Intimacy Choreography and Youth Empowerment

I recently had the opportunity to attend a workshop led by Nicole Perry, an intimacy choreographer and coordinator, held by my university’s theatre program. Perry was brought in to educate students, faculty and artists in the area of the importance of her role in creating safe and equitable theatrical spaces. 

The necessity for intimacy directors and choreographers has skyrocketed with the rise of the #MeToo movement, and has gained traction in the media for its presence on the sets of shows such as Game of Thrones and Bridgerton. This is essential to the future of theatre-making because safe, ethical, and equitable spaces where all voices are heard and supported are the key to unleashing authentic creativity and play amongst artists of all ages.

What is an Intimacy Choreographer?

The role of intimacy choreographer has become even more applicable in light of the past year’s events which magnified the realities of systemic racism and inequity within our society at the expense of people of color. Specifically in conversation with arts-based movements such as We See You White American Theater (2020), the realities of the power abuse BIPOC artists face in creative spaces have come forcibly into light. The reclamation of individual power has become even more profound of a gesture than ever before. 

The job of the intimacy choreographer, according to Perry (as shared on the OnStage Blog), is to “create and set moments of intimacy (moments that require personal vulnerability between characters, often involving physical contact) in theatrical performances.” It is not just a matter of physically directing movement such as the placement of a hand or the length of a kiss. It is a matter of providing actors the space to honor their own limitations and boundaries when the work requires them to be physically and/or emotionally vulnerable. It gives authority of an actor's own body and mind back to them. They are a person first, not just a cog in a larger wheel of commercial theater productivity. 

Intimacy direction is the act of disrupting the common hierarchy that exists in the director-actor dynamic by introducing a third-party collaborator. By acting as a liaison and negotiator, intimacy choreographers simultaneously facilitate performers to prioritize and communicate their own needs while still creating a scene that serves the vision of the director. 

A Process to Empowerment

From my own experience as an actor on set with an intimacy choreographer, the rehearsal process involved a check-in, consent, physical rehearsal, and then a check-out. The check-in/ check-out process served to acknowledge that the events that were about to transpire were work-related and to separate one’s own narrative and emotions from that of the character being portrayed. 

During the consenting process, I was able to communicate my boundaries for the day. Consenting also meant confirming comfort in performing movements and to be on the receiving end of certain movements.  Nothing is too small. Are you ticklish under your arms? Did you pull a muscle at yoga? Are you not comfortable being touched on your neck? All are valid and important pieces of information to be incorporated into rehearsal. These needs were always subject to change at the actor’s discretion. And by listening to my scene partner’s needs, I was actually able to create a more trusting, respectful and authentic relationship with them, which served the production as a whole.

Choreography, once set, was permanent, to ensure no surprises for the actors as well as for stage management who could report on any misconduct during performances. 

Because I felt safe and heard, I was comfortable being vulnerable, taking risks, and making mistakes during the physical rehearsal - not the other way around. 

How does this impact theatre education?

Is intimacy choreography necessary for young actors and youth theater? My argument is an absolute yes. What comes to mind is the trope of children having their first kiss because of a school play. Although a situation that can appear superficially charming or cute, it can be deeply uncomfortable for children and can be at times traumatic. 

I am not the only one who believes this. In an article by Susanne Shawyer and Kim Shively  for the Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism (2019), theatrical intimacy training is argued as the basis for ethical and cultural change in undergraduate theatre pedagogy. Students who underwent intimacy choreography processes reflected that they felt more empowered and ethically aware in the work that they were doing. Introducing and nurturing this kind of empowerment and ethical awareness as early in life as possible, especially for youth who are participating in the arts, is foundational to transforming the entire culture of art-making.

The people making the art are more important than the art being made. The benefits of working with an intimacy choreographer and applying intimacy training is necessary to proactively combat emotional and/or physical traumas that may occur during the art-making process. 

Creating Space for Gender Identity & Sexuality 

Garnering from real experience, I have witnessed my queer friends needing to deal post-hoc with the complex emotions of kissing someone of the opposite sex. Oppositely, I have witnessed my heterosexual friends anxious about how to tackle a romantic scene with someone of the same sex. In both of these situations, these trepidations could have been addressed and validated prior to even entering the scene so that solutions could have been made with these new pieces of awareness in mind. 

Developing Identities & Authenticity

If the above scenarios are examples of what my adult actor peers face on professional sets and stages, then all the more the confusion young theater artists must face. All the less power young actors have in a space where ageism is at play and hierarchical directorial structures exist (and even less with young BIPOC actors). All the less ownership they have over themselves in a domain that is meant for them to exercise and express their most authentic selves in performance. 

The dissonance is apparent. Young artists’ are still in the formative stages of their bodies and identities. They are subject to circumstances, environments, and authorities that are simply out of their control. It is bold to assume that they want to engage in certain vulnerable movements or behaviors in front of an audience. Intimacy choreography returns agency back to the artists, ensuring that no matter the age or role, that their bodies and their boundaries are their own. 

Nothing is Too Small

It is not just about kissing! It is also about whether or not they feel comfortable being touched by an adult scene partner or peer. It is about whether a pat on the back, a hug, or a handshake feels appropriate. It is about whether or not a spain from soccer practice will let them climb a set piece. 


Professionalism & High Standards

Furthermore, intimacy choreography adds a level of professionalism to the production. Being an actor is a job. By allowing young theater artists the ability to work with intimacy directors, we expose them to a level of professionalism and respect for themselves, others and the work they do. It in turn provides an example for their own standards for authentic art-making and collaboration in creative spaces. 

Integrating intimacy choreography into the norm of theatre-making will result in profound cultural transformation towards safe and equitable art-making spaces for young artists. Creating boundaries, building trust, and showing respect for other artists is not a limiting agent - rather these practices contribute to an environment where creative expression can flourish without fear. To create without fear is a gift that we owe to our next generation of artists. It is proof that we are learning.