09/06/2026
A special Saturday Spotlight for the finest Intimacy Director that we know: Priscilla Hummel
Priscilla has worked with the Hangar in several capacities, but the last two seasons she has been with us as an Intimacy Director for our MainStage productions, including Waitress, Fun Home, Dear Evan Hansen, and Eureka Day. An Ithaca-based Intimacy Choreographer, Director, and Professor at Ithaca College, she also founded Walking on Water Productions.
We asked her to share a little bit about her work as an Intimacy Director.
đźŽHow would you define theatrical intimacy?
Theatrical intimacy is the portrayal of intimate moments of connection between characters in a story as depicted through the physical storytelling of actors in a live theatre production.
đźŽWhat does an Intimacy Director do?
An intimacy director collaborates with the creative team and cast of a production to tell a story through a safe, informed, and empowering process by a) honoring the context of the piece, b) practicing clear and consistent communication across all channels, c) advocating for the actors’ safety, agency, and needs throughout the rehearsal process, and d) choreographing the intimate moments that take place between characters within the show in collaboration with the director’s vision along with the actors’ boundaries and instincts in order to facilitate honest, motivated, and compelling storytelling that enhances the narrative.
đźŽWhat got you interested in this side of theatre?
As a director, choreographer, and theatre educator, it is important to me to develop best practices for working with actors in both teaching and rehearsal/performance spaces. After embarking on my journey as a consent-forward artist, I began finding opportunities to apply this training as an intimacy director in the theatrical landscape. I discovered that supporting productions in this capacity was extremely meaningful, and I have enjoyed collaborating with many actors and creative teams over the last few years as an intimacy director in academic and professional spaces.
Priscilla is gracious, kind, and passionate about this work. We are so lucky to have her here in Ithaca!đź’™
