Director Overview & Pre-Meeting Notes for Scenes with Intimacy
What is Intimacy Direction?
Intimacy direction supports storytelling in moments involving sensual contact, simulated sex acts, hyper-exposure, nudity, and other intimate content in live performance by ensuring the work is:
Clear in intention
Clearly choreographed
Repeatable for performance
Built through a collaborative process
Sustainable over the course of a production
Like dance choreography or fight direction, intimacy direction brings structure and artistry to intimate material.
My Approach to Intimacy Direction
There is no single way to approach this work. Every production, story, and group of performers brings different needs, boundaries, experience levels, and creative goals.
My work is grounded in:
Clear storytelling
Performer agency and autonomy
Practical, repeatable choreography
Collaboration and communication
Professional working practices
I approach intimacy direction as both a creative and technical practice. The goal is always to serve the story while supporting the people telling it.
How I Work
I begin by identifying the function of the intimate moment within the story and translating that into choreography that aligns with both the artistic vision and performer boundaries.
Some performers prefer to build choreography step-by-step. Others are more comfortable exploring movement within clearly established parameters. My role is to facilitate a process that meets the needs of the performers and production while maintaining clear expectations and professional standards.
Regardless of how material is developed, all intimate content is ultimately:
Clearly choreographed
Repeatable in performance
Grounded in performer agency and consent
The process may vary. The expectation of repeatable choreography does not.
What You Can Expect
A professional, harassment-free working environment
Clear communication around intimate content
Collaboration with performers, directors, stage management, and the design team
Choreography that supports both storytelling and performer agency
Practical tools for maintaining consistency throughout the rehearsal and performance process
Before We Meet
If useful, consider:
What function does this intimate moment serve in the story?
What is your vision for the scene?
Are there specific actions, levels of nudity, or moments of physical contact that you would like to see?
What tone or audience experience are you hoping to create?
How do you typically like to work with collaborators?
What rehearsal time is available for this material?
Next Steps
We'll meet to:
Discuss the needs of the production
Explore your vision for the intimate content
Identify any logistical or creative considerations