The Intimacy Professionals for Theatre & Cinema (IPTC) program trains and certifies Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (ID’s and IC’s) to work in theatre, film, and television. We offer two programs: The non-credit Foundations in Intimacy Direction for professional development and the credit-bearing IPTC graduate-level certification.
The curriculum is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to foster safe, inclusive, and respectful environments on set and stage. Courses will include tools for best practices in rehearsals, impactful and repeatable choreographic techniques, text analysis, collaboration, self-reflection on implicit bias and power dynamics, social awareness, cultural competency, effective communication, bystander intervention and de-escalation, mental health first aid, and more
Building intimate connections with consent and care.
The 24-credit hour IPTC intimacy certification courses are open to graduate-level students who wish to further their training experiences and advance their career as an intimacy professional. These courses will provide the skills and credentials needed to navigate the dynamics of intimacy in performance.
Certification Topics Include:
- Advance Intimacy Direction/ Intimacy Coordination Skills
- Application of Consent and Care in a DePaul Production
- Communication Skills for Intimacy Professionals
- Theories of Power Dynamics for Intimacy Professionals
- Anti-racism/DEI+B training
- Allyship and Advocacy
- Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Training
- Anti-harassment/Anti-Sexual Harassment Training
- Mediation of Conflict Resolution Training
- Movement & Choreography Skills for Intimacy
- Intimacy Protocols & Documentation
- Intimacy Direction/Intimacy Coordination Externship
- And more!
The IPTC is fully accredited through DePaul University. Financial aid and scholarships are available for the IPTC program.
This graduate certificate program is approved as a Gainful Employment Program through the US Department of Education and is, therefore, eligible for Federal Student Aid.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Intimacy Directors (ID) choreograph intimate scenes for live performances.
Intimacy Coordinators (IC) choreograph intimate scenes for tv & film.
Intimacy Professionals choreograph intimate scenes for tv, film, and live performances.
ID, IC, and intimacy professionals ensure scenes with simulated sex, simulated assault, simulated nudity, and hyper-exposed content are consensual and performed with clear communication, boundaries, and care.
The 3-day foundational non-credit bearing courses are best suited for those working in close proximity to others. The courses fulfill the prerequisites for admission to the graduate certificate program of IPTC and serve as professional development.
The IPTC graduate certificate courses are best suited for those seeking positions as a certified ID, IC or Intimacy Professional for television, film, and live performances.
No, you will not be certified by completing the 3-day foundational courses for professional development. The foundational courses fulfill the prerequisites for admission to the 24 credit hour IPTC graduate certificate program which provides certification.
The certification courses are 24 total credit hours. It is designed to be completed in three quarters (30 weeks). However, how long it will take to complete the program is up to you. The program is designed with flexibility for working professionals. If you need to step away during instruction you can return anytime within 3 years and resume courses as usual. After 3 years of non-enrollment you would need to reapply for admission.
Books and materials are included in the cost of the program.
Yes, a practicum is included in the curriculum. Under supervision, you will have an opportunity to apply the classroom knowledge learned in productions within The Theatre School and/or films withing DePaul's School of Cinematic Arts.
DePaul University is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to DePaul’s educational and co-curricular opportunities so that students may fully participate in the life of the university. The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) services are available to students with diverse physical, learning, medical, mental health and sensory disabilities. The Center offers supports to students to achieve their academic goals while promoting their independence. CSD is a resource to the many university departments that share the responsibility of supporting the members of our diverse learning community.
Featured Faculty
Toranika is the Director of Intimacy Professionals for Theatre & Cinema (IPTC) program.