intensive Course. This one-week program focuses on advanced techniques such as:
- Wire Work
- High Falls
- Air Ram
- Ratchet
- Rappelling
But what exactly do these terms mean, and how do they translate to the big screen?
Wire Work: Defying Gravity
Wire work allows stunt performers to achieve seemingly impossible feats of acrobatics and flight. Students learn the intricacies of harness systems and the precise body control needed to make wire-assisted stunts look effortless on camera.
High Falls: The Ultimate Leap of Faith
High falls are among the most dramatic and dangerous stunts. Training focuses on proper body positioning, landing techniques, and the mental preparation required to safely execute falls from significant heights.
Air Ram and Ratchet: Controlled Chaos
These mechanical systems allow for precise, repeatable launches and pulls, creating the illusion of superhuman strength or devastating impacts. Students learn to work with these tools to create stunning visual effects while maintaining control and safety.
From Training to Tinseltown: Success Stories
The true measure of a stunt school’s effectiveness lies in the success of its graduates. Alums of the International Stunt School have gone on to work on some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, including:
- The Avengers franchise
- The Dark Knight trilogy
- The Fast & Furious series
- Harry Potter films
- The Hunger Games series
This impressive track record demonstrates the school’s ability to prepare students for the demands of high-profile productions. But how does the training translate to real-world stunt work?
Action Hero Training: A Day in the Life
For those looking for a taste of the stunt life without committing to a full training program, many schools offer shorter “Action Hero” experiences. These intensive workshops provide a glimpse into the world of stunts and special effects. But what can participants expect from such a program?
Pyrotechnics and Explosions
Action Hero Training often includes hands-on experience with controlled explosions and pyrotechnic effects. Participants learn the basics of rigging and detonating small-scale explosions, experiencing the thrill of movie-style action up close.
Simulated Combat and Weapons Training
Many programs offer instruction in stage combat techniques and the safe handling of prop weapons. This allows participants to recreate iconic action scenes and understand the choreography behind convincing on-screen fights.
Aerial Adventures
Action Hero experiences may include elements of aerial stunt work, such as zip-lining or simulated high falls onto safety mats. These activities provide a taste of the adrenaline rush experienced by professional stunt performers.
The Business of Stunts: Beyond the Training Ground
While mastering physical skills is crucial, aspiring stunt performers must also navigate the business side of the industry. How do newly trained stunt performers find work and build their careers?
Networking and Building Relationships
Many stunt schools emphasize the importance of networking within the industry. Students are encouraged to build relationships with fellow performers, coordinators, and other film professionals to increase their chances of landing work.
Creating a Demo Reel
A strong demo reel is essential for showcasing a stunt performer’s skills to potential employers. Schools often help students compile footage of their best work to create a compelling visual resume.
Understanding Union Regulations
The stunt industry is heavily unionized in many countries. Training programs often include information on joining relevant unions and adhering to industry standards and regulations.
Safety First: The Cornerstone of Stunt Performance
While stunt work is inherently risky, professional training emphasizes safety above all else. How do stunt schools balance the need for spectacular action with the paramount importance of performer safety?
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Students learn to carefully evaluate the risks associated with each stunt and implement appropriate safety measures. This includes proper use of protective equipment, meticulous planning, and knowing when to say no to unsafe situations.
First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
Many stunt training programs include basic first aid and emergency response instruction. This ensures that performers can react quickly and appropriately in the event of an on-set accident.
Psychological Preparation
The mental aspect of stunt work is just as important as the physical. Training often includes techniques for managing fear, maintaining focus, and building the confidence necessary to perform dangerous stunts safely.
As we’ve explored the world of stunt performance and training, it’s clear that becoming a professional stunt person requires a unique combination of physical prowess, mental fortitude, and industry knowledge. From mastering essential skills like falls and combat to specializing in advanced aerial techniques, aspiring stunt performers have a challenging but rewarding path ahead of them.
The success of programs like the International Stunt School demonstrates the value of comprehensive training in launching and sustaining a career in this exciting field. Whether pursuing a full-time career or simply looking to experience the thrill of action hero training, the world of stunts offers a unique blend of artistry, athleticism, and pure adrenaline.
As the film and television industry continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in action sequences, the demand for skilled and well-trained stunt performers is likely to grow. For those with the passion and dedication to pursue this challenging career, the rewards can be truly spectacular – both on and off the screen.
Action Hero Training | stunt-ranch
If you ever wondered what it is like to be a pyrotechnician or stuntman/woman, our Action Hero Training Day is the perfect option. We’ve combined the best of our 1-day Pyro School and our Action Hero Training to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Our team of professional stunt and special effects coordinators will take you through an action-packed day of explosions and adrenaline-filled stunts, teaching you the trade secrets of the special effects and stunt work you see everyday on TV and the big screen.
Are you tough enough to handle it?
Contact us to book it now!
We’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the movie industry, and now we’re giving you a chance to peek behind the scenes and be a part of the action. Experience the thrill of a high fall, fire at targets while zipping through the air, feel the heat from real explosions that you rig and detonate, and jump away from an exploding van just in time for some awesome photos.
Sampling of Stunts & Pyro:
High Falls
Learning Circuits & Detonating Fireball Explosions
Squibs (Bullet Hits)
Ratcheting
Zip-lining
…AND BEING AWESOME!
Starter Package Cost:
$250 per person. Click the book it button above to reserve your spot!
Private Group Sessions:
Group sessions can be scheduled privately with 5 or more guests.
Custom Experience Packages:
Looking for a custom experience? Check out the options below and call today for a custom quote.
Fine Print: 18+ unless accompanied by a guardian. All attendees must be paid participants. Spouses, parents and friends may take photos, but must be signed up as a participant too.
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Film, Movie & Music companies hire us to make unique special effects and stunts for them.
Why let them have all the fun?
Let us create your Action Hero Scene
or capture an experience you will NEVER FORGET.
Book Custom Experience Today
Helicopter Flights
Target & Detonate Cars From A Helicopter In Our Pyro Field.
Custom Explosions From Our Pyro Test Bed
Perform Your Own Stunts!
Perform Fire Stunts
…We Can Create It.
Call 512-363-0116
The International Stunt School
The United Stuntmen’s Association presents
The world’s premier training for aspiring stunt performers.
Now in our 30th year!
SIGN UP HERE
We offer these two courses every summer:
Stunt Performer Course
July 17 to August 5, 2023
Our three-week Stunt Performer Course is the ultimate foundational training for anyone wanting to work in the stunt industry. This comprehensive program, designed for both beginners and experienced alike, provides everything you need to know to get your career started, while improving and building on the abilities of current stunt professionals. 150 hours of detailed instruction cover fifteen essential skills for the working utility stunt performer:
FOOT FALLS & ROLLS STAIR FALLS WESTERN COMBAT MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONRY |
STUNT DRIVING FIRE BURNS HIGH FALLS AIR RAM MINI TRAMP |
WIRE WORK RATCHET RAPPELLING PARKOUR ACTING THE ACTION |
LEARN MORE
Aerial Intensive Course
August 7 to August 12, 2023
Our one-week Aerial Intensive Course offers 50 hours of advanced training in several different aerial skills, such as Wire Work, High Falls, Air Ram, Ratchet, and Rappelling. This program gives Utility Stunt Course students and current stunt professionals the opportunity to improve on their aerial abilities, while exploring new rigs and critical principles of stunt rigging.
LEARN MORE
Want to see what our graduates have been doing?
Here’s a PARTIAL list of film and television they’ve done stunts for:
FILMS: 12 Years a Slave Ant-Man Avengers: Age of Ultron Avengers: Infinity War Avengers: Endgame The Bourne Ultimatum Captain America: The First Avenger Captain Marvel The Dark Knight The Dark Knight Rises Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Divergent The Fast & The Furious 6 The Fast & The Furious 7 The Fate of The Furious G.I. Joe: Retaliation G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Parts 1 & 2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix The Hunger Games: Catching Fire The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Parts 1 & 2 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Iron Man 2 Interstellar Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Jupiter Ascending Jurassic World Kick-Ass Kingsman: The Secret Service Live Free or Die Hard Logan Looper Maleficent Man of Steel Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Now You See Me Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Red Dawn Ride Along |
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Snow White and the Huntsman Solo: A Star Wars Story Spectre Spider-man Spider-Man: Far From Home Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens Terminator: Dark Fate Terminator: Genisys Thor: Ragnarok Transformers: Age of Extinction Transformers: Dark of the Moon Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Twilight Warm Bodies World War Z Wrath of the Titans X-Men: First Class Zombieland TELEVISION: |
Don’t wait to get your stunt career started!
SIGN UP HERE
: : : LATEST NEWS : : :
Accepting Applications for Summer 2023
We’re now accepting applications for the 2023 training session. We recommend getting your application in as early as possible as classes usually fill each year. Scroll down to see our classes and please feel free to contact us with any of your questions at (206) 466-9759 or [email protected]. Click HERE to apply or visit “SIGN UP HERE” in the menu above.
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Casting Directors Visited Stunt School again in 2022
Once again casting representatives from live stunt shows came to check out our students’ work last year. Representatives from stunt productions at Universal Studios and Mirage Entertainment showed up in search of possible talent. Many of our graduates have been hired by these companies as our training produces the caliber of individuals with the top-notch stunt skills that they require. Live stunt shows are a great stepping stone into the industry and getting a job offer right out of our school is an incredible opportunity. Don’t miss your chance this year to show your stuff and possibly land your first stunt job!
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Seattle Times Article on the International Stunt School
The Seattle Times crew came out and visited us recently and wrote this great article about our school. You can read it here:
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Recent Comment From A Casting Director
We were pleased to receive this from Brad Irish, a former casting director for Six Flags America: “Thanks to you and your stunt school we now have some of the best up and coming stunt performers in the biz!” Many of our graduates have gone to work at various Six Flags stunt shows. In fact, one of our former students now runs the stunt shows at Six Flags America!
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Recent Comments From Our Graduates
Check out what our graduates have been sharing with us: “This school was so worth the time and investment! Highly recommend it to anyone! . . . Within a month of being back from school and learning from all the wonderful instructors at ISS I landed a speaking stunt role on Jack Reacher 2.” -Ashley Wilks “I’ve been training and doing stunt gigs since I attended the ISS last summer. I will be returning to do the week of aerial intensive training this summer. I learned a lot and the value of this training has been reflected in the work I have done so far. Best decision I’ve ever made.” -Drew Vincent “It’s the best way to get into the stunt industry.” -Mark Rosenthal …..Thanks to all our gradutes for making us proud!
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Children’s sports camp – Summer sports language camp for children and teenagers “Euroclub”
Main / Sports program
Football, stuntmen, dancing, throwing and more!
Health-improving rest is unthinkable without sports. Euroclub is not only a thematic, linguistic, but also a sports camp for children with an active program aimed at improving the health of babies and adolescents. The camp program offers a variety of activities, among which each child will choose what is interesting and suitable for him.
Popular sports games and master classes in the Euroclub camp: football, rounders, fencing, basketball, volleyball, pioneer ball, archery, knife throwing, trackball, croquet, pétanque, frisbee, jolly jumper, slackline, towns, badminton, table tennis, poi juggling, skating, skiing, tubing, laser paintball and strelarium. In addition, every season we offer Club members something special: it can be bumperball, stunt art, hoverboarding, horseback riding, swimming in the pool, driving quad bikes, rollerdrome riding, trampolines and other sports and entertainment activities.
Football section and football league of “Euroclub”
During the summer holidays in the children’s camp “Euroclub” we invite boys and girls of any age and level of training to football lessons with licensed coaches of the best Moscow football academies. Direction “Trajectory of Football” goes to a new level! Professional equipment, interesting exercises, relaxed atmosphere in the company of friends and effective game practice. Football classes will be held in the sports complex and on the open field, take a sports uniform to the camp, sneakers with a flat light sole for the hall and boots (centipedes) for the street.
Our football league is a club of like-minded people uniting several generations of children. The kids who took part in the first games of the League have already grown up to professional sports. Games of our youth football team “EUROKLUB” are held every weekend at the stadiums of Moscow. Try, learn from the best, and your stellar goal is ahead!
At every session in the camp, we form children’s teams and regularly hold football tournaments. You can become a member of the League or just cheer for your friends in their fight for the Champions Cup. Games are played on an open field with artificial turf or in a sports hall. We also hold family sports festivals in Moscow. The second EUROCLUB SPORT FEST will take place in autumn! Learn more about the Football Trajectory program
Baseball and Bastard Federation in “Euroclub”
Bastball games are held all year round. In summer and on warm days of spring and autumn, games are held outside, when it’s cool – in the gym. The guys love this outdoor game and the accompanying surroundings: a sports bat and a cool baseball cap 🙂
Trampolines and obstacle course in the DOL “Euroclub”
Children love to jump on trampolines and pass the obstacle course, competing in speed and dexterity! Experience has shown that inflatable attractions are the best way to involve calm, unsportsmanlike kids and teenagers in an active game. The excitement of fighting for the prize, the desire to help the team and the general mood of a fun holiday helps the guys forget about the complexes associated with the lack of physical fitness or body features, and immerse themselves in the game. In “Euroclub” every sports day becomes a surprise, because from shift to shift we bring the most spectacular and always different attractions for the children.
Shooting range Throwing Total in “Euroclub”
New sports program in the year-round children’s camp – school of applied knife throwing. Classes are conducted by an instructor. Master classes are organized on a specially equipped outdoor area or in an indoor shooting range. Compliance with safety regulations is monitored carefully and strictly. The guys love this master class very much, both boys and girls come to classes. At each session, the best athletes take part in individual and team tournaments in the fight for medals and the Cup of Her Majesty the Queen of the Euroclub. Read more
Sword fencing, chanbara in Euroclub
Fencing is not an easy sport. This is not only martial arts with the use of sports weapons, when opponents are face to face, but also a means of educating the body and mind. We invite Euroclub members to get acquainted with the world of noble duelists in training with our experienced teacher, master of sports and current athlete Mikhail Olimpiyev. All classes are safe, protective equipment is provided for children. Read more
Wrestling lessons, with an instructor
Wrestling master classes are a great activity for active boys and girls. They will allow you to throw out energy, teaches the child to control his body and strength, improves overall physical fitness.
Climbing wall and rope park with an instructor in the camp
Rock climbing is a sought-after master class and a favorite leisure activity in Euroclub for children of any age. Active athletes and professional instructors come to us to conduct classes. They show children the basic climbing techniques and explain how to climb and descend the wall correctly. There are three routes on the wall for children of different ages and with different levels of physical fitness.
In the forest on the territory of the camp there is a rope town “panda park”, where the most courageous guys are tested at height (for children over 12 years old)
Equestrian club: horseback riding and training
* , winter and spring. Classes on an open parade ground, in a group with an instructor. Programs for any level of training, from zero to professional. Helmets are provided. More about equestrian club
Stunt art master classes
Stage fencing and stage combat master classes, suspension tricks, airbag jump – extreme and exciting adventures. Professionals from Stunt Guild of Russia will share the secrets of cinematography in the Euroclub with the guys. The art of making movie stunts is always of great interest to children of all ages. Also, the guys see that the profession of a stunt actor requires being in excellent physical shape, a lot of skills and abilities. Great sports motivation for anyone who dreams of becoming a movie star!
Freejump at the Euroclub – airbag jump
Adventure at its best! Under the guidance of a team of experienced instructors, extreme entertainment for children is safe and gives only joyful experiences. During the summer holidays, we organize the Stunt Academy stunt school in the camp. All interested boys and girls over the age of 12 can try on the role of a superhero and jump or free fall into a special air bag – this is professional stunt equipment. The first jump will be remembered for a lifetime, because it is incomparable emotions, adrenaline, for some guys – overcoming the fear of heights. Such an adventure as psychological training helps to increase self-esteem and self-confidence.
Archery training
Archery classes are especially popular among Club members.
Shooting training at the children’s health camp “Euroclub” is held during the summer and autumn sessions. There are regular tournaments between the shooters, the winners are awarded with honorary medals.
Funny game Bumperball – football in balls
Premiere of the season! Everyone can enjoy the game: the equipment is absolutely safe, and the rules are simple and clear. Each player puts on a large inflatable sphere, similar to a zorb, in which it is difficult to find balance – it seems easier to do somersaults than to score the ball into the opponent’s goal 😀 Matches in “football in balls” are conducted by experienced instructors.
Trackball, darts, blowgun
A ticket to a children’s sports camp provides an opportunity to participate in both popular sports (football, volleyball) and such unusual ones as trackball, blowgun, darts, which develop accuracy and attentiveness.
Towns, petanque, croquet, twister and frisbee
There are even such exotic sports in the sports camp! Who knows: perhaps after trying petanque or frisbee at the Euroclub, the child will have a new active hobby.
Jolly Jumper and SlackLine
Good results come from training that combines the right physical activity and fun. Our Club is one of the first in the Moscow region that offers children to try the Jolly Jumper. This is an innovative and safe simulator, which is a spring mechanism that allows you to jump several times higher, run many times faster.
Lords and Ladies supervise beginner insurance. They will also help the child learn to train. Classes train previously unused muscles of the whole body: legs, abs, back, chest, arms. The main advantage is safety for the spine and joints. Balancing on a jumper aligns posture. Classes are enjoyed by all children.
Slackline is another unusual machine. Improves balance and coordination. This is a horizontal sling stretched above the ground, just like in a circus! The slackline or gibon is an excellent trainer for developing coordination and balance. A special sling, stretched at a low height from the ground, is designed to train balance. Regular classes allow you to learn how to perform real circus tricks! The Mastek Slackline class is led by Lords and Ladies, so it is also available for younger Club members.
Poi juggling, bowling and billiards
Basic circus skills: soft poi juggling. The most interested and successful in this master class Euroclub members please us with spectacular performances at the closing ceremony of the session.
Bowling and billiards – youth types of recreation, not typical for a children’s camp. But in vain: in the comic struggle for “strike” and “jump” guys feel like one team and experience unforgettable moments together with friends! For our children, the camp has its own entertainment center. Just look at these photos – a little training, and the strike is knocked out!
Ball games
Basketball, volleyball, pioneer ball – these team games always bring a lot of joy to children. In an effort to win, the guys learn quickly and show excellent results!
Badminton and ping-pong, tennis
Pair games teach children how to interact with a partner and, based on common interests, allow children to quickly make new friends.
Active outdoor games on the topic of the day
Mass thematic events are the basis of life in our Club. In the suburbs, the air is cleaner than the city. Therefore, master classes, costume and role-playing games, and even English classes are held outside when the weather permits. The camp has a gym, football and bast shoes, volleyball/basketball courts, children’s playgrounds and gyms.
Fun games in the fresh air and in the gym are loved by children of all ages!
Winter outdoor sports
In winter, children do not sit in the enclosures. They walk a lot, skate and ski. Snow slides are being built on the territory, playgrounds for games are being cleared: sledding, tubing.
Sports + creativity, general development of the child
Rest in winter, spring, summer and autumn includes both sports and educational activities. Acting master classes, dance and vocal classes are held, stage performances of children are organized at the Parliament.
Every day is active in the camp
Swimming pool, laser paintball and other opportunities
On the territory of the Euroclub camp there is a swimming pool and a halochamber (salt cave). In each shift in the camp, you can participate in Laser Tag or Strelarium games (under the guidance of an instructor). Read more about additional services here.
We wish our children good health and sports achievements!
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