Scenes in plays that require actors to touch, embrace, kiss, and generally have physical contact have long been a source of angst for director and actors, sometimes being unpleasant for the participants.

Elodie Foray, from the Archway Theatre, introduced us to Intimacy Directing, a then-unknown topic at Southport. Elodie continues to develop their practice as an Intimacy Director, including LTG-sponsored training. As a result, Elodie is available to be hired to attend a few of your rehearsals to advise and ease often sensitive situations. They have already performed this service for plays at the Archway and others since 2021, with much success.

At our Conference they will spend time introducing ways in which any theatre can improve their intimacy practice, both in and out of the rehearsal room – whether there is access to an intimacy director or not. There will be plenty of room for questions and discussion, as this is a novel concept for many of us.

Suitable for directors and actors who wish to get ahead of the game on this topical issue, which will soon become an essential and expected element of the rehearsal process.