THEATRICAL FIREARMS SAFETY TRAINING

What Is TFAS?

TFAS is a firearms safety course for actors focused on safe handling, realistic performance, and professional on-set conduct.

This is not tactical fantasy training, and it is not live weapons instruction.

It is theatrical firearms safety training built specifically for actors, performers, stunt professionals, and film creatives who may be required to handle firearms in scripted environments.

The course is designed to bridge the gap between performance and practical safety, teaching actors how to handle firearms with confidence while maintaining strict safety standards for cast, crew, and production.

Led by company director Cal, TFAS is designed to improve:

• On-screen firearm realism
• Actor confidence with weapons handling
• Firearms safety awareness on set
• Safe movement and scene execution
• Professional weapons etiquette during production
• Understanding of armourer-led safety procedures

Who This Course Is For? 

TFAS is ideal for:

• Actors working in film, television, theatre, and commercial productions
• Performers preparing for armed or tactical roles
• Supporting artists and extras handling prop firearms
• Stunt performers and action actors
• Drama students and screen acting students
• Independent filmmakers and production teams
• Anyone seeking firearms safety training for actors in a controlled, professional environment

Whether you are completely new to firearms handling or looking to sharpen your on-screen weapon work, this course is built to give you practical, usable skills that translate directly to set.

What Equipment will we be using?

Throughout the day we will be using gas powered simulation weapons, also known as realistic imitation firearms, which function exactly like the real thing, providing you with a as-close-to-real experience as possible. (Please note no blanks, live ammunition or projectiles are used in our classes)

Pistol: Replica GLOCK 17 platform - Functioning slide, blowback and realistic operation.

Rifle: Replica AR14/M4 With functioning bolt and recoil. 

You will also be provided with a low-profile chest rig to accommodate magazines.

Theory Session: Firearms Safety for Film & Television

The classroom segment delivers a detailed and accessible breakdown of firearms safety for actors, covering the core principles every performer should understand before stepping onto a set with a weapon.

This in-depth theory session covers:

• Firearms fundamentals and how firearms function
• Types of firearms commonly seen in film and television
• Basic operation and component recognition
• How blank-firing firearms differ from live weapons
• The risks associated with firearms on set
• Common causes of negligent incidents
• Muzzle awareness and safe direction
• Trigger discipline and handling fundamentals
• On-set weapons safety protocols
• Working with an armourer on set
• Chain of custody and weapons control procedures
• Rehearsal protocols and set communication
• Safe actor conduct during firearms scenes
• Risk mitigation procedures for cast and crew

This section is designed to give you a solid grounding in on-set firearms safety, ensuring every participant understands both the responsibilities and the risks involved in handling firearms during performance.

Practical Session: Hands-On Firearms Handling

The practical segment gives participants supervised, hands-on experience with two of the most commonly seen firearm platforms in modern film and television.

You will work with:

• Glock 17
• AR15 / M4 platform

This practical firearms training for actors focuses on safe, believable handling and controlled movement, helping performers build confidence and realism in action-based roles.

Practical training includes:

• Safe handling and manipulation drills
• Weapons presentation and ready positions
• Loading and unloading procedures
• Basic movement with firearms
• Muzzle discipline under movement
• Firearm transitions and positional awareness
• Working in teams with firearms
• Room entry principles
• Basic close quarters movement
• CQC techniques for performance and choreography
• Communication under pressure
• Safe scene movement with armed performers

This section is designed to improve confidence, reduce hesitation on camera, and help actors move more naturally and convincingly in armed roles.

Scenario Training: Performance Under Pressure

The final phase of TFAS brings everything together in a practical, scenario-led environment.

Participants will take part in a hostage scenario or an Active Shooter scenario, combining weapons handling, movement, communication, and live performance, requiring actors to apply what they’ve learned in a controlled, high-pressure scene.

This scenario is designed to test:

• Firearms safety under pressure
• Actor decision-making
• Communication and teamwork
• Safe room entry and movement
• Muzzle awareness in dynamic scenes
• Performance realism under stress
• Character work in armed scenarios

This is where technical handling meets performance, giving actors the chance to apply their skills in a realistic, cinematic setting. The scenario session will also provide the opportunity for each actor to play a hero, a combatant, and a civilian. The session will be conducted four times, giving each participant a chance to play each role.

If you are not comfortable acting/taking part, that is fine, please let us know on the day, we want everyone to have comfortable, safe and enjoyable experience.

Please note that the scenario training will include some filming, any footage will be shared with the relevant students. 

Booking Notice: If the current class is fully booked, and you'd like to attend, please get in touch and we'll open up another session for you to book onto.

Why Take TFAS?

Modern productions demand more from actors than ever before.

Directors, stunt teams, and armourers increasingly expect performers to arrive with a baseline understanding of safe firearms handling for film and television. Actors who can handle weapons confidently, safely, and convincingly are easier to direct, safer to work with, and more believable on screen.

TFAS helps actors:

• Perform armed roles more convincingly
• Build confidence with firearm handling
• Improve on-screen realism
• Understand set safety expectations
• Reduce unsafe habits and poor weapon handling
• Work more effectively with armourers and stunt teams
• Increase professional value for action roles

Course Details

Course Name: TFAS — Theatrical Firearms Safety

Provider: Caliber

Location: GPT Academy, Halifax, West Yorkshire

Price: £150.00 per person

Book Your Place

If you’re an actor looking to improve your on-screen weapons handling, build confidence in armed roles, and gain professional firearms safety training for actors, TFAS is built for you.

Train safely. Perform convincingly. Work professionally.

Book your place on TFAS today.