Combat Master to Discuss Acting and Stage Fighting Career

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Bret Yount, the McIlroy Family Visiting Professor

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Bret Yount, a University of Arkansas graduate of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has returned to Fayetteville as a McIlroy Family Visiting Professor to conduct a one-week, hands-on workshop for student actors on stage combat to improve theatrical performance techniques.

“As part of his visit, Bret will participate in an Actors Studio-style interview centered on his career in stage combat and acting,” said Andrew Gibbs, chair of the department of drama. “Some of those in attendance may even remember him from his days on the University Theatre stage as a student here in the late ’80s and early ’90s.”

The casual question-and-answer session will be held in the University Theatre located within the Fine Arts building on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are not required.

“We’re fortunate to have such accomplished alumni who are willing to come back and share their knowledge,” said Fulbright College Dean Robin Roberts. “I look forward to hearing about Bret’s experiences and presenting him with the McIlroy Family Visiting Professor medallion.”

Yount was trained as an actor at the University of Arkansas and the Guildford School of Acting and works professionally both as an actor and a fight director. He is a Certified Trainer with the Society of American Fight Directors and a Master Teacher with the British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat. 

His fight direction work has been seen in the National Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Palais des Festival, Cannes. Recent fight screen credits include Shades of Beige, Young Hearts Run Free, Deathless, Blue Peter, Against All Odds and Troy. 

Yount is the Master of Combat at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Italia Conti and The Central School of Speech and Drama. He also teaches at Ithaca College and London Center. He has worked extensively as a teacher of stage combat and has taught workshops in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, Singapore and Germany.