CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — With the movie “Gladiator II” now in theaters, college students in Chicago are bringing some scenes to life.
Industry expert and Columbia College Chicago Professor David Woolley said his class teaches students the art of wielding weapons and using similar fight choreography found in films like “Gladiator II.”
“Those stunt people in ‘Gladiator,’ or the actors in ‘Gladiator,’ are re-enacting performances using swords and shields,” Woolley said. “So, if my young actors get cast, they will know how to at least look like they know how to hold them and use them.”
That’s an exciting idea, say students Morgan Janke and Sean Boyd.
After graduation, Janke plans to find stunt doubling work.
Said Boyd: “This is actually the entire reason I went back to school.”
Janke, 20, said it's important to know how to use your body to stay safe.
“If you're not doing it right, you will get hurt, you will break bones, you will get cut with a sharp object,” Janke said.
Columbia's program helps students earn stage combat certification and transition into careers on stage and screen.
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