• Geof Alm has been Seattle Opera's go-to fight director for over 25 years bringing a wealth of knowledge to everything from one-on-one fights to large groups/battle scenes. He has an innate talent with singers, making them feel comfortable and confident in an area in which they are not usually well versed. Always present and attentive, Geof consistently works well with various production teams spanning different styles of opera.

    Paula Podemski

    Company Manager, Seattle Opera

  • I entered Geof’s stage combat class uncertain how far I would be able to take my skills. Yet, I knew if I didn’t try, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself. My first class was Longsword, and immediately I was intimidated. Yet, Geof honed in on my fear and gave room for both my needs and that of the more advanced students to be offered up. For each move, I was guided clearly and carefully, as to take in the steps with certainty. Eventually, I was training outside of class to get my certification! Since my first experience, I have come back for other stage combat disciplines, and each time having the same experience - greater understanding, confidence, and courage to try new things knowing I would be safe and encouraged along the way. I am so grateful for my experience and for the privilege of working with Geof.

    Paula Wilson Nitka

  • “I started training with Geoff in the early '90's. Going on 30 years later, what I found in Geoff's work was that his desire to learn and understand more about the use of the sword was creating some damn good choreography. Interesting, challenging, and something you had to rise to to perform well.”

    Michael Crowley

  • "In Geof’s classroom I learned not only the technical skills of stage combat and the history of swordplay but from the example of his way of being; his focus, his endless patience, his honesty, his sense of humor, and his joy in the work. Geof inspired a lot of courage in me as an actor and I find the lessons from stage combat apply to all my work on the stage."

    Mary Murfin Bayley

  • "Geoff is a consummate professional and theater artist whose acting, fight direction, and teaching is a valued asset to any production that is lucky enough to have him as a collaborator."

    Ryan Spickard

    Actor - Fight Choreographer - Stunt Performer; Co-Artistic Director of Performers' Forge; Advanced Actor Combatant - Society of American Fight Directors; SAG-AFTRA

  • "Geof is a man of greater wisdom, strength, and intelligence than most. His clear understanding of combat through the ages is only matched by his apparent passion and ambitious curiosity on the form. Geof is the mortal who has diligently uncovered the secrets of immortality and chooses to pass it down to 20-something theatre students every week in a collaborative study, and we are better for it."

    Casey Bowen

  • I've had the pleasure of learning from Geof on three separate occasions! During each training block he demonstrates patience and focus while teaching proper fight technique with the safety of his students in mind. His attention to detail encourages students to train at their highest level while his interest in the history of each weapon fosters a learning environment aimed to promote growth and development.

    Gabriel Trimbur

  • "When teaching and directing Combat in Theatre, Geof focuses on the Theatre first and foremost. He excels in teaching students to understand how to tell a story with a fight scene, before, during, and after the fight. This results in fights directed by him and his students that are exciting not just to fencing maestros and martial artists, but by the entirety of an audience enthralled in a story. I have a history of experience with fight choreography, and my work with Geof has more than anything helped me become a better story teller with my combat."

    Peyton Stanley Ray Cooley

  • "Geof is an excellent collaborator. As a choreographer he takes the time to build trust, encourages clear communication, and advocates for safe and exciting storytelling. Geof's teaching is heavily influenced by his own lifelong learning and so he creates educational spaces that are welcoming, fun, full of a shared pursuit of knowledge. In addition to all the stage combat skills I have learned from Geof, I have become a better theatre maker by virtue of working with this thoughtful and passionate artist."

    Ian Bond

  • "Geof is awesome! He has a fun sense of humor which makes class fun. He has so much knowledge and breaks down lessons and techniques easily. I started off knowing very little about Longsword and by the end earned my certification. Even though I was a novice, he always made me feel welcome. Geof is very approchable when you have questions and never makes you feel dumb or incompetent. I loved every minute of my training and definitely plan on taking more! "

    Jekeva Phillips

  • I took his intro to stage combat at Freehold Theatre and I loved every minute of it! I got exposed to bladed and blunt weapons, how to react to NOT GETTING HIT, and watched fight scenes from popular movies to learn how to identify how it works in front of the camera.

    Georgina Black

  • My first class with Geoff was in 1997. I was very eager to say the least. I had been wanting to learn stage combat for a couple of years and I finally signed up for training. I kept at it despite my struggles but after I passed my basics test I never looked back. What strikes me the most is Geoff's dedication to his art, his patients and openness. I keep growing and learning something new with every class I take. I have also had the good fortune to have collaborated with Geoff on several occasions. It is my sincere wish that this continues well into the future.

    John Lynch

  • I've taken classes with Geof for several years and loved every single one of them. He's a fantastic teacher, a great fight choreographer, and just an all-around really cool guy. Geof is the best!

    Marissa Wyll

  • Geof is not only an incredible fight master and amazing teacher but also a wonderful mentor. He takes the time to go over the history of each weapon and often brings in additional books/source materials for reference and to show real life examples. As a teacher, he is incredibly patient, making sure each student feels comfortable and safe while in class. Geof has helped me not only become a better actor combatant but also a better artist and collaborator. Through his guidance I’ve been able to re-certify in almost four different weapon types and will continue to take classes and recommend them to friends. I am eternally grateful to Geof for always pushing me to do better, encouraging me when needed, and celebrating my accomplishments both in and outside of class. He has helped reignite the spark that one day I might be able to work my way up to become a certified fight teacher and pass on what I’ve learned from him to others.

    Emily Hall

  • Geof's depth and breadth of stage combat knowledge is unrivaled. As a teacher, he is patient and supportive in walking novice students through the basics, while offering deeper insights and opportunities to develop technique in more experienced combatants. Geof is a particularly great teacher because he is such a constant student. His obvious passion for the craft of stage combat shows in his work and all the excitement, curiosity, and breadth of knowledge he brings to it. As a student, performer, and now aspiring teacher, Geof Alm has been a constant source of support and inspiration to me. His training and mentorship have been pivotal to the Seattle stage combat community, and is evidenced in every skilled stage combatant working in Seattle today.

    Alyssa Kay

Train with Geof