Stage Combat with Chelsea Russell and Emily Norris
In our first episode of 2026, we take a trip back to summer of 2025 with two College of Fine Arts alums, Emily Norris and Chelsea Russell, to discuss their work as professional fight directors, performers, and teaching artists. They share insights from leading the Department of Theatre and Dance's Summer Stage Combat Intensive, discuss the importance of certification and safety in staged violence, and reflect on life after UK.
Emily Norris is a Fight Director, Teaching Artist, and Actress based out of Central Kentucky. She originally comes from Lexington, Kentucky, where she earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Theatre from the University of Kentucky. Emily has acted, taught, and fight directed all over Lexington and the surrounding areas. She then moved to Louisiana and earned her Master's of Arts in Theatre from Louisiana Tech University and worked in the area for two years. She holds the rank of Advanced Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors and is certified in 8 different stage combat weapons disciplines.
Chelsea Russell is a performer, arts administrator, teaching artist, and fight director currently based in Kentucky. Favorite performance credits include A CHRISTMAS STORY (Lexington Theatre Company), THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Leeds Center for the Arts), CINDERELLA (The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati), MOANA JR (The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati), and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (University of Kentucky). She holds a BA in Theatre and Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky and is a proud member of the Society of American Fight Directors, holding current certifications in all 8 weapons. She currently works at Kentuckians for the Arts, in addition to a variety of other freelance positions held.
