What is an Intimacy Choreographer?
An Intimacy Choreographer (IC) is a trained industry professional who oversees consent and who facilitates safe intimacy choreography for the stage. They act as an advocate, and a liaison between actors and production for scenes that involve simulated sex acts, nudity, and other intimate or hyper-exposed scenes. They support the performers’ and crew’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being during the rehearsal process while collaborating with the director to aid in the realization of their creative vision.
Intimacy Choreographers are trained in the following areas:
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Consent, Boundaries and power dynamics
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Gender identity, LGBTQIA+, and sexual orientation
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Sexual harassment and Bystander intervention
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Identity, unconscious bias and microaggressions
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Regulations on nudity and simulated sex
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Anti-racism and intersectionality
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Equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI)
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Modesty garments and barriers
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Communication, mediation and conflict resolution
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Mental health first aid, trauma, and self-care
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Movement and masking techniques
Why hire an Intimacy Choreographer?
Including an IC to your team benefits the production by bringing in a trained professional who is best equipped to reduce risk and establish a safer environment in where the work can be done. When the performer’s consent and boundaries are prioritized, they will feel more at ease to explore an intimate moment bravely. This gives them agency and allows them to challenge themselves in their roles without feeling that their mental and physical safety is being compromised. An IC also supports and collaborates with the production team to fulfill the director’s vision and gives them the tools to ensure informed and continued consent for the entire run of the show.
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Intimacy direction is integral and holistic. It’s not an addition to a process. A director modeling behaviour that says “Your thoughts, your feelings, your boundaries matter” is so important. Let what is Big within us guide us to a place of bringing an Intimacy Director on board on behalf of safety, storytelling, and advocacy; let what is Small within us guide us to collaboration and wisdom.” - Kimberly Senior
