1st Edition

Lessons from The Maestro Crafting a Successful Fight/Stunt Career in Theatre and Film

By David L. Boushey Copyright 2021
    230 Pages 46 Color Illustrations
    by Routledge

    230 Pages 46 Color Illustrations
    by Routledge

    In Lessons from The Maestro: Crafting a Successful Fight/Stunt Career in Theatre and Film, famed Hollywood and theatre stuntman, trainer, and fight director David L. Boushey writes about his life, the history of stage and screen combat and stunt work, and how to enter the entertainment industry.

    Charting his illustrious career that spanned over 45 years, 400 theatre credits, and 45 films, Boushey narrates the events and decisions that lead him to enter the entertainment industry and documents for the first time his founding of multiple national and international associations for fight directors and stuntmen. He provides a roadmap for individuals aspiring to work in the theatre and film industry, providing information on training, auditioning, networking, unions, different paths one might take, and tips on how to be a successful stunt performer in a competitive industry. 

    Part autobiography, part how-to guide to the entertainment business from the foremost authority in stage combat and stunt work, this is an invaluable resource for professional and aspiring fight and intimacy directors and stunt performers in theatre and film. 

    1.In the Beginning  2. With a Little Help from My Friends  3. Jolly Old England  4. Homeward Bound  5. Creating the Society of American Fight Directors  6. A University Collaboration  7. “Paddy” and the Golden Years of Hollywood  8. Meeting a Legend  9. Famous Stunt Performers  10. Reaping the Whirlwind  11. Surviving the Game  12. The United Stuntmen’s Association  13. The International Stunt School  14. Discovering the IOSP  15. Partnering and Auditioning  16. Starting and Running Your Business  17. Contacts and Connections  18. Joining the Unions  19. Live Stunt Shows  20. Careers and Compromises  21. Creating Your Own Future  22. Fulfilling a Dream  23. Artistry and Achievements  24. Theatre and Film Stories  25. Personal Credentials and Reviews  26. Closing Thoughts and Testimonials

    Biography

    David L. Boushey is the Founder of The Society of American Fight Directors, The United Stuntmen’s Association, and the International Stunt School, and was inducted into the Holywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame