[Usittne] Prop swords and other weapons

[Clyde Tyndale]

At Falmouth Academy, Falmouth, MA, we're doing Ken Ludwig's 'Treasure Island", which calls for a 
number of weapons, particularly cutlasses, which will be used in fight sequences.  Various knives 
and guns are also required.  The time is 1774.

We are bringing a certified combat director on board to train our actors (secondary school students) 
in proper stage combat.

Production dates are May 13 and 14 and we will need at least a couple of cutlasses for a combat 
workshop currently being planned for very early April.  The longer we are able to rehearse with the 
actual weapons, the better.

Since our normally small budget is being strained by the necessary expense of the combat director, 
we're hoping that somebody out there has some weapons that we can borrow for the show and rehearsal 
period.  Our combat director has suggested that colleges which teach stage combat may have 
appropriate weapons.  He is concerned that any weapons used in a fight sequence be of appropriate 
construction and quality.

We are willing, of course to reimburse for shipping expenses, or can pick up & return if the 
distance isn't too far.  We promise to take good care of any borrowed items.

Is anybody able to help?

Thank you.

Clyde Tyndale
Falmouth Academy
ctyndale at cape.com