Intimacy Professional Training

Principle Intimacy Professionals (PIP)

  • Completed Level 1 of PIP’s SAG•AFTRA accredited Launchpad Training Program which meets all requirements outlined by both SAG•AFTRA and ACTRA as to the minimum training and qualifications intimacy coordinators must meet to qualify to work on union productions
  • Topics include: Union policies and best practices for film and theatre; Power dynamics, production roles, and communication on set; Choreography; Kit preparation, modesty wear; Paperwork, prep, contracts, and riders; Mental Health First Aid applications; Sex education basics; Unique protocols and Case studies

Total Hours: 70


Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC)

  • Learned the philosophies, practice, and fundamentals of staged intimacy according to IDC including consent, communication, reporting structures, and working with children from a variety of educators in both multi-week courses and 90-minute webinars

Total Hours: 70


National Society of Intimacy Professionals (NSIP)

  • Studied various staging and masking techniques for intimacy in several 3-hour courses including Choreographing and Masking Intimate Scenes, Choreographing Kink, and Prosthetics SFX and Intimacy

Total Hours: 18


Intimacy Directors International (IDI)

  • Attended in-person workshops on choreography and consent taught by Samantha Kaufman

Total Hours: 6


Miscellaneous Intimacy Specific Training

Total Hours: 11.5


Other Training

Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH)

  • Attended the 2021 Exploring Disability and Sexual Health Virtual Youth Summit which aimed to educate community members about sexual health for disabled youth and caregivers through a series of peer-lead workshops

Total Hours: 11


National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC)

  • Participated in workshop about The Theory and Practice of Mediation where we practiced mediating conflicts by engaging in role-play

Total Hours: 32


Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

  • Completed 2 Adult MHFA Certifications (to be renewed every 2 – 3 years)

Total Hours: 16


Undergraduate Education

Vassar College

  • Earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with an emphasis in Women & Queer Studies and Decolonial History
  • Minored in Film with a duel focus in production and film theory
  • Created 6 department sponsored short films including My Queer Questions, Dancing To Commentary, and Cinéma Very Gay
  • Wrote an independent research paper on Gender Construction and the Gaze in Deepa Mehta’s Fire under the mentorship of Sophia Harvey, Ph.D. which used psychoanalytic theory to understand the construction of gendered relationships in the 1996 Indian-Canadian film Fire
  • Recorded a thesis project, Identity, which featured interviews from queer women discussing their identities and gender expression and how those helped or hurt them in their search for community

Graduation: 2019

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY

GPA: 3.2


SIT: International Honors Program: Human Rights: Foundations, Challenges, & Advocacy

Completion: Spring 2018
(One Semester)

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal; Amman, Jordan; and Santiago, Chile



Education & Training Breakdown By Skill Type


Anti-Harassment & Bystander Intervention

Speak About It
(2022)
• Learned educational tools on topics including bystander intervention, sex ed, & consent to support student leaders in facilitating conversations about consent on their campus – Oronde Cruger, Olivia Harris, Leo Mock (3 Weeks)
• Performed a 1-hour pleasure centered show at colleges & university across North America to teach students about consent, drugs & party culture, & bystander intervention

Intimacy Directors & Coordinators
(2021)
Building Robust Pathways of ReportingZev Steinrock & Terri Ciofalo (1.5 Hours)

Hollaback!
(2021)
Bystander Intervention Mini Training – (30 Minutes)

Title IX Training, Compliance & Investigations
(2016 – 2019)
• Completed 2 years of Officer Training from the Title IX Office at Vassar College to support victims of assault in on-campus organizations
• Successfully filed a harassment and assault charge through the Title IX Office at Vassar College


Communication

Principle Intimacy Professionals
(2023)
Roleplaying + Soft Skills: Contrapuntal Arguments, Compassionate Communication, & Giving + Receiving FeedbackAmanda Cutting & Sam Jeffery (3 Hours)

National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC)
(2022)
The Theory and Practice of Mediation – Lisa Maxwell, Laura Kass-Moreno, Dr Toni Herndon (32 Hours)

Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH)
(2021)
Advocacy for Caregivers – Shakti Rambarran (1.5 Hours)
Sexual Health Advocacy in Medical Settings – Arlo, Lyle, & Xander (1 Hour)

Intimacy Directors & Coordinators
(2020)
Let’s Talk About Intimacy: Approaching CommunicationYarit Dor (1.5 Hours)
Working Together: Intimacy Coordinators & Department HeadsJessica Bennett (1.5 Hours)
Working Together: Intimacy Directors & Fight Directors Colleen Hughes & Eli Lynn (1.5 Hours)


Principle Intimacy Professionals
(2023)
Consent, Boundaries and Assertiveness Skills for Intimacy ProfessionalsMegan Gilron & Meagan Schroeder (3 Hours)

Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH)
(2021)
Sex, Pleasure & Disability – Ericka Hart (1.5 Hours)

Intimacy Directors & Coordinators
(2021)
Foundations IIClaire Warden & Maya Herbsman (15 Hours)

(2020)
Building Closure PracticesSamantha Kaufman (1.5 Hours)
• Consent in Rehearsals
Maya Herbsman (1.5 Hours)
Intimacy in ImprovJessica Steinrock (1.5 Hours)
Stage Managing IntimacyAlexis Black (9 Hours)

Intimacy Directors International
(2019)
Intimacy Direction: Informed AdvocacySamantha Kaufman (3 Hours)


Health & Safety

Principle Intimacy Professionals
(2023)
Mental Health First Aid Applications: Reading Posture & Body Language, Anxiety, Care & AdvocacySam Jeffery & Anastasia St. Amand (3 Hours)

National Council For Mental Wellbeing
(2022)
Adult Mental Health First Aid – Carol Meredith (8 Hours)
• To be re-certified in 2025

Intimacy Directors & Coordinators
(2021)
Intro to Trauma Informed Practices for Artists – May Early (1.5 Hours)

Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH)
(2021)
Erasing STIgma – Gracia Perala (1 Hour)
Recognizing and Preventing Intimate Partner Violence – Lorelei Becktel & Jamie Erdheim (1.25 Hours)
Reproductive Care, Pregnancy, and Disability – Dev, Portia, Lyle, & Xander (1 Hour)

Udemy
(2021)
Introduction to Eating Disorders Certificate – Kevin Michael O’Doherty (2 Hours)

National Council for Behavioral Health
(2020)
Mental Health First Aid Certification (Adult) – New York Department of Health (8 Hours)
• To be re-certified in 2022

Safe Sets International
(2020)
Level A COVID-19 Certificate


Human Rights

Principle Intimacy Professionals
(2023)
Cultural & Historical Considerations for IntimacyWhere The Rivers Meet (3 Hours)

Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH)
(2021)
Intersections of LGBTQ Identities – MOASH Council (1.75 Hours)
Exploring Sexuality While Disabled – Alex Dacy & Andrew Gurza (1 Hour)

National Society of Intimacy Professionals
(2021)
Indigenous Considerations for Staged IntimacyPhay Moores (4.5 Hours)

SIT: IHP: Human Rights: Foundations, Challenges, & Advocacy
(2018)
Foundations & Frameworks of Human Rights – Evelyn Encalada Grez, PhD (1 Semester)
Comparative Issues in Human Rights – Evelyn Encalada Grez, PhD (1 Semester)
Human Rights: Foundations – Christopher Westcott (1 Semester)
Grassroots Movements & NGOs – Evelyn Encalada Grez, PhD (1 Semester)
Fieldwork Ethics & Comparative Research Methods – Christopher Westcott (1 Semester)

Vassar College
(2019)
Gender in American Popular Media – Anne Brancky (1 Semester)
Race, History, & Jim Crow Segregation Senior Seminar – Quincy Mills (1 Semester)
International Studies Thesis: Queer Identity – Shane Slattery-Quintanilla & Timothy Koechlin (2 Semesters)

(2017)
How Queer is That? – Hiram Perez (1 Semester)
Modern African History Since 1800 – Ismail Rashid (1 Semester)
Introduction to Queer Studies – Jeffrey Schneider (1 Semester)
• Independent Study: Queer South Asian Cinema – Sophia Harvey (1 Semester)
Ending Deadly Conflict – Robert Brigham (1 Semester)
Youth, Crisis, & Resistance – Diane Harriford & Ismail Rashid (0.5 Semester)

(2016)
• Introduction to Women’s Studies – Christina Owens & Paulina Bren (1 Semester)
Philosophy & Contemporary Issues – Jamie Kelly (1 Semester)

(2015)
Perspectives in International Studies – Paulina Bren (1 Semester)


Movement Coaching & Masking Techniques

Principle Intimacy Professionals
(2023)
Choreography Basics + Interview Practicum: Consent/Boundaries in Practice on set, Desexualised
Language, Kiss Placeholders and Masking, Movement and Choreo Theory Intro (Voice/Breath)
Amanda Cutting & Karyn Mott (3 Hours)
Kit Preparation: Small and Large Kits, Material List & How-To Guide VIDEOS
Modesty Wear Overview: Materials, Processes, Resources, Applications (Shibue,
Hibue, Adhesives and Waterproofing)
Megan Gilron & Amanda Cutting (3.5 Hours)
Unique Protocols: Intimacy and Water, Prosthetics, Children, & Cultural IntimacyAmanda Cutting, Anastasia St. Amand, & Karyn Mott (3 Hours)

The National Society of Intimacy Professionals
(2022)
Kiss and Masking ChoreographyRachel Flesher (3 Hours)
Choreographing and Masking Intimate Scenes Part 2: A Deeper DiveRachel Flesher (3 Hours)
Choreographing KinkMx. Chelsey Morgan (3 Hours)

(2021)
Stage Combat Basics for Intimacy Professionals – FDC Fight Master Laryssa Yanchak & IP Anastasia St. Amand (3 Hours)

Theatrical Intimacy Education
(2021)
Modesty Garments, Barriers, and MaskingChelsea Pace (3.5 Hours)

Intimacy for Stage & Screen
(2021)
Regency Intimacy – Lizzy Talbot (1.5 Hours)

Moving Body Arts
(2021)
Tudor Costume & Stage Movement; Fights, Intimacy, & CharacterizationYarit Dor, & Shoni Wilkinson (2 Hours)

Intimacy Directors International
(2019)
Applied Intimacy: Approaching a Kiss/Breath & Vocal Tract of IntimacySamantha Kaufman (3 Hours)


Movement, Sound & Breathwork

Humble Warrior Movement Arts
(2020)
Articulations of Intimacy: Voice, Breath, ToneSiobhan Richardson (1.5 Hours)

Intimacy Directors International
(2019)
Applied Intimacy: Approaching a Kiss/Breath & Vocal Tract of IntimacySamantha Kaufman (3 Hours)

Vassar College
(2017)
Intermediate Jazz I – Abby Saxon (1 Semester)
Advanced Beginning Jazz – Abby Saxon (1 Semester)

(2016)
The Art of Theater Making – Gabrielle Cody (1 Semester)
Beginning Jazz – Abby Saxon (1 Semester)


Other Intimacy Professional Training

The National Society of Intimacy Professionals
(2022)
Prosthetics SFX and IntimacyAmanda Cutting, Dave Trainor, & Anastasia St. Amand (3 Hours)


Paperwork, Protocols, & Industry Standards

Principle Intimacy Professionals
(2023)
Intimacy Basics: IC/ID Overview, EQUITY/ACTRA/SAG-AFTRA Best Practices, Consent & Boundary PracticesPhay Moores & Sam Jeffery (3 Hours)
Roles & Goals: Roles of Film Practitioners + IP Integration, Goals, and Methods of CommunicationAmanda Cutting & Anastasia St. Amand (3 Hours)
Power Dynamics: Types of Power, Navigation of People in Power in Film/TV, and CommunicationAmanda Cutting & Karyn Mott (3 Hours)
Paperwork + Prep: Booking Confirmation, Contracts, Riders, Distribution Emails, Union RequirementsAmanda Cutting & Karyn Mott (3 Hours)
Risk Assessments and Intimacy BreakdownsPhay Moores & Anastasia St. Amand (3 Hours)
Unions in the United States: SDC, AEA, LORT, & SAG-AFTRARachel Flesher & Amanda Cutting (3 Hours)

Intimacy Directors & Coordinators
(2021)
• Best Practices for Intimacy in AuditionsMitchell McCoy (1.5 Hours)

(2020)
Intimacy Coordination & COVID-19Claire Warden (1.5 Hours)
Considerations for Virtual IntimacyAlicia Rodis & Sasha Smith (1.5 Hours)

Intimacy for Stage & Screen
(2020)
Screen Intimacy Q&A – Sophie Holland & Lizzy Talbot (1 Hour)


Screenwriting

Babes with Blades Theater Company
(2020)
Writing Intimacy & Violence for the StageSamantha Kaufman and the Babes with Blades Faculty (2 Hours)

Vassar College
(2018)
Introduction to Screenwriting – Joseph Muszynski (1 Semester)


Sex, BDSM, & Kink

Principle Intimacy Professionals
(2023)
Sex Ed Basics: Anatomy, Gender, Sex and Sexuality Basics for Intimacy ProfessionalsMegan Gilron (3 Hours)
BDSM/Kink, Alternative Sex Choreography, Latex, Fight vs Intimacy LanesMegan Gilron & Sam Jeffery (3 Hours)

Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH)
(2021)
Adaptive Intimacy – Brittany Battle & Devin Goldstein (1 Hour)

SHIP
(2021)
Please Kink Responsibly: An Intro to Safety in BDSM / KinkMx. Chelsey Morgan (2 Hours)

Intimacy Directors & Coordinators
(2021)
Intro to Kink & BDSM for Theatre, TV, and Film – Dr. Timaree Schmit (1 Hour)


Working with Minors & Students

Intimacy Directors & Coordinators
(2021)
Working with Underage Performers: Case Studies & Troubleshooting with MinorsAdam Noble (1.5 Hours)
Working with Underage Performers: Methods for Approaching Intimacy with MinorsAdam Noble (1.5 Hours)
Working with Underage Performers: Understanding the Law, Paperwork, & ProtocolsAdam Noble (1.5 Hours)

(2020)
Consent for the K-12 ClassroomColleen Hughes (12 Hours)
Consent in AcademiaDan Granke (12 Hours)