Staging Intimacy


Having been a birth doula for many years, Sarah understands the importance of communication, true (informed) consent, and creating intimate, safe spaces, even amidst a crowded room.

She's seen firsthand the beneficial effects of holding safe space during moments of great intimacy, while also witnessing the very detrimental effects and trauma that can occur

when that space feels unsafe or violated.

"When actors are encouraged to have the agency and voice to establish boundaries during a process, they are more likely to explore those boundaries, which leads to better art and more specific storytelling. On the contrary, when artists don’t feel safe, at best, we can’t explore, and at worst, they can harbor some seriously negative emotions around the piece and their scenemates, which ultimately affects the quality of the work and the quality of life for those working on the piece.  Past traumas can be triggered, new trauma created, and both short and long term health can suffer. My main objectives with intimacy direction are to make sure we care for each other as whole people in order to create work with greater depth and honesty."

Sarah speaking on intimacy direction for OSF's How to Catch Creation