Strengthening the Silk of our Care Web: A Methodology for Structured and Supported Intimacy Practice by Undergraduate Students in a Collegiate Environment

Abstract: Theatrical intimacy work has increasingly made its way into academic theatre spaces since the explosion of interest in the work in 2017. As a result, undergraduate students are seeking opportunities to start training in the field while pursuing their studies. Sparked by a Facebook post debating the ethics of undergraduate students doing intimacy work, I outline the benefits of creating space for intimacy work and allowing students to practice theatrical intimacy facilitation while still an undergraduate student. Based on my own work at the University of Oklahoma, I offer strategies to mitigate harm in undergraduate facilitation to set students up for success in these scenarios.