Stunt performers double for television and movie actors in fight scenes, falls, climbing activities, water scenes, and work with fire or explosions. Live stunts and those seen in media presentations are often carefully choreographed and organized to prevent injury to a stuntwoman and her crew. Professional organizations provide protection for performers and offer continued qualifications.
A good stuntwoman is an exceptional athlete. Studying martial arts, gymnastics, and participation in all types of sports are good background for this career. The more variety of activities, the better it will look on a resume and in a demo video. While most performers have a specialty, such as motorcycle tricks or fire work, a well-rounded skill set is the best way to find initial employment. It’s a difficult field to get into, and many coordinators only hire on recommendations.
It’s a good idea to have studied acting. A stuntwoman will have to fill in for film stars and give a performance by gesture or attitude that matches their performances. Some actors like to do as many of their own stunts as possible for realism and character continuity. If insurance or contract limitations against particularly dangerous activities preclude this, the stuntwoman will take over. Work as an extra is a good way to get a foot in the door and meet stunt coordinators and second unit directors.
The stuntwoman may find herself performing in any kind of costume imaginable, depending on the type of production. She may dress as a teenager or an old woman, or even appear in a bathing suit. Although body doubles usually aren’t stunt performers, a stuntwoman may end up performing a battle scene in a skimpy fantasy costume, for example, or another stunt in which the character is otherwise scantily clad.
A stuntwoman employed with a live show or circus will do acts such as high wire work, driving motorcycles or cars over obstacles, and fire or animal stunts. Each of these stunts requires a lot of training and careful choreography to be performed safely. After working in stunt performance for several years, she may become a coordinator or choreographer herself. In this job, she will plan and direct other performers in their work.
Most stunt performers who work in films belong to various union organizations, such as the US Screen Actors Guild, the Stuntwomen Association of Motion Pictures, or British Actors' Equity Stunt Register. This helps them receive fair compensation for their work, ensures safe working conditions, and provides filmmakers with a qualified stunt performer. Professional organizations offer continued training in the latest techniques for all kinds of stunts, including combat, aerial work, and driving.