Pillars of intimacy for actors
- Context
- Consent
- Communication
- Choreography
- Closure
Intimacy is defined as any moment which portrays intimate physical contact.
This may include, but not restrict to: kissing, “making out”, state of undress, contact with chest or genitals, simulated sex, portrayal of sexually traumatic events, sexual violence and sexual manipulation and it may also include intimacy between parents and children, between dear friends, creating sexual tension and chemistry where no touching occurs. All of these could require choreography and supervision by a trained Intimacy Director.
Intimacy Directors are trained choreographers of intimacy. They lead performers from auditions to rehearsals, to choreography sessions and can give advice as to how to exercise closure. They are not counsellors or psychologists, but they have mental health first aid training and can offer advice to anyone on the team if they are finding that their regular lives are being affected by the material in the show.