Certified Intimacy Choreographer for Live Performance
Empowering Artists. Honoring Boundaries. Crafting Dynamic and Ethical Intimacy Choreography for the Stage
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What is Intimacy Choreography?
"Intimacy Choreography is a creative and technical process for creating physical and emotional intimacy, nudity, and sexual violence in live performance. From simple kisses to elaborate and graphic multi-partner intimate moments, well-choreographed intimacy ensures that the director and actors are free to do what they do best: tell powerful stories."- Chelsea Pace, Intimacy Choreographer, Coordinator & Educator |
Elitia Daniels and Joseph D. Valdez in MACBETH.
Photo Credit: Wes Marsala.
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Artistic Statement
I come to the field of intimacy choreography with over a decade of experience as a professional theatre director working on material that required actors to be intimate emotionally and physically. I have choreographed countless kisses, full nudity, simulated sex, simulated sexual violence, and many intimate moments in between. I am certified as an 'Intimacy Choreographer for Live Performance' , an 'Intimacy Coordinator' for film and television with the SAG-AFTRA accredited -Intimacy Professionals Association, an ‘Intimacy Captain' with ICOC, in Mental Health First Aid, have Bystander Intervention and Anti-Harassment training and 40 + hours of intimacy training with Theatrical Intimacy Education. In addition to my practical experience in the field, I continue my education with various workshops and training sessions.
The inherent power hierarchy of a rehearsal space can skew informed consent and personal boundaries for actors often given the least power in the room. I use my consent-based practice to create specific and mindful movements within the actor's boundaries that successfully bring the director's vision to life. The work aims to build ethical, intimate choreography that can be re-created every performance.
In the past, staging intimate moments have been set by the director, dance choreographer, stage manager, or even the actors themselves. As an intimacy choreographer, I facilitate the actors' process to establish their boundaries and learn specific choreography so other production members can utilize their rehearsal time and focus on their crucial work. As a result, the story is told in a respectful, clear, and compelling manner that promotes the safety of all.
The inherent power hierarchy of a rehearsal space can skew informed consent and personal boundaries for actors often given the least power in the room. I use my consent-based practice to create specific and mindful movements within the actor's boundaries that successfully bring the director's vision to life. The work aims to build ethical, intimate choreography that can be re-created every performance.
In the past, staging intimate moments have been set by the director, dance choreographer, stage manager, or even the actors themselves. As an intimacy choreographer, I facilitate the actors' process to establish their boundaries and learn specific choreography so other production members can utilize their rehearsal time and focus on their crucial work. As a result, the story is told in a respectful, clear, and compelling manner that promotes the safety of all.
L: Kevin McCasland & MacKenzie Bacon in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE at GRCT; UR: Hailie MacKay & Owen Squire Smith in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at GRCT; BR: Patyon Reilly and Kyle Southern in BEAUTIFUL at Saugatuck Center for the Arts.