Intimacy Training w/ Britannia Howe
Encore recently partnered with the remarkable Britannia Howe—stage director, writer, and teaching artist—to lead intimacy training for our Seven Brides for Seven Brothers cast. Howe is known for her directional work at institutions such as the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, and Southern Utah University. She co-founded Women of Will, an organization committed to amplifying women’s voices in theatre by reimagining classic texts. Her approach emphasizes consent, emotional safety, and truthful storytelling.
Respecting Boundaries in the Rehearsal Room
At Encore, one of our top priorities is creating a rehearsal space that is safe, professional, and respectful for every performer. Whether we’re staging a musical number, choreographing a fight scene, or rehearsing an onstage kiss, the same principles apply: boundaries, consent, and trust matter.
Stage Kisses and Intimacy
Kisses are saved for the final dress rehearsal. This gives actors time to build trust and focus on character chemistry without pressure too early in the process.
Chemistry is about two people being available to each other as scene partners — listening, responding, and supporting the story, not forcing something that isn’t there.
Consent is non-negotiable. No actor is ever required to do something they are uncomfortable with, and permission is always asked and respected.
Boundaries and Communication
Every actor has the right to set personal boundaries, and those boundaries are valid exactly as they are.
Directors and stage managers may ask, “What do you need?” but they cannot decide on someone else’s behalf. Consent can never be given for another person.
To support this, we use tools like the “button” or “clap” method. If a performer feels uncomfortable during an intimate or emotional moment, they may signal with a small double clap or simply say, “A moment?” This prompts the director or stage manager to immediately pause, ask what the actor needs, and make any adjustments so the performer feels safe and supported.
Stage Combat and Choreography
Like intimacy, stage combat must be safe, repeatable, and consistent every time.
Choreography focuses on tempo, pressure, and controlled movement so actors can trust one another.
Different textures (feather/skin, paint/muscle, clay/bone) are often used as metaphors for adjusting the intensity and storytelling of physical contact.
Professional Practice
Placeholder actions (like a stage kiss or punch) should only be removed at the last rehearsal, ensuring both comfort and readiness.
All choreography and boundaries are carefully documented by the stage manager so that they can be repeated accurately and safely.
Sometimes our bodies react as if stage action is “real,” even when we know it’s not — which is why consistency, communication, and trust are essential.
Our Guiding Principle
At Encore, our belief is simple: your boundaries are perfect. They are never an obstacle to the art — they are what allow us to create art responsibly. By centering consent, respect, and professionalism, we ensure our stage stories are told with truth and passion, while every artist feels safe and supported.
