Jonathan Rider has been teaching and choreographing stage combat for over 30 years, working regionally, nationally, and internationally with leading opera companies and theaters.
He served as Resident Fight Director for the San Francisco Opera for 12 years and has directed productions across the United States and Europe.
Jonathan first certified with the Society of American Fight Directors in 1989, holds an Entertainment Firearms Permit, and earned his BA from Santa Clara University.
His work is known for its precision, clarity, and commitment to performer safety.
San Francisco Opera — Resident Fight Director (12 years)
Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona — Tristan and Isolde
Teatro Massimo, Palermo — Fanciulla del West
Santa Fe Opera — Maometto II, Wozzeck, Tosca
Critics Circle Award — The Orphan of Zhao
Pacific Resident Theater
The Crucible — Fire Arts Festival: Romeo and Juliet, The Firebird, The Odyssey, Dracula
Full choreography and direction for theatrical and operatic productions.
Design of staged combat sequences tailored to production and performers.
Instruction in safe, repeatable, and effective stage combat techniques.
Certified with the Society of American Fight Directors
Current Entertainment Firearms Permit holder
BA from Santa Clara University.