“Firen is a force. She is unstoppably eager and curious about seemingly everything while being warm, supportive, and kind. She is quick to offer solutions to problems that not only help the situation but empower the people involved. Her ability to lovingly challenge a room to grow is unmatched. I would not only recommend her as an incredible asset to any learning environment or rehearsal process but also am bursting at the seams to work with her again myself.”

– Samantha Kaufman, Certified Teacher SAFD

"Firen's devotion to the art of technique of stage combat is palpable and her knowledge is vast. Any student should jump at the chance to be taught by her, and any production team would be lucky to work with her."

- Bess Kaye, Advanced Actor Combatant SAFD

"Firen is a strong force of pure woman power. It is clear how intelligent she is with every observation she shares and has a deep passion to share it with others. She takes her art very seriously but with a huge smile on her face, making her passion contagious. Partnering with Firen challenged my own skills and evoked a passion in myself to train harder and more deliberately. She is a warm, inviting and a thrilling person/artist to be around that will push your artistry for the better."

- Olivia Willcox, Advanced Actor Combatant SAFD

”Firen came to our middle school during our Drama club day two weeks in a row. The students (about 40 6th through 8th grade) ate up everything she taught them! Firen had such a wonderful presence and really knew how to engage these kids. She scaffolded the curriculum and made sure they were safely demonstrating the content before introducing new content. She had wonderful teacher tricks to teach them how to remember vocabulary, and it absolutely worked! At the end of the second day with Firen the kids were choreographing small fight scenes, and it was AMAZING! I highly recommend hosting Pen and Sword to come to your school and teach a workshop!”

- Rachel Browning, Drama Teacher and Director at Enterprise Middle School

“Firen is one of the most efficient and effective educators I know in general, let alone in the stage combat craft. I am so thankful for her ability to be flexible with my direction while still prioritizing the safety of my students above all else. I doubt I’ll hire any other company for combat services due to the level of rapport and trust she builds not only with my students but with my organization. Her dedication to her craft is evident and so is her drive to pursue any professional development opportunity to further learn and grow as a combat choreographer.”

-Alli Syverson, Teacher at Kamiakin High and Theatrical Director

“Firen is a font of knowledge as well as a precise technician. Calm and cool as a teacher, she guides the class with an engaging intellectual savvy, coupled with a drive to make the student better every day. “

-D Granke, Certified Teacher and Fight Director SAFD

“I am an inexperienced drama advisor of a fledgling high school drama program with a small budget. The Pen & Sword took all the limitations I came with in stride. Firen was knowledgeable, patient, and understanding first with me, then with my students. Once she arrived at our theater, she took control in the best way possible. She even had techniques for getting attention that I will use in the future, and I’ve been a classroom teacher for over 20 years. Though safety was clearly her first priority—letting the students have fun while they learned was a close second. At the end of three days, my students looked like they had been doing stage combat for months and clearly had more self-confidence. Not only will our production be multiple times better because of Firen’s combat choreography, but my students will also be more well-rounded performers. The Pen & Sword is a bargain for half the price. If you are on the fence at all about hiring them—-hesitate no more.”

-Sharon Winningham, Moses Lake Theatre Ensemble’s Director

"Firen is a fierce cheerleader for each and every student in the classroom; she is the exuberant hype-woman that you want backing you up! She asks thoughtful questions behind the scenes about the methodology of teaching, and it is clear that she puts a lot of time and thought into who she is as a teacher and how she would like to grow. Her passion for stage combat is evident in everything she does.”

-Nicky Jasper, Certified Teacher SAFD, Open Gate Movement

“I had the pleasure of working with Firen at the SAFD National Stage Combat Workshop this summer. She assisted me in a number of classes and was always a joy. Her friendly personality made her easily approachable which was a great boon to the students. She was always on hand to help both me and the students and her personal skill level meant that demonstrations were clear and precise. She clearly loves working and training in this art form and that shines through in everything she does. It was a genuine pleasure to work with her and I cannot recommend her enough.”

- Roger Bartlett, Master Teacher and Examiner BASSC, Certified Teacher SAFD

“This summer I had the pleasure of working with AAC Firen Williams at the National Stage Combat Workshop. Firen excelled as an actor combatant as well as actor coach and mentor for the students in the Advanced workshop. The students relied on her great humor, enthusiasm, and emotional support while I relied on her intelligence and trained eye in the classroom. When we watched the run throughs of rehearsal performances, I would often ask Firen for her notes and found her feedback to be specific, kind, and thorough. I look forward to seeing her continue to shine as a teacher, choreographer, and artist.”

- Jenny Male, Certified Teacher & Fight Director, SAFD

“Firen is an engaging, attentive, and detail-oriented movement artist. Her technique is clean, and she models both good learning and performance traits. Any student or actor would do well to learn from her knowledge and example. Despite my efforts, I find I do not dislike her.”

- Sean Michael Chin, Certified Teacher with the SAFD

“I had the great pleasure of working with Firen Williams when she was a student at the National Stage Combat Workshop and other stage combat workshops. Firen has also been my teaching assistant at the NSCW. Firen is an excellent assistant/teacher of stage combat. She has a strong grasp of the technical aspects of the art form and is, and excellent performer. Firen is charming, personable, and has a wonderful rapport with her students. She is an excellent teacher and example for those wanting to learn stage combat. Any program would be lucky to have her. I recommend her without reservation.”

-Chuck Coyl, Fight Master SAFD

“I had the pleasure of working with Firen at the NSCW 2023. Firen was a PA and helped assist classes when we had odd numbers. Firen has a beautiful blend of grace and tenacity - always bringing a calming presence to a room while also finding different tactics on how to push each student to the next level. Without Firen in the room, I would’ve felt a lot more stressed out. Her presence alone was enough to light up the room with smiles. Not only was she a joy to have in the room, but having the opportunity to watch her work was so inspiring. Firen’s always approachable and more than willing to give advice when asked upon.”

-Noah Ratgen, Actor and Intermediate Combatant SAFD

“The Pen & Sword, LLC, first worked with the Princess Theatre Mainstage Production for fight choreography, then offered a 2-hour course in Stage Combat Fundamentals. Firen was personable, professional, and knowledgeable, with a care for physical limitations and safety of all participants. Cast and students both enjoyed working with and learning from her. We are already working with Pen & Sword, LLC to schedule another Stage Combat Fundamentals, and at least one more advanced course.”

-Shara Forrister, Theatre Manager of The Princess Theatre Prosser