she/her/hers
Frequently
Asked
Questions
does my project need an intimacy professional?
I recommend working with an intimacy professional if your project contains any intimate content. The term "intimate" is purposefully vague; if an actor feels that what they're doing is intimate or hyper-exposing in any way, it would be beneficial to have an intimacy professional present.
As a general standard, an intimacy professional is crucial if your production contains any nudity, simulated sex, portrayal of genital contact, portrayal of non-consensual contact, or extended sequences of kissing or romantic touch. An intimacy professional may be helpful if your production contains any mouth-to-mouth contact or contact between characters portraying a close relationship (familial, romantic, or otherwise).
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For more details, Intimacy for the Stage & Screen has some excellent guidelines for working with an Intimacy Director (LIVE PERFORMANCE) or Intimacy Coordinator (FILM/TV).
WHEN SHOULD i CONTACT AN INTIMACY PROFESSIONAL?
ideally, you should be looking to contract an intimacy professional in the pre-production phase, with the rest of your design team. I can offer the most support to a project when I'm involved early in the process.
Are you a qualified intimacy professional? How can i tell?
I am! I hold a certification with Intimacy Directors & Coordinators (IDC). While this does indicate my readiness to work in the professional intimacy field, certification is not the only way to demonstrate qualification.
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A trained and qualified intimacy director should have demonstrable competency in movement, physicality coaching, and creating choreography; the use of barriers, modesty garments, and masking techniques; productive communication; anti-harassment and bystander intervention; navigating power dynamics; mental health first aid; and consent-based and trauma-informed practices.
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As an intimacy professional, I am always continuing my education and adding to my toolkit. For an up-to-date list of my training, visit my main intimacy page.
I'm a director with some intimacy training. can i handle the intimacy myself?
I generally advise against this. Because of the power the director holds, this can lead to a coercive environment, even with the best intentions. If you'd like to discuss your specific circumstances, I am available for consultation.
When I work on a production, I involve the director in every part of the process to ensure the intimacy storytelling is consistent with their vision. I view every part of my role as highly collaborative, and the director is involved every step of the way.
how much rehearsal time will we need for the intimacy in a live production?
This will depend entirely on the content of your project. When I join a production, I start by meeting with the director to discuss the needs of the piece, and their vision for the intimacy. I read the script, and put together a list of the intimate moments in the show, with rehearsal time estimates that I share with the stage manager along with my availability. If you'd like to discuss the needs of your specific production, I am available for consultation.
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