Orion Couling grew up in the historical Michigan port Saulte Ste. Marie and has dedicated himself to theater, the sword and social change since deciding to be a Jedi at age 5! He has a degree with honors from Northern Michigan University, and as a stuntman has studied and taught stage combat in Hawaii and China. He has worked as an educator and interpreter at Fort Michilimackinaw, Old Mill Creek, Fort Mackinaw, The Michigan Renaissance Faire, and The Tall Ship Royaliste, Red Witch, Argus and The Windy.

On the stage his favorite roles have been “Tony” in Westside Story, “Danny” in Haywire and “Booth” in Assassins. Recently you might’ve seen his work in the Red Twist production of View from a Bridge, as his fight direction “packed an impressive punch.”

He is invested in bringing theater to marginalized communities. Orion received the Commitment to Excellence Award from Ups For Downs for his work directing children with Down Syndrome.

As a playwright and adapter, his production of Treasure Island sold out at Lake Superior Theatre in Marquette, MI. Also his work on Spirit Ship and Haunted Harbors on the Windy broke fall box office records. His love of researching a misty area of history and staging it for a historical society or venue brings this year’s Tall Ship Windy premier Real Pirates of the Inland Seas.

Orion teaches studio classes in the Chicago area and fight directs with independent films, local stage productions and Tall Ships. He is the director of a growing theater program for the Chicago homeschooling community, he is the Artistic Director of EDGE Theatre, Associate Teacher for Dueling Arts and is a 100t Captain.