Consent

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I want everyone to feel safe in our class. In our class we practice asking for and giving consent for physical contact. Consent requires both listening to the other person and communicating what feels safe for you. This applies not only to romantic scenes but also to fight scenes. 

If the scene includes a push or a fight, the actors need to discuss it and get consent beforehand. As actors we need to be focused with our physical expression, with clear intention and having listened to the needs of their fellow artists. 
 
With fight scenes, start slow and talk it through multiple times. As you purposefully pick up the pace to half time and then real time please establish a sense of time that both actors can observe.

Suggestions:
 
1. Take the time to discuss the scene and communicates with each person what the boundaries are.
 
2. Rehearse in a way that feels right for both actors. If a kiss is scripted, start with rehearsals that do not include that at first. The writer's kiss may be about intimacy, so you could try to express that with an embrace, or a kiss on the cheek or on the head with the same intended intimacy.

3. Be assertive and communicate your needs. If you both need help, please feel free to reach out to me. I am happy to facilitate. I know that for some of us it is not easy to be assertive and speak on our own behalf.

4. If you are married or in a relationship and do not want to feel or express desire for another person, you can give it to the character and work to convince the other character that you feel for them (even if you choose not to go there in your heart.)

5. If you have religious reasons for not wanting to do a specific scene, you do not need to do that scene. If it is for religious purposes I would ask that you pray about it first. Sometimes the feeling to withdraw is fear, and sometimes the scene can actually bring us growth as actors, as well as on our spiritual path. That said, if you don't want to do it, just say "no," and move on to a new scene choice. Follow your heart and your gut.



Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions.


Corey

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