IDC Choreography for Stage & Screen 2 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: When choreographing an intimacy sequence for film versus live theater, which key difference must an intimacy coordinator account for?
- Film allows multiple takes and close camera angles requiring precise body placement (Correct answer)
- Theater requires shorter rehearsal periods than film
- Film scenes are always performed before a live audience
- Theater productions never require intimacy choreography
Correct answer: Film allows multiple takes and close camera angles requiring precise body placement
Film's close-up camera work and multiple-take structure demand precise, repeatable body positioning that differs significantly from live stage blocking.
Question 2: A performer discloses a trauma history related to a specific type of touch during a pre-production intimacy meeting. The appropriate next step is to:
- Document the disclosure, adjust choreography to avoid that touch, and flag it to the director (Correct answer)
- Inform the full cast and crew so everyone is aware
- Proceed with original choreography but monitor the performer during rehearsal
- Refer the performer to therapy before allowing them to continue
Correct answer: Document the disclosure, adjust choreography to avoid that touch, and flag it to the director
Disclosures must be documented, choreography adapted accordingly, and directors informedâwhile maintaining the performer's confidentiality with the broader crew.
Question 3: Which term describes the technique of using pillows, rolled towels, or costume padding to create physical separation between performers during simulated intimacy?
- Barrier work (Correct answer)
- Neutral positioning
- Stunt doubling
- Body mapping
Correct answer: Barrier work
Barrier work uses physical props between performers' bodies to prevent unwanted skin contact while maintaining the visual appearance of closeness.
Question 4: An intimacy coordinator is working on a stage production with rotating cast members. The best practice for continuity is to:
- Create detailed written and video choreography documentation that all cast members can reference (Correct answer)
- Have each new cast member improvise their version of the scene
- Ask original performers to coach all replacements informally
- Rely on the director's memory of the original blocking
Correct answer: Create detailed written and video choreography documentation that all cast members can reference
Thorough documentation ensures every performerâregardless of when they joinâlearns the same consented choreography without relying on informal transmission.
Question 5: The 'container' metaphor in intimacy direction refers to:
- The agreed-upon boundaries and structures that make performers feel safe enough to do vulnerable work (Correct answer)
- The physical space marked on stage for intimate scenes
- The script pages covering intimate content
- The legal contract performers sign before intimate scenes
Correct answer: The agreed-upon boundaries and structures that make performers feel safe enough to do vulnerable work
The container represents the psychological and professional framework of consent, communication, and choreography that holds performers safely through vulnerable material.
Question 6: When an actor says 'I'm fine' during intimacy rehearsal but shows nonverbal signs of discomfort, an intimacy coordinator should:
- Pause the rehearsal, privately check in with the performer, and adjust if needed (Correct answer)
- Accept the verbal assurance and continue
- Alert the director that the performer may not be fit for the role
- Immediately replace the performer with an understudy
Correct answer: Pause the rehearsal, privately check in with the performer, and adjust if needed
Nonverbal cues are as valid as verbal ones; an intimacy coordinator must prioritize psychological safety over production efficiency.
Question 7: In choreographing a screen kiss for a performer who has requested no lip contact, which technique is most appropriate?
- Angle the performers so the camera cannot see the gap, using chin-to-chin contact instead (Correct answer)
- Use a body double for all close-up shots without informing the performer
- Tell the director the scene cannot be filmed
- Ask the performer to reconsider their boundary for continuity
Correct answer: Angle the performers so the camera cannot see the gap, using chin-to-chin contact instead
Camera angle manipulation and anatomical substitutions like chin-to-chin contact are standard techniques that honor boundaries while serving the visual story.
IDC Choreography for Stage & Screen 2
When choreographing an intimacy sequence for film versus live theater, which key difference must an intimacy coordinator account for?