Meet MC_Combat herself. Maisie Carter is the founder & driving force behind the company.
Growing up my parents ran a theatre school and their ethos was ‘lifting the curtain to confidence’. Every student that attended the school was encouraged not to be the most perfect performer but the most confident version of themselves. My parents poured so much of their heart into the school that everyone became an extension of our family. For me, this created an environment where it wasn’t just training, it was home and I was able to flourish - this is what I want to create at MC_Combat.
Whether you’re working with us on a course, in fight choreography or in a team building event, I want everyone to feel comfortable to explore their work without fear of judgement and create friendships that will support you through this industry.
Welcome to the family, Maisie x
Meet the team
Emily Evans
Jonny Whittaker
Head of Screen / Instructor / Examiner
Immersed in the world of Film & Television for over a decade, Jonny Whittaker brings a wealth of experience to screen combat and stunt performance, boasting an impressive resume of over seventy productions.
Beyond his dynamic on-screen presence, Jonny's passion for sharing his expertise shines through his instruction in various disciplines, a journey that began with teaching Taekwondo at fifteen and now culminates in teaching screen and stage combat to actors, action performers, and stunt performers. Adding another layer of dedication and discipline, Jonny currently serves as a Reservist Rifleman in the British Army.
Notable Performer Credits:
Masters of the Air, Masters of the Universe, Supergirl, The Witcher, Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and Ghostbusters.
Head of Safeguarding / Instructor
Emily specialises in dynamic, character-based combat and bring a collaborative, consent-forward approach to every rehearsal room. Passionate about accessibility and inclusion, Emily has extensive experience working with young performers and neurodiverse artists, creating empowering spaces where everyone can move boldly and tell powerful stories through action.
Notable Fight Director Credits:
Three Hens on a Boat (Reading Rep Theatre) , Private Lives (Key Theatre), Wendy and Peter Pan (The Watermill) , The Uninvited (Short Film)
MC_Combat is working in collaboration with Barearms to provide armourers and firearms training to your productions. Please contact us for more details.
Ben, is a military adviser, firearms instructor and armourer. He served for a decade in the British army as a tank commander before setting up Bare Arms Ltd and has been working in the theatrical industries since 2015. He enjoys the technical challenge that live theatre presents and has a passion for firearms safety and training.
Theatre Credits include:
Romeo and Juliet (The Globe), Tosca (ENO), Cunning Little Vixen (ENO), Good (Harold Pinter), Bonnie and Clyde (Garrick), Blood Brothers (Bill Kenwright), Wendy & Peter Pan (Leeds Playhouse)
Television Credits include:
SAS Rogue Heroes (BBC), The Crown (Netflix), The Capture (BBC), Bodyguard (BBC), Suspect (Ch4), Sex Education (Netflix)
Film Credits include:
Mission Impossible (cast training), Luther: The Fallen Sun, Blue Story, Sumotherhood, Accused
Respect
MC_Combat’s mission is to give power and a voice to our students. Everyone deserves to be respected, valued and heard. Respecting other peoples autonomy, boundaries and individuality will work towards creating an inclusive space to grow and be bold.
Our Values
Self Control
Managing your emotions and actions in a stressful environment is the sign of a true professional. The creative industry can be an unpredictable environment; having the ability to acknowledge and control your emotions or impulses helps ensure a safe space for yourself and others.
Perseverance
Every single person in the creative industry will encounter many obstacles and challenges throughout their careers. To be resilient, to acknowledge those obstacles and then to power through with focus and determination, is what makes a successful performer.
Community
The heart of MC_Combat is building a community. In an industry of rivalry and competition, we want to stand out by making Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Friendship the pillars of our ethos.