What is an Intimacy Choreographer?

An intimacy choreographer is a specialized movement expert focused on crafting moments of intimacy within storytelling, encompassing scenes of intimate physical contact, nudity/hyper-exposed work, and simulated sex acts. 

In the capacity of an intimacy choreographer, my role extends as both an advocate and a liaison for actors and the production team, aiming to foster a culture of consent and support the autonomy of performers. Taking on the role of an advocate, I establish a foundation of consent-based work, providing a framework for actors to assert their boundaries and needs. Assisting in scheduling to ensure performers know what day(s) certain content will be rehearsed and choreographed and work with them to support and honor their boundaries. As a liaison, I facilitate communication between performers and the production crew and answer questions about lighting, costuming, hygiene, and more. As the point person for these discussions, my goal is to anticipate their needs and questions so they have the information to remove the worry of the unknown, and provide them with an individual they can rely on to answer their possibly uncomfortable questions.
As the intimacy choreographer, I use my knowledge in movement to collaborate and create actions that are consensual, dynamic, and repeatable choreography for the duration of the production. Additionally, I collaborate with the director to ensure we are aligning with the director's vision while respecting the boundaries of performers and ensuring a cohesive narrative across various performances or takes.

Experience

Featured
Angel Street
Angel Street

by Patrick Hamilton
Directed by Jaye Clarke
Produced by Theatre du Mississippi

Read More →
Constellations
Constellations

by Nick Payne
Directed by Kara Eggers
Produced by Winona State University

Read More →

  • Hard Skills

    Anti-Racist Educated
    Bystander Intervention
    Collaboration
    Consent Training
    Movement Knowledge
    Movement Documentation
    Modesty Garments
    Production Knowledge
    Trauma Informed Practice

  • Un-Photographed Experience

    Lilith and Eve by Asher de Forest
    Theatre du Mississippi February 2024

    A Bad Year for Tomatoes by John Patrick
    Fountain City River Players June 2023

    Angel Street by Patrick Hamilton
    Theatre du Mississippi May 2023

    Machinal by Sophie Treadwell
    Theatre du Mississippi November 2023

    Cabaret Musical by Joe Masteroff
    Winona State University April 2022

  • Soft Skills

    Excellent Verbal & Written Communication
    Conflict Resolution & Mediation
    Ethical Decision-Making
    Active Listening
    Time Management
    Creativity & Ingenuity
    Self Motivated
    Self Aware

What I can do for you:

Primary Intimacy Choreography Offerings (tailored to fit the needs of your production)

  • Development of administrative documentation: Aid in generating casting notices, audition disclosure forms, and contracts. 

  • Act as a liaison with the production team to proactively address production requirements related to intimate moments. 

  • Lead in establishing a rehearsal process grounded in consent. 

  • Offer support to performers and the production team in creating frameworks around production content. 

  • Collaborate with the director and performers to design intimate, repeatable moments that align with performers' boundaries, support the director's vision, and maintain repeatability throughout the production process.

Additionally, I offer various workshops and consultation options. Contact me to see how my offerings will best fit within your production!
(Zoom options available)

Qualifications & Education:

Theatrical Intimacy Education (80 hours)

  • Sex work on Stage and Screen (3 hours) 07/2023

  • Community Care: Application of Mental Health First Aid Tools (2 hours) 07/2023

  • Integrating Best Practices into K-12 Lesson Planning (3 hours) 07/2023

  • Cognitive Equity in Design: Lighting (3 hours) 04/2023

  • Workshop Weekend (In Person) (16 hours) 04/2023

  • Working with Trans and Non-Binary Actors (3 hours) 03/2023

  • Staging Intimacy Beyond the Binary (3 hours) 03/2023

  • Staging Sex: Power Play (3 hours) 10/2022

  • Staging Sex: Intercourse (3 hours) 10/2022

  • Staging Sex: Outercourse (3 hours) 09/2022

  • Staging Sex: Non-Consensual Stories (3 hours) 09/2022

  • Stage Management (3 hours) 06/2022

  • Working with Minors (6 hours) 06/2021

  • Consent in the Classroom (3 hours) 06/2021

  • Trauma Informed Practice (3 hours) 06/2021

  • Foundations in Race Intimacy & Consent (2 hours) 06/2021

  • Intimacy Choreography (6 hours) 09/2020

  • Studio Techniques, Casting, and Policy (6 hours) 08/2020

  • Best Practices (6 hours) 06/2020

Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (36+ hours)  

  • Allyship vs. Sisterhood: How to actually show up for Black Women (3 hours) 05/2023

  • Diversity vs. Inclusion vs. Tokenism: When Representation is more Harmful than Helpful (3 hours) 03/2023

  • Re-Centering Black Women in the #MeToo Movement (3 hours) 03/2023

  • Certification of Completion Consent-Forward Artist Program 7/2023

  • Level 2 (15 hours) 07/2022

  • Level 1 (12 hours) 06/2022

Certifications

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid USA (National Council for Mental Wellbeing) expires 01/2026

  • Adult Mental Health First Aid USA (National Council for Mental Wellbeing) expires 03/2025

  • Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training (University of Idaho) July 11th, 2023

  • Certification of Completion in Diversity (iLearningEngines) July 17th, 2023

  • Certification of Completion of Sexual Harassment and Discrimination (iLearningEngines) on July 17th, 2023

  • Yogafit Level 1 Training (August, 2018)