Nov 30-Dec 2, 2018
This workshop was presented in partnership with Rosebud School of the Arts.
INSTRUCTOR: Siobhan Richardson
Theatre Alberta, Rosebud School for the Arts, and Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity were proud to welcome Siobhan Richardson of Intimacy Directors International for a master class in Intimacy Direction.
There is a growing and urgent interest in the theatre industry in creating safer, more respectful working environments. The role of Intimacy Director or Intimacy Choreographer is increasingly valued in rehearsal. This program offered experienced directors and choreographers an intensive introduction to recommended best practices and working conditions for safe on-stage intimacy through discussion and practical exercises.
Participants in this master class gained a greater understanding of the role of Intimacy Director through an immersion in the work; and left with a sense of how to begin to incorporate best practices in rehearsal, and a foundation should they continue to pursue further training in this area.
Topics included communication of personal boundaries; how to prepare actors for scenes of intimacy, including script work, physical work, and emotional preparation; choreographing simple scenes of intimacy (ie. “they kiss”); violent intimacy; consent in the theatre workplace; and psychological safety.
Intimacy Directors International is a not for profit organization that represents like-minded artists who adhere to the highest standards of artistry and safety. Siobhan Richardson is among IDI’s exclusive roster of Recommended Intimacy Directors.
Photo: Rehearsal still from Serenity Wild by Katie Sly at Summerworks Performance Festival, August 2017. Intimacy Director Siobhan Richardson, Dainty Smith and Julia Matias, directed by Audrey Dwyer, co-produced by Tender Container and the frank theatre company. Photo by Blaize Thomas.
