David Woolley (He/Him/His)

Fight Master, Fight Director, Certified Teacher

David Woolley is a veteran of Chicago Theatre. He has staged fights for over 400 productions since 1982. He is: a Fight Master with the Society of American Fight Directors, Professor of Instruction at Columbia College Chicago, and Guido Crescendo in Dirk and Guido the Swordsmen! (planning for the 2023 season). Woolley is now in his 38th year at Columbia College Chicago where he coordinates the violent needs of a burgeoning department and teaches 3 classes of combative arts. Columbia College Chicago now offers the largest Stage Combat Minor in the United States. Woolley is the recipient of 3 joseph Jefferson Awards for Best Fight Direction  - Playboy of the Western World, Raven Theater, 2014, the Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, Teatro Vista at Victory Gardens, 2010; and  Consistent Excellence in Stage Combat Choreography, 1988 season. He has  2 Joseph Jefferson nominations. Awards- 2022 for Sweat at the Paramount Theatre and  Superior Donuts- Mary Arrchie Theatre Company, 2012. Other Awards include; the Oakland Press Award for Best Choreography for Norma and Wanda at the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea, Mich, 2005; an Off-Loop Theatre Award for Best Fight Direction, Les Liasons Dangereuse, Interplay Theatre, 1991.


Skill Proficiency History

Date Weapon Location Grade

MACE Firearms Intensive

Jan 8, 2020 Firearm Rosemont, Illinois Recommended Pass