Z. F. Norris (They/Them) Fight Director/Choreographer/Actor

Z. F. Norris

(They/Them)

Z is a Fight, Intimacy, & Movement Professional from Hampton Roads, VA. Growing Up in the World of Japanese & Chinese Martial Arts, Z Strives to Bring a Balance of Martial Practicality, Theatrical Whimsy, and Crucial Safety Protocol into Their Physical Storytelling.

Does Your Production Have Daring Sword Fights? Maybe Moments of Sudden Heat? Or Maybe the Performers Have to Become Embodiments of Abstract Emotion?

Read Below About How Z Can Help Ensure The Safety of Your Cast and Strengthen Your Storytelling Experience!!!

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Z’s Expertise

  • FIGHT

    — Expertise from Nearly 20 Years of Martial Arts, Stage Combat, & Flow Arts

    — Over 2000 Hours Instructing with a Skill-Building Teaching Style to Ensure Performer Control & Safety

    — Proficient Knowledge of Over 30 Martial Weapon Styles, Including Japanese & Chinese Arts

  • INTIMACY

    — Consent Forward Practices to Nourish Collaborative, Communicative, & Creative Spaces

    — Navigating Potentially Traumatic Storytelling like Mental Illness, Abuse, Queerphobia, etc.

    — Stories of Non-Traditional Intimacy like Platonic Partnership, Polyamory, Queer Love, etc.

  • MOVEMENT

    — Diverse Physical Theatre Background Featuring Viewpoints, Abstraction, Commedia Dell’Arte, & Partner Acro

    — Focus on Activation & Engagement of the Entire Body in Performance

    — Establishing Trust in Partnering to Create Complex Moments of Shared Movement Imagery

Professional Services

Fight — Intimacy — Movement

  • CONSULTANT

    Receive Professional Advice on How to Achieve Your Desired Stage Effect OR How to Keep Your Production Safe

    Can Include: Script Analysis/Breakdowns for Safety, Story, & Actor Expectations; Creation of Content Notices, Safety Protocols, & Best Practices for Your Production

    Available Online ONLY

    $45/Hour

  • Abstract artwork of a stylized figure holding a sword with dynamic lines and circular shapes, featuring bold colors like blue, orange, and white.

    CHOREOGRAPHER

    Receive Professional Creation & Implementation of Choreography that Tells the Story You & Your Team Want to Bring to Life

    Can Include: Consultant-Level Paperworks; Choreographical Blocking Notation; Full Cast Workshops

    Available In-Person

    $75/Hour

    $325/Day

    Negotiated Weekly OR Project Rate

  • Abstract illustration of a raised fist with swords and geometric shapes, using blue, purple, and pink colors.

    DIRECTOR

    Receive Professional Storytelling Development, Choreography Instruction, & Interdepartmental Collaboration in Creating Unique Living Art

    Can Include: Choreographer-Level Paperworks; Full Cast Workshops; Daily Rehearsal Attendance & Feedback; Weapon Rental/Acquisition

    Available In-Person

    $100/Hour

    $450/Day

    Negotiated Weekly OR Project Rate

  • DISCOUNTED SERVICES

    Cheaper Rates Available for Community Theatres, Collegiate Film Projects, Collegiate Student Theatre, & Early Development Works to Help Keep Rising Artists Safe & Informed

  • WORKSHOP TRAININGS

    Looking to Bring Fight, Intimacy, or Movement Work to Your Creative Community? Start With a Workshop Tailored to Your Community’s Needs!

    Example Workshops: Consent Forward Artistry; Body & Breath Awareness; Falling With Style for the Stage

  • THEATRICAL FIREARMS SAFETY

    Receive Instruction, Guidance, & Protocols About CRUCIAL Safety Protocols for Handling Prop Firearms of Any & All Varieties OR Hire Z to Act as Your Production’s Gun Wrangler/Armourer

Get a FREE 30min Meeting With Z!!!
  • Man in uniform kneeling over and performing a simulated choke on a person wrapped in tattered clothes on stage.
  • Two people engaging in a lightsaber duel at night.
  • Two people engaged in a dramatic scene on a wooden bed, with a wheelchair nearby.
  • A theatrical scene featuring two actors on stage. One actor, dressed in tattered clothing, is lying on the ground while another actor, in period costume, leans over them performing a simulated eye gouge
  • Theatrical performance scene with actors on stage in colorful costumes against a floral backdrop. One actor is performing a simulated hair pull
  • Theatrical scene with actor restraining another on ground, woman sitting at table in costume, set with doors and table.
  • Martial artist performing a high kick in dojo, wearing white uniform and blue protective gear, with American flag in background.
  • Stage play scene with actors performing simulated struggles; backdrop displays 'Old Verona Road' sign, wooden barrels, staircase, and crates.

HRACT Awards on Misery at LTVB 2024

“Gilliam also brought in intimacy/fight director Z F Norris, who did a tremendous job with Hinson and Flint, making their physical clashes feel real, and even pulling off a couple tricks (including one with a sledgehammer) that I’m not sure how it worked, it was so perfectly set from the audience’s perspective.”

Contact Z!!

Reach Out for a Free 30 Minute Meeting to Discuss Your Project & Service Needs!!!