Kiel O’Shea
Action Coordinator & Combat Instructor

I am a certified Fight Director, Action Coordinator and Senior Combat Instructor with the British Academy of Dramatic Combat, working in Theatre, Film and TV.

My work focuses on how conflict through action changes the relationship between characters, and enhances the narrative. Whether you require a single moment of action, or a large scale fight sequence, I can facilitate and collaborate to bring the action to life in a way that is exciting, bold and honest.

My practice draws on over 15 years in the industry: having originally trained as an actor at Arts Educational Schools, London (MA Acting) and De Montfort University, Leicester (BA Drama Studies), I found myself engaged with fight performance as a meaningful way to communicate creatively in service of the story. This led me to pursue further training and work as a stunt performer, coordinator and instructor.

It is this blend of performance, instructing and coordination experience that enables me to craft action that is developed in collaboration with Actors and Directors, that serves the story and enables the actor to work safely and creatively, with trust and confidence.

"Hats off too, to Kiel O’Shea’s fight direction, which gives us some superbly believable stage combat."

— Top Gs Like Me, Royal & Derngate
"Ryan wants revenge and persuades Cornell to help him get it […] Knowing that this “mission” is imminent provides Witness with palpable tension, and the fight scenes which follow are expertly and frighteningly choreographed by Fight Director Kiel O’Shea."

— Witness, Theatre Peckham
"I've had the pleasure of working with Kiel several times, and he consistently brings exceptional skill, imagination and professionalism to every project. Whether creating dynamic stage combat or tailoring work to the specific needs of a project or group, his creativity, precision and flair are second to none. Just as importantly, Kiel is a genuinely kind, collaborative and generous colleague who earns the trust of everyone in the room. He is an outstanding fight director and a pleasure to work alongside."

Martin Berry, Creative Director & Joint CEO Northcott Theatre, Exeter
"Kiel is a brilliant fight director: he brings a vast knowledge of weaponry, anatomy, movement, and narrative to choreograph striking and believable fight sequences that serve both story and actors incredibly well. I worked with him on Royal & Derngate’s Young Company production of ‘Boudica’ and not only was he a pleasure to work with, he was fantastic with the young people: guiding them through necessary basics to address their inexperience withs stage combat, whilst also holding space for their ideas, and making sure they were safe, whilst also pushing them to be skilful and ambitious in their work. I would work with him again in a heartbeat and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a Fight Director/Choreographer."

Anna Simpson, Director