collaboration with an intimacy coordinator - live perfomance.
Collaborating with a qualified intimacy coordinator is essential for ensuring that intimate and hyper exposed scenes are handled with care, respect, and professionalism. As a specialized professional, the intimacy coordinator is a Head of Department for intimacy and oversees all intimate scenes in a production, prioritizing safety while enhancing artistic expression.
My unique skill set in storytelling and choreography is specifically tailored to intimate storytelling, enabling me to craft authentic and meaningful moments that deepen character relationships and enrich the narrative. I work with a consent-based and trauma-informed approach, ensuring that every scene is created with the utmost respect for boundaries, safety, and emotional well-being. This specialization fosters a safe, inclusive environment that builds trust and encourages creativity.
Why engaging the intimacy coordinator early is crucial!
Engaging an intimacy coordinator alongside other key functions is crucial for fostering better and smoother collaboration across all departments and creates an inclusive atmosphere, showcasing a commitment to genuine representation and respect in intimate scenes.
In some projects, the involvement can begin even earlier, allowing for collaboration on the script and active participation in the casting process. This is particularly beneficial for more complex scenes or projects that involve intimate or sexual themes, ensuring that these moments are approached with the utmost care and artistry.
Photo: Kung Lear / Dramaten
the process.
Intimacy coordination in live performance ensures that intimate and hyper exposed scenes are handled with care and professionalism. My approach is tailored to the unique demands of the stage, where the presence of a live audience and the immediacy of performance present distinct challenges.
For productions with a few intimate scenes, I typically attend selected rehearsals as well as run-throughs and provide support throughout the process. For production involving sexual themes and/or nudity, it’s essential to integrate intimacy coordination throughout the entire process to ensure actor safety and uphold artistic integrity.
I begin by reading the script to understand the storyline and identify intimate scenes. I then collaborate with the director and key members to establish a unified vision, ensuring everyone is aligned with both the performers’ well-being and the creative intent.
I work with departments such as lighting, scenography, wardrobe, and makeup (and beyond) to integrate intimate scenes smoothly into the performance.
Before rehearsals, I hold individual conversations with actors to discuss their boundaries and comfort levels. These discussions continue throughout rehearsals, fostering mutual agreement while choreographing scenes that are both creative and respectful.
I implement high-standard protocols, conduct thorough risk assessments and establish clear guidelines for performance nights, ensuring that safety measures are followed and actors & team are supported throughout the production. Additionally, I am available throughout the performance period, including for rehearsals with understudies, to provide ongoing support as needed.
Photo: Martin Paulsson – Joyride / Malmö Opera