The psychology of intimacy direction

How do theatre actors perform vulnerable, emotionally charged scenes of romance and intimacy while staying safe, regulated, and in command of their own boundaries? Drama Desk Award-winning intimacy and fight director Cha Ramos shares how theatre has borrowed from psychology to answer that question, and what happens when those ideas are put to work in a rehearsal room.

What we’ll explore

• What intimacy direction is and how it works in rehearsal
• Psychological principles theatre has adopted, including consent practices and trauma-informed approaches
• Case studies from the field: supporting emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and navigating power dynamics within the theatrical setting
• Open Q&A time

About the speaker 

Cha Ramos is a Drama Desk Award-winning fight director, industry-leading intimacy director, writer, performer, and dramaturg based in NYC. Her work has been seen on Broadway and on tour in & Juliet, Death Becomes Her, and Water for Elephants. She holds a BA in Anthropology and an MFA in Theatre from Columbia University.

Presented by the Departments of Theatre and Psychology. Supported by the Creating Inclusive Excellence Grant.