The script says:
“They kiss.”
Do you know what to do next?
THE SIOBHAN APPROACH: Introduction to Intimacy for the Stage
75+ actors successfully certified – now available to the public for the first time!
A hybrid certification program for actors who want the skills, language and process to approach intimacy in rehearsal and performance with confidence, agency and professionalism.
Learn how to prepare. Communicate. Collaborate. Create.
Why wait until you are already cast to gain the tools you need to feel confident in your work?
Get certified in approaching scenes and moments of intimacy for stage performance as an actor.
With industry leader, Siobhan Richardson.
Reserve your spot
NEXT SESSION:
Sept 14 & 21 || 12-8pm
Have you ever felt completely unprepared for intimacy in rehearsal?
Maybe you’ve:
- Seen “they kiss” in a script and hoped someone else would figure it out.
- Wondered what you’re actually supposed to do when the script calls for intimacy.
- Not known what questions you can—or should—ask.
- Frozen when rehearsal reaches an intimate moment.
- Wondered how to talk to your scene partner without making things awkward.
- Worried about being perceived as weird, creepy or unprofessional.
- Felt like the industry expects you to know skills nobody ever taught you.
- Wondered whether you’re supposed to “feel it” as an actor—or not.
- Been unsure how to flirt, touch or create physical intimacy as a character.
- Wondered what your rights are, what you can ask for, and when you should ask for support.
You aren’t supposed to magically know how to do this.
Intimacy is a professional skill.
Like blocking, movement, voice or stage combat, it can be learned.
You need a process—not more guesswork.
Intimacy Certification for Actors gives you a practical framework for approaching intimacy in performance.
You’ll learn how to prepare yourself, understand the material, communicate with your scene partners, collaborate with the creative team and make informed choices about your own participation.
You’ll leave with tools you can actually use in the rehearsal room.
Prepare
Understand the material, identify your needs and determine what you’re available for.
Communicate
Learn how to talk about consent, boundaries and creative choices with your scene partners.
Collaborate
Understand your role when working with an Intimacy Director—and how to participate professionally when one isn’t present.
Create
Use movement, breath, body language, touch vocabulary and acting choices to build intimate moments that serve the story.
Close
Learn how to complete the work, de-role and take care of yourself after intimate scenes.
$899 – EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS SEPTEMBER 10!
Reserve your spot
Early-bird tuition: $899
$99 deposit to reserve your place
Choose the payment option that works for you:
Option 1 — Two payments
Two equal payments of $449.50.
First payment due on the first day of the course.
Second payment due one month later.
Option 2 — Monthly payments
10 equal monthly payments of $99.
Your $99 deposit reserves your place in the cohort.
This is the
introductory
course
you’ve been
looking for!
What is included?
A hybrid certification program
20 hours of training
16 hours in person
Two days of intensive practical and theoretical learning at Room 123 Studios in Toronto’s west end – near King + Bathurst
4+ hours online
Multiple online modules completed before the in-person training.
You’ll receive:
- Online preparatory learning
- 14 hours of in-person instruction
- Practical exercises
- Solo physical work
- Partnered physical work
- Demonstrations
- Lectures and discussions
- Scene work
- Text and “book work”
- Course handouts
- Follow-up reference materials
- Certification upon successful completion
Class size: 6–10 participants
This is intentionally small. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, practice the material and receive direct instruction.
After this course, participants will be able to
- use various tools — movement, breath, voice, qualities of touch — to embody stories of intimacy.
- communicate needs, parameters and boundaries with scene partners and creative leads.
- collaborate with scene partners about creative ideas and impulses for scenes and moments of intimacy.
- choreograph their own simple moments of intimacy
- run self-directed warm ups in preparation for close-proximity, high-contact scene work.
- apply existing scene analysis and character study skills to intimacy work
- approach scenes and moments of intimacy with or without an Intimacy Director or Coordinator
- communicate with directors and engagers about including Intimacy Professionals in the process.
- “leave the work at work” for healthy separation of character and self.
Testimonials
Discover heartfelt feedback from actors and theater professionals who have experienced our transformative stage intimacy workshops.
“Siobhan Richardson teaches with great energy, uncompromising honesty, and unpretentious humour. I can’t recommend this workshop highly enough!”
Linda Joyce Nourse
“I loved the lightness and sense of play that Siobhan brought to the room. I am now equipped not only with a set of tools to approach the work but also a sense of permission to use joy and laughter to make mistakes and try again. This shift feels so powerful. It made me feel very hopeful about the future of our industry.”
Jacqueline Russell
“I just wanted to say THANK YOU! … with the intimacy training I learnt from you, I made my “ex girlfriend” (in the show) and I very comfortable with doing some touching during scenes (nothing sexual, just intimate prom photos and what not), and we just talked our way through it! So thank you for everything you do!”
George Alevizos
Who should take this course?
ACTORS
If you’ve ever wondered what to do when a script asks you to kiss, touch, flirt, undress or engage in physical intimacy, this course gives you a process to rely on.
DIRECTORS
Build a stronger understanding of the actor’s experience and learn how to participate more effectively in conversations around intimate material.
CHOREOGRAPHERS
Develop foundational knowledge that supports collaboration and helps clarify the difference between choreography, collaboration and specialized intimacy practice.
TEACHERS & EDUCATORS
Develop a stronger foundation for discussing intimacy, consent and physical storytelling with performers.
Is this course right for me?
This course is for you if…
… you’re excited to explore creative work, while engaging in solo and partnered practices.
… you want to feel empowered with tools and information when approaching scenes and moments of intimacy.
… you’re looking for an opportunity to explore without rehearsal room goals, or the deadline of a public presentation.
… you are an actor, director, stage manager, or other in the performing arts, looking for professional development.
This course is not for you if…
… you are looking for a group where you can discuss and process negative past experiences with intimacy in performance.
… you expect an Intimacy Director or Coordinator to make the work Safe for you; you are an active participant in your workspace and we aim to help you feel empowered to self-advocate.
… you’re looking for techniques to increase intimacy with your romantic or sexual partner(s).
What does the certification mean?
This certification demonstrates that you have completed foundational training in intimacy for stage performance and demonstrated competency in the material covered in the course.
To receive certification, you must:
- Complete all required online preparation
- Attend the full in-person course
- Participate in the course activities
- Demonstrate competency in the material
This certification is designed for actors.
It gives you foundational skills to support your own practice and participate professionally in intimate work.
It does not certify you as an Intimacy Director, Intimacy Coordinator or Intimacy Choreographer.
If you want to develop skills for leading space, supporting other performers or working more deeply with Intimacy Directors, additional supplemental training will be available.
Siobhan Richardson, your instructor and course creator
Siobhan Richardson is known across North American and Europe as a pioneer voice in Intimacy in Performance. An “Industry Legend” (Aisling Murphy, Intermission Magazine), her work has appeared on major Canadian stages such as The Canadian Opera Company (where she is the resident Fight and Intimacy Director), The Stratford Festival, the Shaw Festival and the National Arts Centre. Notably, she was the first Intimacy Coordinator to be contracted with Ubisoft Games (Far Cry 6), and was instrumental for getting Intimacy Directors and choreography added to the Canadian Theatre Agreement. Siobhan teaches regularly in several post-secondary theatre programs, and has taught workshops all across Canada and into Europe.
Always infusing Joyfulness and Curiosity into the work, Siobhan is dedicated to the growth and development of the art forms, the artists and the workspaces.
Greg Carruthers (he/him, she/her) is a Toronto-based producer, director/choreographer, intimacy director, and internationally recognized fat liberation activist (@EveryBODYonStage).
Greg has choreographed for the Second City, Grand Theatre, Theatre Sheridan, Hart House Theatre, Canada’s Wonderland, The Madinat Theatre (Dubai), and the July 1st ceremonies at Queens Park (Toronto).
Her work in this space spans from Mirvish’s We Will Rock You to the Canadian Opera Company to indie short films. As a passionate educator, he has taught intimacy workshops at the Canadian Opera Company, York U, Sheridan College, Laurier, TMU, U of T and UTM.
Begin Your Journey to Confident Stage Intimacy Now
Join our hands-on workshop to master stage intimacy techniques, ensuring safe, respectful collaboration and powerful performances. Sign up today to connect, learn, and transform your theatrical experience.
Next workshop is hosted by Room 123 Studios!
123 Niagara St, Toronto, Canada
near King & Bathurst
(416) 574-6853
bookings@room123.ca
Course FAQ
Do I need to be a professional actor?
No. The course is designed for actors and performing artists at different stages of their careers. You do not need to have attended theatre school.
Do I need previous intimacy training?
No. This is foundational certification training.
Will I have to kiss someone?
No. Kissing is not required. All physical contact is consensual.
Will I have to perform sexual acts?
No.
Will there be physical contact?
Yes. The course includes partnered physical work and exploration of intimacy practices. All contact is consensual.
Can I bring my scene partner?
Yes. You may arrange for a scene partner to attend the same session.
What if I don’t feel comfortable participating in an exercise?
You will be given tools to communicate your needs and boundaries. Participation is encouraged, and consent is required.
Does this make me an Intimacy Director?
No.
This certification is for actors and performers. It does not qualify you to work professionally as an Intimacy Director, Coordinator or Choreographer.
Do I have to complete the online modules?
Yes. The online preparation is a required component of the certification. If It is not completed you may opt to attend a session later in the year.
Is the certification valid forever?
There is currently no expiration date on this certification.
Additional and advanced courses may be offered as your practice develops.
What happens after this course?
Additional training opportunities will include topics such as:
- Leading space with intimacy skills
- Working more effectively with Intimacy Directors
- Scene study with intimacy for theatre
- Scene study with intimacy for on-camera work
- Illusions of nudity
- Modesty wear
- Advanced intimacy choreography