Dan Speaker is widely regarded as a leading authority in the realm of sword fighting for the film industry, boasting an impressive repertoire of expertise. Born into a military family, Dan's early life was marked by a nomadic existence, traversing various countries and military bases. This peripatetic lifestyle fostered an early fascination with swords, martial arts, and the sport of fencing, which eventually merged with his burgeoning interest in the theater.
As a teenager, Dan began to apply his passion for swords and fencing to his newfound love of theater, exploring the intersection of drama and combat. His early years were marked by a diverse range of pursuits, including horse riding and playing the Highland bagpipe – a talent he still maintains to this day.
Dan's dedication to his craft led him to attend the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, where he earned a Diploma in Dramatic Arts and a Fencing Coach's credential. Upon his return to the United States, he worked as an actor and fight choreographer in regional theater, where he met his future wife, Jan Bryant, a dancer turned swords woman.
Together, they founded the Academy of Theatrical Combat, a unique institution that specialized in teaching and choreographing the art of sword fighting. Through their work with top stunt coordinators in Hollywood, they rapidly expanded their scope, learning to coordinate and perform entire action sequences for major films and television shows.
Now, alongside their partner Kim Turney, Dan and Jan continue to teach the art of combat to actors and stunt performers, while also coordinating action sequences, performing stunts, and occasionally taking on acting roles.
