Intimacy Choreography in Conversation

Ann James, Carly DW Bones
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PERFORMING ARTS

Intimacy Choreography in Conversation is a podcast about how we create care, consent, and connection in performance, and what it takes to do it well. Hosted by industry leaders Ann James and Carly DW Bones, this series brings you grounded, expansive conversations with intimacy professionals, artists, educators, and advocates working across theater, film, and television. Together, we explore the evolving field of intimacy choreography: how it emerged, how it's practiced, and where it's headed. Whether you're a seasoned intimacy director, a student, a performer, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes work of storytelling, Intimacy Choreography in Conversation offers a rare look at the values, politics, and practices shaping one of the most vital new disciplines in the arts. This is not a how-to podcast. It's a space for deep listening, honest reflection, and critical dialogue, rooted in the belief that safety, vulnerability, and imagination can coexist in powerful ways. In each episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts from working intimacy professionals navigating real-world challenges. You'll hear nuanced discussions about power, identity, training, and collaboration. You'll hear practical insights into tools, language, and rehearsal room culture. You'll also hear personal reflections on community, burnout, boundaries, and joy. Our episodes center the voices and experiences of those who are often underrepresented in the industry and who are actively reshaping what it means to make art ethically, safely, and beautifully. If you're new to intimacy work, you're welcome here. If you're looking for a place to feel less alone in this work, you're in the right spot. If you're trying to imagine a more sustainable, care-centered future in the arts, we are too. Created by intimacy professionals, for intimacy professionals, and for everyone who believes storytelling should be brave, collaborative, and transformative. Hosted by Ann James and Carly DW Bones. Produced by David Gonzalez and Hazel Lozano. Subscribe and join the conversation.

  1. 10/05/2025

    304 Part 2 | Raja Benz: Beyond the Binary, Intimacy and Identity

    304 Part 2 | Raja Benz: Beyond the Binary, Intimacy and Identity

    26 min

  2. 09/28/2025

    304 Part 1 | Raja Benz: Beyond the Binary, Intimacy and Identity

    In this episode of 'Intimacy Choreography in Conversation', hosts Ann James and Carly DW Bones welcome Raja Benz, a lecturer in Musical Theater at the University of Michigan. Raja shares her origin story, discussing her journey into the field of intimacy choreography. She reflects on her work in Chicago's art scene, the influence of the Me Too movement, and how her trans identity shapes her approach to consent and intimacy in theater. Raja emphasizes the importance of creating space for nuanced and compassionate conversations around consent, challenging rigid binaries, and meeting people where they are. The discussion delves into the complexities of power, gender identity, and the ongoing evolution of intimacy work in the industry. 00:00 305 Raja Benz Part 1 00:06 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 01:26 Raja Benz's Journey into Intimacy Choreography 04:11 Navigating Consent and Identity 07:04 Challenges and Reflections in Intimacy Work 28:03 Navigating Pronouns and Respect 30:29 The Complexity of Consent

    32 min

  3. 09/24/2025

    303 Part 2 | Laura Rikard

    The Evolution and Future of Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE) In this episode, the Laura, Ann, and Carly discuss the growth and developments within Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE) and its diverse, knowledgeable faculty. They elaborate on the evolution of TIE’s workshops and training programs, emphasizing their focus on progressing intimacy practices in the field rather than just producing intimacy coordinators. Upcoming events such as in-person labs, workshops, and the TIE symposium are highlighted. The discussion also touches on the necessity of balancing practical needs with holding onto core values, the importance of empowering everyone in the process, and the joy and collaboration involved in intimacy work. They stress the importance of adaptability and effective hiring practices in the field while emphasizing the value of shared understanding and collaboration. 00:00 Part 2 ICIC S3 Laura Rikard 01:22 Introduction to Faculty and Workshops 04:11 Upcoming Events and Workshops 06:52 The Importance of Practicality in Intimacy Work 14:52 Collaborative and Joyful Intimacy Practices

    27 min

  4. 09/14/2025

    303 Part 1 Beyond the Curtain: Laura Rikard and Theatrical Intimacy Education

    In this episode of 'Intimacy Choreography in Conversation,' hosts Carly and Ann welcome Laura Rikard, a leading intimacy professional and a founding member and head faculty of Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE). Laura shares her journey starting from her acting career in 1998 to founding TIE, inspired by addressing power dynamics and promoting healthy practices in actor training. She discusses her collaboration with Chelsea Pace in forming TIE and their contributions amidst the Me Too Movement. Laura emphasizes consent-based practices, boundary pedagogy, and the significance of deroleing in actor training. The conversation also touches on challenges and strategies for educators and directors in implementing these practices in educational and professional settings. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:22 Laura Rikard's Journey into Intimacy Choreography 04:58 The Evolution of Theatrical Intimacy Education 09:28 Challenges and Techniques in Intimacy Work

    28 min

  5. 09/07/2025

    302 Part 2 | Greg Geffrard

    In this second part of the conversation, Greg Geffard delves deeper into the evolution and challenges of the intimacy field. He discusses the shift from safety frameworks to Spaces of Acceptable Risk (SOAR), emphasizing the importance of language, community, and sustainability. Greg highlights the role of young activists in driving cultural shifts and addresses the need for decentralization in advocacy work. He also touches on the significance of staying present and connected to the community. The episode concludes with Greg sharing his upcoming projects, including his work on 'The Color Purple' in Chicago and his mentorship efforts. 00:00 Part 2 Conversation with Greg Geffard 00:42 Challenges and Evolution in the Intimacy Field 08:14 Future Directions and Advocacy in Intimacy Work 16:48 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

    23 min

  6. 09/01/2025

    303 Part 1 Greg Geffrard: A Transformative Journey from Activism to Intimacy

    In this episode of ICIC, Ann and Carly interview Greg Geffard, an educator, intimacy professional, culture worker, actor, poet, and facilitator. Greg Geffrard discusses his background, including his Haitian heritage, his early interest in education and theater, and his journey to intimacy work. He speaks about the importance of contextualizing information for diverse audiences, and integrating personal experiences into professional practice. Geffard delves into the broader challenges and shifts within the intimacy field, emphasizing the need for sustainability, inclusivity, and the decentralization of power. He shares insights on the future of the field, the importance of communal support, and strategies for personal and professional self-care. Lastly, Geffard highlights an upcoming project 'The Color Purple' and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of intimacy professionals.

    39 min

  7. 08/24/2025

    302 Part 2 Tonia Sina: Champion of Consent and Theatrical Intimacy

    In part two of this interview, hosts Ann and Carly continue their engaging conversation with intimacy choreographer Tonia Sina. They delve into critical questions about the evolving landscape of intimacy coordination and its impact on actor autonomy, safety, and the broader cultural shift within the industry. Tonia shares her personal challenges, including her battle with a rare terminal illness and eventual cure, and how these experiences fueled her relentless drive to advocate for safer and more respectful working conditions in theater. The discussion touches on the importance of community, the collective effort in shaping this burgeoning field, and hopes for future collaboration and support among intimacy professionals. They also explore the notion of establishing a unified code of ethics to guide intimacy work and foster a more inclusive, accountable, and compassionate industry. 00:00 ICIC Tonia Sina Part 2 02:51 Personal Reflections and Burnout 03:08 Impactful Moments and Gratitude 05:37 Stepping Back and Observing Change 08:36 Medical Breakthrough and Recovery 11:12 Future Plans and Writing a Book 15:23 Intimacy Direction and Collaboration 26:51 Grace, Accountability, and Community 31:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell Tonia Sina (She/Her) Tonia Sina is the first ever Intimacy Choreographer and created the term in her master’s thesis, Intimate Encounters: Staging Intimacy and Sensuality, at VCU in 2006. Along with teaching workshops internationally while traveling with her service dog, Daphne Rose, she has choreographed intimacy at the Chicago Lyric Opera, Stratford Festival, Steppenwolf, Marriott Theatre, the Great River Shakespeare Festival, and the Guthrie Theatre among many others. Featured in the NY Times, the LA Times, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, American Theatre Magazine, CBC Radio, Huffington Post, and hundreds of other publications and podcasts, Tonia has been researching Intimacy for the Stage and Sexual Harassment in the industry since she began research for her thesis in 2004. Also a playwright, director, and performer, Tonia is a triple kidney transplant recipient and rare and chronic disease patient ambassador and national motivational speaker  She attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she studied movement and stage combat, and she earned her MFA in Movement Pedagogy with a specialty in Intimacy for the Stage. She was the Executive Director of Intimacy Directors International, the first non-profit intimacy direction organization.  She is currently writing a book about her life and the origins of the intimacy direction movement. Tonia is reemerging into the theatre field as a teacher and advocate after five years of severe health challenges with her now cured rare terminal illness.

    32 min

  8. 08/17/2025

    302 Part 1 Tonia Sina: Champion of Consent and Theatrical Intimacy

    In this two-part episode of ICIC (Intimacy Choreography In Conversation), co-hosts Ann James and Carly DW Bones interview Tonia Sina, a pioneer in the field of intimacy direction. Tonia shares her profound origin story, detailing her transition from actress to intimacy director, how she arrived at the term 'intimacy choreography,' and her struggles with chronic kidney failure and a rare disease. Despite personal and professional challenges, including advocacy for actor's rights and fighting gender inequality in academia, Tonia has made significant contributions to the field. Her journey includes promoting empathy, proper choreography for intimate scenes, and fighting against abuse in the theater industry. Tonia's story is one of resilience, dedication, and the ongoing effort to better the industry for all actors. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:33 Meet Tonia Sina: Origin Story 02:38 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Academia 04:08 Pioneering Intimacy Direction 10:28 Personal Struggles and Advocacy 14:51 Controversies and Consequences 20:08 Empowering Students and Facing Backlash 26:12 Personal and Professional Turmoil 29:24 Reflection and Future Directions Tonia Sina (she/her) Tonia Sina is the first ever Intimacy Choreographer and created the term in her master’s thesis, Intimate Encounters: Staging Intimacy and Sensuality, at VCU in 2006. Along with teaching workshops internationally while traveling with her service dog, Daphne Rose, she has choreographed intimacy at the Chicago Lyric Opera, Stratford Festival, Steppenwolf, Marriott Theatre, the Great River Shakespeare Festival, and the Guthrie Theatre among many others. Featured in the NY Times, the LA Times, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, American Theatre Magazine, CBC Radio, Huffington Post, and hundreds of other publications and podcasts, Tonia has been researching Intimacy for the Stage and Sexual Harassment in the industry since she began research for her thesis in 2004. Also a playwright, director, and performer, Tonia is a triple kidney transplant recipient and rare and chronic disease patient ambassador and national motivational speaker  She attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she studied movement and stage combat, and she earned her MFA in Movement Pedagogy with a specialty in Intimacy for the Stage. She was the Executive Director of Intimacy Directors International, the first non-profit intimacy direction organization.  She is currently writing a book about her life and the origins of the intimacy direction movement. Tonia is reemerging into the theatre field as a teacher and advocate after five years of severe health challenges with her now cured rare terminal illness.

    31 min
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About

Intimacy Choreography in Conversation is a podcast about how we create care, consent, and connection in performance, and what it takes to do it well. Hosted by industry leaders Ann James and Carly DW Bones, this series brings you grounded, expansive conversations with intimacy professionals, artists, educators, and advocates working across theater, film, and television. Together, we explore the evolving field of intimacy choreography: how it emerged, how it's practiced, and where it's headed. Whether you're a seasoned intimacy director, a student, a performer, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes work of storytelling, Intimacy Choreography in Conversation offers a rare look at the values, politics, and practices shaping one of the most vital new disciplines in the arts. This is not a how-to podcast. It's a space for deep listening, honest reflection, and critical dialogue, rooted in the belief that safety, vulnerability, and imagination can coexist in powerful ways. In each episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts from working intimacy professionals navigating real-world challenges. You'll hear nuanced discussions about power, identity, training, and collaboration. You'll hear practical insights into tools, language, and rehearsal room culture. You'll also hear personal reflections on community, burnout, boundaries, and joy. Our episodes center the voices and experiences of those who are often underrepresented in the industry and who are actively reshaping what it means to make art ethically, safely, and beautifully. If you're new to intimacy work, you're welcome here. If you're looking for a place to feel less alone in this work, you're in the right spot. If you're trying to imagine a more sustainable, care-centered future in the arts, we are too. Created by intimacy professionals, for intimacy professionals, and for everyone who believes storytelling should be brave, collaborative, and transformative. Hosted by Ann James and Carly DW Bones. Produced by David Gonzalez and Hazel Lozano. Subscribe and join the conversation.

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