Stage Combat Academy of NC and Raleigh Little Theatre will be hosting a 3-Day Intimacy for the Stage Workshop led by Intimacy Directors International co-founder Tonia Sina and Intimacy Director Dan Granke. During this workshop, you’ll get an overview of numerous aspects of this work. We encourage all roles in the profession (actors, directors, stage managers, etc) to attend.

This 3-day workshop expands upon the foundations and implementations of theatrical intimacy for the stage. Areas of focus include actor prep, techniques, choreography, communication and consent, safety, and best practices based on years of academic and professional research and experience The workshop will dive deeply into the craft and artistry of Intimacy Design and help establish Intimacy Directors International’s (IDI) Five Pillars as a standard of practice in the theatre. This workshop is open to all, including students, actors, stage managers, directors, designers, administrators, and more. With the theatrical landscape continually changing, be part of this growing professional movement for safety and advocacy.

Workshop topics will include:

• Actor’s prep for scenes of intimacy, including script work, physical work, and emotional preparation
• Choreographing simple scenes of intimacy (“they kiss”)
• Communication of Personal Boundaries and other professional etiquette practices
• Violent intimacy
• Best practices and recommended working conditions
• Consent in the theatre workplace
• Psychological safety
• Nudity
• SAG-AFTRA and Actor’s Equity codes

Historically, “Intimacy” in a performance evoked images of kissing and sexual acts. But the term “Intimacy” also refers to the closeness between dear friends, family, old enemies, and new acquaintances. “Intimacy” also covers moments of sexual violence and coercion.

In this workshop, you’ll explore specific acting techniques and exercises to access the subtle and specific work of intimacy direction. Details in choreography keep you connected to your scene partners, both emotionally and physically while respecting personal boundaries. A portion of each day will be devoted to scene work where actor-participants can practice the rehearsal process, and director-participants can observe how these specialists approach this material.

Touching (handshakes, handholding, hugging) through guided physical work is part of the course. Kissing is not required. All touching is consensual, and participants are always invited to participate in their own degree of comfort.

Intimacy Director pictured: Siobhan Richardson

Actors pictured: Dainty Smith and Julia Matias

Photo: Blaize Thomas.