A Summer at the International Stunt School

School of Drama students Hannah Szemereta and Alex Ekker spent their summer perfecting high falls, fight scenes and precision moves at the International Stunt School. Along the way, they discovered the grit it takes to be a stunt performer — and the friendships that make the bruises worth it.

The International Stunt School is a three-week intensive that prepares performers for careers in stunt work for film, television and live performance. Students train in everything from fight choreography and wire work to motion capture, all under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals.

Below, learn about Hannah and Alex's exciting summer in Seattle: 

What was the best part or biggest lesson learned?

Hannah: The best part was the people I met, 100%. I never thought I would've made such close friends in such a short amount of time. And the instructors were some of the most interesting, incredible and funny people I've ever met. These people are now not only my friends, but my stunt family and team. I know we will all travel and collaborate all the time!

The biggest lesson I learned was resilience. With the injuries I dealt with throughout the three weeks, I really had to take care of myself under extreme circumstances and learn how to know when I can push through and keep going safely. Bruises, scratches and soreness are all an inevitable part of stunts. There were a couple of times I had no choice but to pull back and sit out to make sure I healed properly, and I ended up getting back into it all much faster than I thought. I had incredible support from everyone at the school and this made it all so much easier. At the end of the day, there will be injuries and setbacks, but we can't let them stop us from continuing. I learned I am much tougher than I thought, and that we can take a lot more than we expect.

Alex: The best part of this experience was the people. It’s such an incredible community with talented individuals from various backgrounds, including many who started as or work in tandem as actors.

How did you get this opportunity and make it happen?

Hannah: The Semans Art Fund grant allowed me the opportunity to go to stunt school. Without them, I don't know if it would've been in the cards for me. I'm so grateful that it happened because it really changed my life in ways I wasn't expecting.

Alex: The first person who mentioned the stunt school to me was an alum of the Drama program, Hunter McCoy, who had gone through the school a few years ago. Filmmaking student Dani Mann also went through the school last year, and both shared parts of their amazing experience there.  

Who were the people who were instrumental in making it possible?

Hannah: Of course, I have to say my family. There were a few people I talked to about the experience who seemed worried for me (I mean, whatever, it is stunt school), but my family had no doubts. They were excited for me and supported me throughout the entire process. They really are my biggest cheerleaders. Especially when times were challenging and I could feel my limits being pushed (in a good but scary way), they were always there to encourage and support me. Additionally, everyone involved in the Semans Art Fund — without them, this experience wouldn't have been possible.

Was the experience what you expected or something more? How did it shape your artistry?

Hannah: This experience was so much more than I was expecting. I wasn't expecting to fit in — in fact, I wasn't even sure I would be able to attempt everything that we covered in those three weeks. Thankfully, I was wrong.

Everyone was so kind and down-to-earth, and I surprised myself by pushing past a lot of my fears. Mostly, this experience taught me that I actually do have what it takes to be a stunt performer. It was the best thing ever to be in an environment with incredible instructors who know your potential and how much they can really ask of you. The instructors were truly some of the best people I've ever met.

Alex: I encourage anybody who plans on making stunts their career or part of their career to go — it’s an experience unlike any other with the most amazing and passionate people teaching. They work with you at your level and give you the tools to sustain and excel in such a physical environment, while also explaining the business aspects of the job.

Being there this summer was an absolute privilege and has been a reminder about physical precision, work ethic and community in the work environment. There aren’t enough words to describe how amazing it was and how grateful I am for having that opportunity.  

What’s next? What are you looking forward to most this year?