Trish Speers joins Hair production as intimacy co-ordinator
Intimacy co-ordinator Trish Speers has joined the production team for Hair at Sydney’s Theatre Royal to oversee onstage safety.
Onstage safety and professionalism
The production of the musical Hair at the Theatre Royal in Sydney has engaged Trish Speers in the capacity of an intimacy co-ordinator. Her role involves managing the choreographic elements of physical contact and ensuring a professional environment for the cast.
Intimacy co-ordination has become a standard practice in modern Australian theatre. This discipline focuses on creating choreographed movements that simulate intimacy while maintaining the physical and psychological boundaries of the performers.
The role of intimacy co-ordination
Speers works alongside directors and choreographers to implement specific protocols during rehearsals and live performances. These protocols include:
- Establishing clear boundaries and consent for all physical interactions.
- Choreographing touch and proximity to ensure consistency and safety.
- Providing a structured environment for actors to perform sensitive scenes.
- Mitigating risks associated with physical contact on stage.
The inclusion of specialized staff for intimacy management reflects a broader shift within the Australian performing arts sector. Theatre companies increasingly prioritise the welfare of performers through formalised safety frameworks.
Production details at Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal serves as a central venue for major musical productions in Sydney. As Hair moves through its production cycle, the integration of intimacy expertise ensures that the creative vision is met without compromising the standards of workplace health and safety.
By employing specialists like Speers, production houses aim to provide a secure space where artistic expression and performer wellbeing are balanced. This approach is now a frequent component of large-scale musical theatre engagements across the country.