Bare Arms Course Joining Criteria as at 24/09/2023

Firearms are incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands, and they aren’t suitable for everyone to be handling on set. The Bare Arms Theatrical Firearms Courses (TFC’s) are designed for those who will be handling real, or blank firing weapons, so that they can learn how to operate them safely and competently. In order to ensure that students that attend the Theatrical Firearms Courses (TFC’s) are of a good professional standard, we have joining criteria for all our courses.

Potential students will need to satisfy one or more of the criteria listed below. This is not an exhaustive list, so if you feel that you have other circumstances which could qualify, please get in touch. The legal requirement for handling firearms is still extant, and all students must have a DBS/background check to ensure they aren’t prohibited from handling weapons.

Potential students must fall into one or more of the following criteria:

1. Stunt Performers

Potential students must be one of the following;
     a. BSR Member
     b. BSR Trainee with at least 2 qualifying competencies as set out in the BSR Application Requirements
     c. Independent stunt performer with a clear history of performance.

2. Actors

Potential students must be one of the following;
     a. Spotlight Member
     b. Equity Member
     c. Have a strong letter of recommendation from a reputable acting agent or agency (not background/SA/extra).
     d. Have attended a recognised drama school

3. Motion Capture

Potential students must have attended a course run by one of the following companies and provide a reference from the course provider;
     a. The Mocap Vaults
     b. Performance Captured Academy
     c. Other relevant industry motion capture training or experience

4. Fight Performers

Potential students must show that they are trained to a reasonable level of skill.
     a. BAA – must have passed Warrior Masterclass – Battle Phase 2
     b. APC / BASSC / BADC – must be training at an Intermediate level – 3 x Merit Passes at Basic (inc single sword/rapier).

5. Crew, Technical and Creatives

Potential students must be able to demonstrate that there is a requirement to be trained. Examples might include;
     a. Stage management
     b. Prop/Art department
     c. Creative such as a writer conducting research for a project.

6. Overseas Students

Potential students must be able to demonstrate that they meet a similar requirement to any of the above categories in their home country.

7. Ex-Military

Whilst the course is not designed for ex-military personnel trying to get into the industry, we do accept a small number on the course. Whilst some aspects of the course will be revision for those with previous experience, there will be a lot of new information about firearms and their applications within the theatrical industries. Ex-military personnel joining the industry will also benefit from the knowledge of other more experienced students and the networking opportunities that frequently arise on the courses. If you are ex-military, please provided a detailed service history including units and dates.

If you have any questions about any of the above criteria or feel that you are an exception, please contact Bare Arms using the address courses@barearms.co.uk.