Events &
Education
Samantha offers a variety of workshops which
she curates individually based on the
needs of the organization and folks in the room.
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Want to bring training to your community?
UPCOMING
STAGED INTIMACY IN ACTION
Foundations of Theatrical Intimacy Practices
in Production & Performance
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IN PERSON WORKSHOP
Denver, Colorado
January 18 - 20, 2025
Taught by Samantha Egle & D Granke
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IDC* Certified Intimacy Directors
*This workshop is not accredited by IDC nor does it count toward certification or accelerator hours.
Proudly co-produced with
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
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1 Day Workshop (Saturday Only) - $200
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Full 3 Day Workshop - $550
EARLY BIRD - (Register Before Dec 1) - $475
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Global Majority - $500
EARLY BIRD - (Register Before Dec 1) - $425
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Full Time Student or K-12 Teacher - $500
EARLY BIRD - (Register Before Dec 1) - $425
​**Payment plans available. So you can register now, pay the deposit ($75 - 3 day workshop, $40 - 1 day workshop) and then pay over time until January 10, 2025.
Photo: Matthew Staver
Photo: Andrew Kelly
Photo: Matthew Staver
​​​​Taught by Certified Intimacy Directors, Samantha Egle & D Granke, this workshop will explore the foundations of theatrical intimacy for the stage as well as provide practical methodologies for implementing the work in creative spaces. Egle & Granke bring significant experience in the intimacy field, with presence in regional theatre, opera, and academia around the country.
This intensive brings valuable training and tools to theatre & academic professionals through an exploration of techniques, exercises, the practice of intimacy choreography and pursuit of creative risk. Through exploring dynamics & protocols for safe execution and spaces, consent, and best practices, attendees will leave equipped with valuable tools for safe pursuit of vulnerability. Practical exploration of performance and choreography techniques will boost the workshop participants' (and their future collaborators) confidence and creativity.
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Guest instructors will also be featured throughout the weekend.
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One Day Workshop Only: Sharing space with full 3-day workshop attendees, we will explore the fundamentals of curating brave spaces and consensual, communicative processes. Engage in exercises to collect or hone tools for establishing and maintaining boundaries, navigating consent, and implementing closure practices. You will leave with a stronger understanding of the intimacy field and the role it can play in theatrical productions.
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This workshop is open to any and all in the theatre, including performers, directors, stage managers, movement choreographers, administrators, producers, designers, and more. Participants should be prepared to participate in exercises from the perspective of actors as well as intimacy directors.
Questions or Curiosities? Email us: humblewarriorma@gmail.com
This workshop is open to individuals ages 18 and up.
*This workshop is for theatrical training and will not cover intimacy coordination for film.
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Cancellations made 21 days prior to the start date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made between 21-7 days prior to the start date are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made after within 7 days of the start date are NOT eligible for a refund unless a doctor's note or positive COVID-1 test is provided.
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We apologize we can't be more flexible about refunds, but budgets are made, staff is hired, and materials are purchased in advance of the workshop and those costs can't be recouped that close to the event.
Please contact us to process a withdrawal/refund and/or to discuss extenuating circumstances including a positive COVID-19 Test.​
Henry IV V, Theatreworks
Photo: Isaiah Downing
STAFF
Samantha Egle
She/her
Instructor
Samantha is a movement director and instructor specializing in dramatic combat and intimacy for the stage. Her greatest passion lies in advocacy and enhancing an artistic process through empowerment and enabling all artists’ agency. All her work is developed to be safe, sustainable, and story driven and is curated from the belief that creativity abounds within boundaries. She is a Certified Intimacy Director with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, was an apprentice with Intimacy Directors International, has studied with Theatrical Intimacy Education and IPI. She was a Resident Artist as an Intimacy Director at Arena Stage. Her work has been seen on the stages of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Opera Colorado, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Phamaly Theatre Company, Colorado Springs Fire Arts Center, Theatreworks at UCCS, Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities, Denver Children’s Theatre, Athena Project Festival, Lagoon Theme Park, Upstart Crow, New York Fringe Festival, The BiTSY Stage, Mizel Center for Arts and Culture, University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, University of Colorado Boulder, and numerous other educational institutions in Colorado. She served as co-producer of the Social Distance Showdown Workshops. She a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors, is the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the International Order of the Sword and the Pen and is the co-workshop coordinator of the Paddy Crean International Workshop and producer of the Virtual Paddy Crean Workshop. She is the founder of Humble Warrior Movement Arts and consistently works supporting productions across the Rocky Mountain Front Range and facilitating in-person and virtual educational experiences.
D Granke
they/them
Instructor
D. Granke is an Intimacy Director, Fight Director, Director and Educator based out of Maine.
Intimacy Direction Credits include: The Cake, Unnecessary Farce, and In the Next Room (Studio at Tierra Del Sol) Carmen (Opera Orlando) Vietgone (American Stage), Sender, At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen, and Pilgrims (Urbanite Theatre), Ruby (Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe), Jeckell and Hyde and Romeo and Juliet (Jobsite Theatre) Calender Girls (Naples Players) Silent Sky and Once Upon a Bride There was a Forest (True North), Inside Man (Schoolhouse Arts at Sebago Lake), and Stupid F!@#ing Bird and A View from The Bridge (Tampa Rep)
They received their education in theatrical intimacy from Intimacy Directors International, and was among the first group of certified intimacy directors in the country, serving as a lead instructor for the group. They have taught intimacy for Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, and taught classes on theatrical intimacy and trained faculty at Eastern Carolina University, West Virginia University, University of Michigan, and Belmont University. They hold a BFA from the University of Michigan, and an MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. They currently teach Acting, Directing, Voice, and Movement at the University of Maine, and previously served on faculty at the University of South Florida. They are certified as a teacher and fight director by the SAFD.
Om Jae
he/him
Assistant Instructor
Om is a Guyanese-American Performer based in the ATL, SoFlo and NY. He has also worked as an Intimacy and Fight Director across the East Coast primarily, but continues to expand as he continues training with the best in the field - including Dan Granke themselves! He was drawn into this line of work from his certifications with the SAFD, especially having experienced the need for this work in almost every single production he has been a part of. But originally, he began his journey to simply ensure that he would be one less, toxic Cis-Male. Grateful to where the path has led him, it was this very same workshop that (without exaggeration) changed his life as a human...much less a performer. He is grateful to Samantha Egle and Dan for having him be a part of the magic. IG @OmJaeOfficial.
Siobhan Richardson
sher/her
Guest Instructor
Siobhan is an actor/fighter/singer/dancer, currently based in Toronto, but originally from Kitchener-Waterloo, and trained at the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria. She is also a fight and Intimacy director and co-founder of Intimacy Directors International.
Siobhan has been in movement for over three decades, influenced by ballet, jazz, tap, modern, stage combat, Chinese kung fu, musical theatre, Western martial arts, Feldenkrais, animal flow, yoga and science. With over 25 years as a movement professional, various injuries have influenced my curiosity, and in some ways, the best part of going to physio is the exciting opportunity to nerd-out. Self-professed Body-Nerd, she got her first anatomy book at age 6, and continues to be fascinated with the body and mind, and the countless fascinating connections.
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Instagram: @fighteractress
Facebook: /SiobhanRichardsonFighterActress
Amanda Edwards
sher/her
Guest Instructor
Amanda comes to the world of intimacy and mental health coordination by way of a lifetime in the performing arts. Her background in dance, musical theatre, film acting, and choreography melds with her 15 years of experience as a therapist, organically bringing international training and experience in on-screen intimacy including certification from Intimacy Professionals Association. Amanda is also the co-founder of the Association of Mental Health Coordinators, bringing mental and emotional safety to sensitive themes in storytelling.
Frequently asked questions
What will be expected of me physically?
We will endeavor to make all the exercises physically accessible for all. Please communicate known access needs when you register so we can plan accommodate them.
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Movements that will likely be requested:
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Being present and upright in a circle, standing if available
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Moving through and across the space
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Sitting on the floor or in a chair
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Changing levels and exploring body shape
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A variety of physical touch curated by individual exercises within personal boundaries
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*No lip contact kisses will be requested or choreographed.
Henry IV V, Theatreworks
Photo: Isaiah Downing
Where is the workshop located?
The workshop will be hosted at the offices of our co-sponsor, Phamaly Theatre Company.
3532 Franklin St, Denver, CO 80205 (Click for google maps)
Will housing be offered?
Unfortunately we can't offer housing at this time.
There are a few airbnbs located near the venue.
Additionally Catbird Hotel is a 10 minute walk (though it will be January so plan to walk in cold weather) and several other hotels a longer walk or short uber/lyft ride away.
Will there be a carpool option?
We will collect information from attendees closer to the event including if anyone is interested in carpooling.
Will food be provided?
We will provide snacks to keep you fueled throughout the weekend, but you should plan to bring or go get lunch each day.
What should I bring/wear?
Bring an open mind and your curiosity.
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Practically, you should bring...
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Something to write with.
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Notebooks will be provided, but you can bring your own. We request you not take notes on a phone unless this supports an access need.
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A water bottle. There will be a refilling station on site.
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Anything you need to support your access to the work.
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Wear clothes in which you are comfortable moving. It is also January in Denver which may mean sun or snow. We recommend brining and wearing layers as your body temperature may fluctuate as we transition from active exercises to resting discussions. ​
Henry IV V, Theatreworks
Photo: Isaiah Downing
More details and specific schedule coming soon!
New to Intimacy work?
This workshop will give you a solid grounding in the fundamental pillars of the work:
Consent, Communication, Context, Choreography and Closure.
Practiced Intimacy Professional?
This workshop will offer you opportunities to...
Add new techniques to your tool kit
See different approaches to familiar ideas
Explore new ideas and engage in discussion
Deepen your practice through continued exposure
Expand your network of intimacy professionals and artists
Practice choreographing moments of intimacy with various contexts
Share work with colleagues and receive an outside perspective and feedback
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DAY 1
Best Practices, Industry Background, & Fundamentals of the Work
Topics May Include:
Curating Consensual Spaces
Facilitating Communication and Navigating Power Dynamics
Establishing and Respecting Boundaries
Providing Opportunities for Closure
Overview/Evolution of the Field of Intimacy Direction
How Intimacy Professional Can Support a Process
DAY 2
Exploration of Approaches & Theatrical Intimacy Skill Development
Topics May Include:
Choreographing Safe, Sustainable, & Story Driven Choreography
Developing characters' physical love language and vocabulary
Guest Instructor Session with Amanda Edwards: Mental Health Coordination
Guest Instructor Session with Siobhan Richardson
Intention and Intensity
Rewriting around Boundaries
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DAY 3
Choreography
This day will be spent giving folks the opportunity
to choreograph and/or be choreographed in
moments of intimate engagement.
Choreography will be shared and feedback offered.
*No contact lip to lip kisses will be choreographed.
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Schedule
&
Curriculum
Henry IV V, Theatreworks
Photo: Isaiah Downing
Laughs in Spanish, DCPA
Photo: Jamie Kraus
Hotter than Egypt, DCPA
Photo: Jamie Kraus
Hotter than Egypt, DCPA
Photo: Jamie Kraus
Learn more about our producing Partner!
Mission: Phamaly Theatre Company's mission is to be a creative home for theatre artists with disabilities; to model a disability-affirmative theatrical process; and to upend conventional narratives by transforming individuals, audiences, and the world.
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Vision: Phamaly Theatre Company strives to create a world in which disability and the differences within the human condition are celebrated and the theatre experience is accessible and welcoming to all.
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Visit their website to learn more and explore their programming!
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Requests for a class?
Want to bring training to your community?
Chemistry & Contact
Foundations of Sensual Intimacy Choreography
Taught by IDC Certified Intimacy Director, Samantha Egle
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$75
*BIPOC/Global Majority, Student, Public School (K-12) Teacher Discounts available.
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POSTPONED - DATE TBD
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While “Journeys end in lovers' meeting”, our work as intimacy choreographers only begins there. In this class we’ll explore ways to sustainably portray chemistry as well as the nuances of simple acts of contact that draw in an audience and deepen their connection to two character’s love story. We will engage in partner and group exercises to examine the choreographic elements that actors can employ and choreographers and directors can utilize to enhance intimate moments and more specifically tell a story through touch.
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Please note – Some facilitated exercises may invite touching (handshakes, handholding, hugging etc. - no kissing or simulated sexual action); intimate touch is never required, and modifications are always welcomed.​
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This workshop is open to individuals ages 18 and up.
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This workshop is open to any and all in the theatre, including performers, directors, stage managers, movement choreographers, administrators, producers, designers, and more. Participants should be prepared to participate in exercises from the perspective of actors.
​
Cancellations made 14 days prior to the start date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made between 14-3 days prior to the start date are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made after within 3 days of the start date are NOT eligible for a refund unless a doctor's note is provided.
*Please contact us to process a withdrawal/refund and/or to discuss extenuating circumstances including a positive COVID-19 Test.
COLLABORATIVE CONSENT FOR THEATRE ARTISTS
$65 • 2 hr class time POSTPONED - DATE TBD
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Our work as artists centers around the collective, collaborative experience. We make requests of one another, to perform, to direct, to design etc. Beneath those larger umbrellas come the smaller specific requests. How do we communicate our consent with confidence or our boundaries with comfort? This workshop will serve as a launching point for these conversations and what it means to curate a brave and safe space. Theatre artists of all disciplines are welcome to join us as we engage in discussion and practical exercises to explore the concept of consent and tools for developing and enhancing communication. No kissing or complex intimacy choreography will be engaged, some light contact may be included but will be entirely voluntary.