October 05, 2004
Fight scene choreographer to appear on campus
CARBONDALE, Ill. - - Respected fight scene choreographer Richard Raether will teach his magic to young actors and directors at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in October.
Raether is one of only 10 "fight masters" certified by the Society of American Fight Directors.
An alumnus of SIUC, he's taught his craft and choreographed stage combat professionally for more than 20 years, including for ABC, CBS and numerous theaters across the United States.
Photographers and reporters may arrange to see Raether in action and to interview him and his students by calling Lori Merrill-Fink, associate professor of theater, weekdays at 618/453-7591.
The class will meet in the Communications Building on Thursdays and Fridays beginning Oct. 8. The SIUC Student Fine Arts Activity Fee is funding Raether's residency.
The Society of American Fight Directors will certify students who successfully complete the class.
Raether has taught at the North Carolina School of the Arts and Carnegie-Mellon University.
At present, he is artistic director of the Artists' Ensemble Theater, a not-for-profit professional theater dedicated to creating works that challenge both artists and their audiences.