304 Part 2 | 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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.