ABOUT US

It’s about taking care of each another.

Values and Goals

Mission Statement

The Fake Fighting Company creates and instructs in dynamic, safe and believable stage combat for the theatre and film community. We endeavor to create an environment in which all are welcome in order for creativity, talent and collaboration to flourish.

Philosophy and Founder

“Safety” applies to the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of all individuals.

Word on the Street

“Aaron is a generous spirit. He exudes kindness which translates well to the needs of the rehearsal room, particularly in approaching stage combat. An active member of the community, Aaron is constantly honing his craft and mentoring to bring others up with him. We’re lucky to have Aaron as a part of this Minneapolis theater community!”

Addie Gorlin-Han, Associate Producer for the Guthrie Theater

“Not only is Aaron an exceptional fight choreographer and teacher, he is also a joy to work with. Patient, calm and wise.  The person you want in charge of a weapon.”

Barbra Berlovitz, Actor/Director/Teacher, Co-Founder of Theatre de la Jeune Lune and was co-artistic director of the company for 25 years

“Aaron is the ‘real deal.’ Intuitive, knowledgeable and completely immersed in the project.  I can’t wait to work with him again.”

James A. Rocco, Former Vice President of Programming, Former Artistic Director, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

“I was most impressed with his professional decorum, skill as an actor/combatant, and collegial spirit. I would love to work with Aaron again, any time, anywhere.”

Paul Dennhardt, SAFD Fight Director/Certified Teacher

“I have had the great pleasure of working with Aaron both onstage as an actor, and in private training sessions in sword fighting. He stands out as an artist who is always prepared, consumed with the details that separate great work from merely adequate, and he is enormously fun to be around. I knew I was working with a kindred spirit when, during a production we both were in, he would show up very early and we would find ourselves warming up together, going over moments in the show, always looking to make the work richer and better. He trained me privately for my role as Cyrano and showed both patience and rigor in getting me back in fighting form.  Most importantly, he brings a warm, engaging, and infectious energy to the process, making him a true joy to know and partner with.”

JC Cutler, Actor

“Aaron Preusse is the consummate fight director, and I have worked with some of the best in the business in my thirty-some years in theater. Not only were his fights authentic and jaw-dropping, they were supremely safe and very well-taught. Working with both experienced actors and novices, he added zest to our production of The Three Musketeers. He was also able to furnish us weapons for the run which fit into our very tight budget. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him again.”

Hal Cropp, Executive Director, Commonweal Theatre Company

“Aaron is a generous and incredibly skilled teacher. He sets the bar high and then provides students with the tools they need to get there.  His stage combat classes at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists prepare students to take and pass the Skills Proficiency Test, provided by the Society of American Fight Directors. Every SPCPA student that has taken the test has passed.  Aaron instills respect for the craft, care for partners, and physical and emotional commitment to the choreography.  Students that come of out of his class not only have a multitude of skills, but the confidence and professionalism to execute them convincingly and safely.”

Genevieve Bennett, Theatre Department Chair at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, Artistic Director of Red Bird Theatre

“Aaron was not only extremely skilled and creative in the art of fight choreography, his teaching technique was extraordinary. He instantly gained the trust of the students while instilling a respect for this challenging art form.  I saw them gain confidence in themselves as performers through their Artistic Director of VISTA Productions work with Aaron and they continued to use his thorough process of warm ups prior to each performance.  As a production staff member and colleague I was secure that my students were safe and prepared.  His professional-level choreography brought reality and excitement to our production of ROMEO AND JULIET and I will seek opportunities for future collaborations as Aaron is a consummate professional.”

Wendy Short-Hays, Artistic Director of VISTA Productions

Talk to Us!

Contact Us Today!

Let us know what you think.

If you have any questions about classes, choreography, weapon rental, our friends and partners, or you’d just like to start a conversation please feel free to Contact Us today!

Talk to Us!

Our philosophy lays the foundation for approaching stage combat as a magnanimous balance of safety and truth.