I.D.I. created the ‘Pillars of Safe Intimacy for Actors’ to prevent and safeguard actors, these pillars are Context, Consent, Communication, Choreography and Closure. The following descriptions are from I.D.I UK’s website- https://www.teamidi-uk.org/resources 

Context: At the early point of pre-production or within the first rehearsals discussions should take place regarding the story and objective of the movement sequences. This discussion should give context about its place within the scene as well as the whole play, specific elements such as costume, set, music and lighting should be discussed especially if the element of intimacy involves simulated sex or nudity. 

Consent:  Consent can never be assumes when dealing with physical contact, it is within the actors right to say “no” or to offer an alternative action if the movement crosses a personal boundary. It is important to discuss those boundaries with other actors and/or the Intimacy Director before rehearsing the sequence. Whilst rehearsing the actors must ask for consent from partners before starting, this consent can be withdrawn at any moment and equally just because an actor has accepted a part doesn’t automatically mean they have given consent for specific actions. 

Communication: I.D.I wants to provide a safe space for actors to ask questions and have an open dialogue with stage-management and the director, where the language that is used is not judgemental or exclusive. There is a large emphasis placed on the language used within the rehearsal room,  there are no inappropriate jokes while working, no generalisations such as “be sexy”, and everyone should be sensitive to triggering terms regarding intimacy. It is an individuals right to keep their past trauma and/or sexual orientation private however if they do wish to share it is to remain confidential. Learn to apologise, everyone is human and makes mistakes therefore immediately accept responsibility for your own actions without blaming others. If an actor retracts their consent, it is the Intimacy Directors job to re-choreograph, no moves are to be changed without their knowledge.  At the audition stage if any characters are required to be nude or simulate sex then it must be detailed and to what extent described. Auditions should not include nudity unless it is a recall, and therefore 24 hours notice must be given, in this circumstance the actor may bring a third person to the audition. When accepting a role that includes intimacy, expectations and boundaries should be discussed in a transparent manner before the rehearsals begin. 

 Choreography: A third party must always be present when setting and rehearsing choreography, this cannot be counted at the director or a fellow performer, actors should never be asked to do this alone. Each person is unique and therefor choreography can only be set when in the rehearsal room instead of entering with a preconceived idea. The Intimacy Director may need to demonstrate blocking but this is done in the same way as an actor by asking for consent from their partner. If an Intimacy Director hasn’t been provided it is within your right as an actor to ask for one if you feel you are in emotional danger. 

Closure: It is important at the end of a process to separate actor relationships from character relationships, actors are asked to use given techniques to separate the fiction of the scene from their real lives. Actors are advised to have a prepared routine of closure from intimacy activities to use at the end of rehearsals, shows and the run. All Intimacy Directors are mental health first aiders, however they aren’t all licensed councillors therefore if actors are experiencing past trauma, it is important to seek professional help.