Do I need an Intimacy Coordinator or Director?
Most professional actor’s unions are recommending (or requiring) that an intimacy professional is involved in the production process for film, TV, and theatre. This is especially true when the subject matter includes themes of intimacy, trauma, and violence.
Maria works with actors one-on-one through character prep, identifying boundaries, offering language on self-advocacy, and choreographing moments of intimacy. She will guide actors in establishing sustainable opening and closing practices for scenes of intimacy, death, and sexual violence. On set, Maria will facilitate conversations between actors and director to maintain boundaries and artistic vision.
In the classroom, Maria teaches student actors the language around consent, establishing boundaries, and choreographing moments of intense conflict and sexuality.
Maria is an LGBTQIA+ and DEI advocate, consent educator, and is certified in Mental Health First Aid and bystander intervention.