Alex Burke
Staff Member
Alex Burke is a 29 year old Missouri native; graduating with her BFA in Theatre: Acting from The Holland College of Performing Arts. Certified in all six weapon systems from Dueling Arts International as well as theatrical firearms, knife, and quarterstaff with Society of American Fight Directors.
Alex began working with Dueling Arts International in 2019; where she earned advanced actor combatant placements in all six weapons systems: unarmed, broadsword, single rapier, rapier and dagger, quarterstaff, and small sword. Alex has completed all three tiers of training, and even returned to a beginner placement to train her skills left handed! In her pursuit to expand her skillset, Alex has also studied dual wielding, sword and shield, and martial arts—earning her blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Brian Imholz.
In the summer of 2022, Alex completed the Dueling Arts International teacher program. She has used the knowledge she has obtained over the years not only to perform—Michael Cassio in Othello and Milady de Winter in The Three Musketeers—but to teach. Alex has lead several workshops at Southeast Missouri State, Western Illinois University, and University Central Missouri. She started assisting the offered theatrical combat classes at The Holland College in 2022, and she continues to do so under the guidance of Bart Williams.
Alex’s goal is to make stage combat accessible for all ages! Ultimately building confidence in story telling, partnering, and physicality.
CREDENTIALS/TRAINING:
• Bachelors in Fine Arts Theatre: Acting 2019 Graduate
• Trained and completed levels one through three of all six weapon systems offered by Dueling Arts International (unarmed, broadsword, single rapier, rapier and dagger, quarterstaff, and small sword)
• Completed Dueling Arts International level one teacher training with founder, Gregory Hoffman
• Trained and certified level one knife and quarterstaff with Society of American Fight Directors
• Passed theatrical firearms safety course under Tiza Garland with Society of American Fight Directors
• Intimacy Coordination Masterclass with Laura Rikard
• Shakespearean Masterclass with Chicago Shakes Casting Director Bob Mason
• Swashbuckling Masterclass with Kris Kuss
• Currently training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu promoted to blue belt October 2025
• Children’s soccer coach and referee under Stuart Barlow with P2 Training