Spelling & Pronunciation

  • “Theatrica” is pronounced like “theatrical” without the “l” at the end. “Gladiatoria” is pronounced like “gladiatorial” without the “l” at the end. (Thee-at-ri-ka Glad-i-a-tor-i-a)

  • There are no “L”s at the end of either word.

  • The acceptable shortened version of the name is “Theatrica”.

  • The name means “combat theatre”.

Biography

Theatrica Gladiatoria is a dramatic violence company committed to furthering the art of stage combat by offering year-round training, innovative fight and action choreography, thrilling performances, and educational workshops for stage and screen. Established in 2020 by fight and intimacy directors/choreographers Joe Wright and Jen Pan, Theatrica provides accessible training and art to everyone, from professional artists to casual enthusiasts and community theatres to large film productions.

Website: www.fightglad.com (it redirects to www.theatricagladiatoria.com; www.fightglad.com is just easier to remember)

Facts & Statistics

  • Established in 2020 (Yes, during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parts of the world were closing down, so why not create something new?)

  • Founders: Joe Wright (pronouns: he/him) and Jen Pan (pronouns: she/they)

  • Based in southeast Michigan. Have provided training, performance, choreography, consultation, and educational services throughout the east north central Midwest. Highlights include the University of Notre Dame Medieval Institute, Michigan Educational Theatre Association (META) Thespian Festival, Detroit Public Theatre, and Oakland University.

  • Motto is “Facta, Non Verba”. This translates into “actions, not words”, also known as “show, don’t tell”.

  • Joe Wright and Jen Pan are also the co-founders and co-coordinators of the Mitten Mayhem Stage Combat Workshop, a 2-day regional stage combat workshop that brings additional training opportunities to working professionals and theatre enthusiasts in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Titles, Qualifications, & Certifications

If you would like to list our people’s qualifications or certifications, please write them in the following manner:

  • Joe Wright (additional certifications can be found on our About page)

    • Certified Teacher, Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD)

    • Co-Founder, Theatrica Gladiatoria

    • Co-Founder & Co-Coordinator, Mitten Mayhem Stage Combat Workshop

    • Fight Director & Intimacy Director

  • Jen Pan

    • Certified Teacher, Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD)

    • Co-Founder, Theatrica Gladiatoria

    • Co-Founder & Co-Coordinator, Mitten Mayhem Stage Combat Workshop

    • Fight Director & Intimacy Director

Contact & Social Media Links

If using hashtags, please use #fightglad (Don’t fight mad. Fight glad!)

Click the logo images and right-click “Save As” to access a high-res version of the logo file


Frequently Asked Questions

How did you get into this work?
Swords are cool (it’s a childhood dream come true)! We believe the arts are important for social development, community building, helping people develop empathy, and as an outlet for creativity. We educate, consult, and perform to share our passions with the rest of the world.

Can I hire you/Can you teach me?
Check out our Training page for opportunities in southeast Michigan where you can take one of our classes! Check out our Services page (for theatres, film, and events) if you want to hire us for a workshop, event, or performance. We are also willing to travel to you too! Shoot us a message and let’s chat!

Are you affiliated with ___?
Our affiliations are listed on our website (this page and the About page under our bios). Feel free to message us if there is a specific organization or person you’re wondering if we know or are affiliated with.


Photos: Of Teaching

Photos: Of Performances & Demonstrations