The world’s first degree in Intimacy Practice will launch in September.
Intimacy on Set and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts have partnered with the University of East Anglia to offer the two-year course, led by intimacy practitioner Ita O’Brien.
The degree will prepare students to enter the industry as intimacy coordinators for film and visual media, including theatre and live performance.
O’Brien pioneered the role of intimacy practitioner and has worked with production companies and organisations including the BBC, Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV, Channel 4, HBO, Sky, ITV, the National Theatre and The Royal Opera House.
Her company, Intimacy on Set, is launching the new course in response to the growing industry demand for intimacy practitioners.
“I am delighted that we are today launching the world’s first training in Intimacy Practice at MFA level, and specifically with Mountview where I taught movement some years ago,” O’Brien said.
“Intimacy Practice is a young profession, and whilst awareness of its existence has grown considerably in the last few years, deep understanding of good practice is missing.”
To further develop the profession, “we need to be able to train talented individuals who can navigate the both physical and emotional journey that each actor will go on, and can responsibly and safely deliver the intimate content as envisioned by the director, the storytelling and each character,” she said.
She added that the goal of Intimacy on Set is to eventually ensure that bespoke guidelines are adopted by the industry worldwide.
“Our course will grow an expert network of practitioners, ensuring the provision of safe rehearsal and performance practices and encouraging further research in this area,” said Sally Ann Gritton, Principal of Mountview.