Apply to Level 3: Advanced Training

Intimacy Direction for Live Performance

Location: Online and In-Person (Chicago)

We’re so excited to announce that this will be the first Level 3 Course in the beautiful city of Chicago!! We will continue to hold courses in New York City in the future, as well.

Program Description

Level 3 training for Intimacy Direction covers the protocols, practices, and policies to prepare trainees to support intimate storytelling in live performance from beginning to end through advocacy, choreography, and communication. This workshop consists of both online and in-person components in Chicago, IL. Attendance at all online and in-person components are a required part of the program. While in this program, you’ll be learning from our top professionals who are currently working at high levels in the industry.

Instructors: Claire Warden and Zev Steinrock

During Level 3, participants will:

  • Learn a specific approach to the consensual handling of nudity, simulated sex and intense physical intimacy as well as cement an understanding of the principles and protocols for an intimacy director.

  • Explore the structure of power dynamics and communication between different production teams and how to use your role as the intimacy director to work within that hierarchy and mitigate potential harm.

  • Hone effective skills for liaising and collaborating with other production departments.

  • Deepen your understanding of at-work harassment and ways to interrupt potentially harmful behavior.

  • Explore and practice collaborative choreographic and physical storytelling tools and techniques to apply to scenes of simulated sex or physical intimacy.

  • Learn and practice collaborative, non-coercive communication including inclusive language, dealing with resistance and concern and conflict resolution. 

  • Explore an approach to sexual dramaturgy and research.

  • Learn and practice working with modesty garments, barriers and intimacy kit provisions.

  • Practice negotiating, pitching and contract considerations for the role of intimacy director. 


All students accepted into a Level 3 cohort should be notified of their “accepted” status at least 12 weeks prior to the first online session for the Level 3 cohort.

*At this time we are ONLY accepting applications for those interested in Intimacy Direction (ID) for Theater and Live Performance. We will hold a separate workshop for those interested in Intimacy Coordination (IC) for TV and Film.

Prerequisite Training to Apply to Level 3

*Please review the application instructions below to ensure you meet all requirements before applying.

Non-IDC Certified Intimacy Professionals

IDC Certified Professionals

If you are an IDC certified professional in one of the two certification disciplines (IC or ID) and you would like to  certify in the other discipline, you may apply directly to Level 3. 

  • If your IDC certification was the result of a transfer of an IDI certification, upon acceptance into a Level 3 Program you will be required to complete some supplemental readings discussing new and updated developments of the foundational curriculum contained in Level 2.*

*NOTE: Candidates are welcome and strongly encouraged to take a Level 2 course for an active and engaged learning experience of the supplemental readings, but this is not required. You may take Level 2 without completing Level 1.

Program Pricing

Program Tuition: $5,999.00 USD*
Applicants will be asked to submit a $15 administrative fee along with their application.

This price Includes the following:

  • 9 Weeks of Online Training

  • 3 weekends of In-Person training (Venue Location TBD)

    • This course meets in-person 3 separate times over the span of this program (dates listed below).

    • Travel, housing, and meals are the responsibility of the participant and are not provided by IDC.

  • Access to community spaces reserved for certified professionals with IDC**

  • Up to 6 hours of professional mentorship**

  • Listing on the website as “Certification Pending”**


*Pricing is subject to change for future cohorts.
**Pending successful completion of Level 3 components


Payment Information

A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the fee will be necessary for participants to secure their spot in the program and will be due 10 days after the final offer has been extended (following the background check). The remaining amount will be due no later than two weeks prior to the start date of the program.

*All fees must be paid in USD.


Scholarships

IDC offers both full and partial scholarships for this program, the purpose of which is to support Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) in their pursuit of a career in intimacy coordination in the United States. To be considered for these scholarships, you must self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or an Artist of Color, be based in the United States, and indicate your interest in being considered for the scholarship and at which award amount. After these conditions have been met, awards will be determined by merit using the application criteria and materials. Candidates will be notified if they have received a scholarship along with their offer of conditional acceptance into the program.

**The IDC Scholarship Program is not a financial aid program and eligible candidates are welcome to apply, regardless of their financial status. If you require financial assistance, feel free to explore our Financial Aid Resource Guide.

Program Dates

Participants will receive more information regarding the location of the workshops and housing suggestions and information if they are selected for the interview round of the Level 3 application process.

Online Training Dates (Video Conference)

All online sessions are held on Mondays (unless otherwise noted) from 7pm to 9:30pm ET.

  • May 13, 2024

  • June 3, 2024

  • June 10, 2024

  • June 17, 2024

  • June 24, 2024

  • July 15, 2024

  • July 22, 2024

  • July 29, 2024

  • August 5, 2024

  • August 19, 2024** (Please hold for Exit Interviews)


In-Person Training Dates (Chicago, IL)

All in-person training days are Friday - Sunday from 10:30 am - 6:30 pm ET.

  • May 17 - May 19, 2024

  • June 28 - June 30, 2024

  • August 9 - August 11 , 2024

Attendance Policy

This course is designed to be taken synchronously - meaning you will be working at the same pace as the rest of the class. Live video sessions can be recorded and watched later for pre-approved or emergency circumstances, but participants should plan to attend all video lectures and discussion sessions live. This course requires your presence and participation.

During the live Zoom classes students are gaining important skills such as being present with difficult material, interpersonal communication skills, the articulation of new thoughts and experiences to others, community building, and emotional and intellectual regulation. These are skills that are fundamental to being a successful intimacy professional and are an integral part of the IDC learning experience.

Read the full Attendance Policy here.


Special Note for COVID-19

IDC is committed to the health and safety of our teachers and participants. As we all know, the COVID climate is ever-changing and we will be prepared to respond accordingly. COVID guidelines and requirements will be released to participants no later than when they receive their admission into Level 3. We ask for your patience and understanding in the event that adjustments are needed. Your health and safety are at the forefront of our decision-making.

Submit Your Application

*Applicants are re-directed to pay their application fee once they submit their application. If you did not submit your application fee at that time, please do so here.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 20th, 2023 @ 11:59PM EST