Today we’d like to introduce you to Collin Bressie.
Collin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am an actor, fight director, teacher and owner of The West Coast Armory, theatrical weapons rental company. I started the rental business to help provide safe and reliable rental options for professional and educational institutions. I grew up here in Southern California, fell in love with theatre in High School and continued studying it at Long Beach City College.
It was here when I was first introduced to the Society of American Fight Directors by my mentor and colleague Tony Carreiro. After taking a year of Movement and Stage Combat courses, I was given the opportunity to apply my new skill sets onstage in a local production of Henry V. Many great things came from that production, my passion for stage combat and the importance of continuing my training were solidified AND I learned what “battle ready” weapons really meant (NOT FOR USE ONSTAGE). 🙂
The broadswords we used onstage became serrated and dangerous by the end of our run, I arrived early before shows to try and file down all the burs to protect the actors onstage. A buddy of mine was cut by one of these blades on the finger (he still has the scar to this day) and I remember thinking, there has to be a better option available in the LA area. Turns out, there was not, options were very limited, and if you wanted to rent safe, reliable theatrical weapons, you had to seek it out of state (either Preferred Arms or Rogue Steel).
That moment stuck with me for years and finally, after accumulating a decent amount of theatrical shiny, I decided to open up shop and help try and make my colleagues, the art and business I love a little safer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Running your own business is never an easy task. As of right now, it’s just me, maintaining the armory. Prepping and distributing rentals, marketing the business, maintaining a presence on social media… it’s not easy. This year is my second year of operation, and I hope to continue to grow a little each year.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The West Coast Armory – what should we know?
Like I said before, The West Coast Armory specializes in theatrical weapon rentals.
Everything from steel and aluminum swords that can be used on stage and screen to non-firing replica firearms. All of our rental items are designed for the rigors of stage and screen, manufactured by the finest armorers from around the country.
I am thrilled that my business is dedicated to providing customers with safe and reliable solutions for their theatrical productions. Safety and story never should be compromised, we pride ourselves on that motto.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
A ton of people have helped me out along the way, my wife has been a huge pillar of support. All my friends and colleagues who have rented from me and continue to recommend my services to all their professional affiliations.
Contact Info:
- Website:Â www.thewestcoastarmory.com
- Phone:Â 562 522-3645
- Email:Â [email protected]
- Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/TheWestCoastArmory/
Image Credit:
Craig Schwartz, Bradford Rogue and Ed Krieger
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