Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Romine.
Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Swords and Roses in 2000 with my sister, Susan. We had taken stage combat classes in Chicago, IL and decided to create a show incorporating Susan’s background as a reading specialist and my background in theater. Besides the Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire, we soon found ourselves performing at libraries and scouting events.
In 2009, I expanded the company and my vision of the company while Susan started to focus on family life. I audition and train the actresses that I hire in the skill of stage combat. My mission is to give actresses opportunities to work in their field and also train them in this unique skill so they feel empowered when they audition.
In 2017, thanks to my friend, Chris, who is the owner of Buccaneer Blades Fencing School, I was able to add to my vision of Swords and Roses an Academy of Stage Combat. Now, people who are interested in this unique skill can be trained whether they are performers, writers, or thrill seekers looking for an interesting hobby.
In 2018, Swords and Roses and SugarCubed partnered to create Birthday Party Packages.
In 2019, Swords and Roses in partnership with St. Louis Comedy LLC started performing EVERY SUNDAY at 3:30pm at the Discovery Comedy Theater. People were able to catch a interactive action adventure on a regular basis.
In 2020, the plague know as COVID-19 forced Swords and Roses to move onto online experiences. The Discovery Comedy Theater closed its doors. Out of respect to our partners and their clients, Swords and Roses put Birthday Parties at SugarCubed and the Academy of Stage Combat on hold.
In 2021, as the world cautiously re-opened, Swords and Roses performers once again took up the sword for outdoor live events.
In 2025, we have celebrated our 25th Anniversary as a company and have entertained hundreds of audiences this year in festivals, libraries, parties and conferences. The next generation of lady swordfighters are emerging to continue this legacy of family-friendly entertainment.
In regards to Swords and Roses Academy of Stage Combat, which is an extension of Swords and Roses. It currently works with scouts and other entities that bring us in for workshops or classes. We have been so busy performing that it has been difficult to settle down and open a brick and mortar location.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Even in the 2000’s, an all female stunt show faced extra hurdles of gentlemen wanting to grab our swords and “show us how to use them.” That attitude has diminished.
In the year 2020, we were set to have a record breaking year of performances at the Discovery Comedy Theater and on the road. Swords and Roses Academy of Stage Combat was growing with two different classes one for youth and one for adult with an Intermediate Class about to begin. Everything came to a screeching halt March 16, 2020, as Covid lockdown happened. I was introduced to Zoom by Mike McGuire, who is the owner of ComedySportz St. Louis. I was able to pivot our action adventure show that we were scheduled to tour across the Midwest to a Zoom interactive adventure.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We specialize in family friendly entertainment that has an educational element to it. We are known for being professional, unique, engaging for all ages and funny.
I am proud that we have been featured performers for the St. Louis Science Center, the Muny and the St. Louis Art Museum. Our fans return to see us every year at the St. Louis Renaissance Festival and they are now bringing their children to see us.
I believe that we are unique in that every show we are open to what the audience might give us. We do bring up volunteers but the audience as a whole seems to engage in our show. That means every show is one of a kind even though there is a script that guides us.
Any big plans?
I am planning on growing Swords and Roses so that we have more teams working. I will always make certain that our quality continues to be good and does not suffer with the growth.
I have a niece that is now part of the troupe, so I am looking forward to what the Next Generation will bring to the show.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swordsandroses.com
- Instagram: swordsandroses2000
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwordsAndRoses
