These RCC Students Have Swords – and They Aren’t Afraid to Use Them

The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Rockland Community College (RCC) recently hosted its Fall 2025 Skills Proficiency Tests (SPTs) in Theatrical Stage Combat, in the Cultural Arts Theatre. The certification exams, sanctioned by the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD), assessed student proficiency in Broadsword and Quarterstaff techniques.

RCC is one of a select number of institutions able to host SAFD-sanctioned certification exams, made possible by having an SAFD Certified Teacher on staff. Theatre Director Christopher Plummer leads RCC’s Theatrical Stage Combat program and oversees preparation for the rigorous certification process.

Established in the late 1980s, RCC’s Theatrical Stage Combat program offers students rare professional level training and nationally recognized certification. Since becoming authorized to administer Society of American Fight Directors Skills Proficiency Tests, the program has supported hundreds of successful student certifications, with an exceptionally high pass rate.

Alumni have gone on to work in professional theatre companies, teach Stage Combat in academic theatre programs, and perform at venues such as the New York Renaissance Faire. Others have used their training to become more adaptable and competitive actors in both live performance and educational settings. The program’s reputation has been further enhanced through workshops led by world-class guest artists and respected fight masters.

The Fall 2025 SPTs were adjudicated by J. David Brimmer, former SAFD President, current Fight Master with the Society of American Fight Directors, Broadway Fight Director, and recent OBIE Award winner. Fifteen student combatants met the eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exams, and all were successful in earning SAFD certification.

The SPT certification process is an intensive, multi-hour examination that requires students to demonstrate mastery of safety, technique, performance quality, and choreography. Each student performed a published scene featuring learned choreography as part of the assessment, with the full adjudication process taking just over four hours to complete.

In recognition of exceptional skill and execution, several students received a “Recommended” designation from the adjudicator:

• Brandon Ali – Recommended in Broadsword and Quarterstaff
• Emily Gerges – Recommended in Broadsword and Quarterstaff

The following students earned SAFD certification:

Broadsword

• Jonathan Stevens
• Patricia Gibby
• Alisdair Neighbors
• Marie Schmide Mondesir
• Victoria Lopez
• Kaira Joseph

Quarterstaff

• Dennis Lemus
• John Loja
• Carlens Pierre
• Bianca Andre
• Ronny Llanga
• Reginald Steve
• Detton St. Paul