Our work emphasizes safety for all participants. Most of the work that I do involves performers and directors, and I absolutely emphasize making everyone comfortable while creating our end product. This comes with a significant bonus. From the perspective of leadership, my presence can help catch anyone who doesn’t have the company’s best interests in mind, and prevent those situations from escalating. That can save a tremendous amount of time, energy, and pain to vulnerable people, as well as a theatre’s reputation.

I’ve spent years studying my craft and working in a wide variety of contexts, with different age ranges and demographics. Many directors have told me after working together, my process has inspired new ways to achieve their own goals. Intimacy choreography is all about creating and finding new ways to make art, not shutting it down; growth is good for all parties. And audiences notice better crafted intimacy and fights, too— the gasps and reactions from crowds are on another level when choreography works!

If your company has set out to be an inclusive, welcoming space where all artists feel equally safe, tangible actions help with follow through. Think of an intimacy coordinator or choreographer as a “translator" who can take your team from one that aims to be inclusive to one who’s actually doing it.

Some companies feel that hiring an intimacy coordinator is something to be done when things have already gone “wrong,” and that bringing one in is an admission of guilt. This couldn’t be further from the truth. My workshops and choreography shine when they occur at the start of rehearsals, giving every cast and crew a level playing field, tools for communication, and a reassurance that will foster collaboration and comfort throughout your whole production process.