/Davenham Players – Intimacy & Sensitive Content Policy: Executive Summary
Davenham Players sometimes stages productions that include moments of intimacy, physical contact, or depictions of domestic violence. These scenes require careful, consistent handling to protect cast members’ emotional and physical wellbeing and to safeguard the organisation.
Professional theatre bodies now provide clear guidance on how such scenes should be choreographed and rehearsed. While our current practice already aligns with much of this guidance, we do not yet have a formal written policy. Formal adoption is recommended to ensure clarity, consistency, and protection for cast, directors, and the organisation.
The proposed Intimacy & Sensitive Content Charter outlines:
- How intimate or violent scenes will be rehearsed (closed rehearsals, clear choreography, written staging notes)
- How cast members can set boundaries, object, or withdraw consent at any time
- How directors will adapt staging if a performer cannot participate as originally scripted
- Expectations for backstage behaviour, including avoiding banter or jokes that may distress cast members
- The difference between enthusiastic and reluctant consent, and why this matters for safeguarding
- Support for newer or less‑experienced cast members
- A clear “Cast Charter” explaining what performers should do if they feel uncomfortable
Formal adoption will:
- Protect cast members’ wellbeing
- Provide directors with a consistent framework
- Reduce safeguarding and reputational risks
- Demonstrate that Davenham Players meets modern theatre standards
- Ensure we have a defensible process should concerns ever be raised
Risks Without a Policy
- Emotional or physical harm to cast
- Inconsistent practice between productions
- Reputational damage
- Potential safeguarding concerns
- Lack of defensible process if a complaint is raised
Recommendation: The committee formally adopts the Intimacy & Sensitive Content Charter for immediate use in all future productions.
Davenham Players – Intimacy & Sensitive Content Charter (Draft)
Contents
Davenham Players – Intimacy & Sensitive Content Policy: Executive Summary. 1
Davenham Players – Intimacy & Sensitive Content Charter (Draft) 3
3. Closed Rehearsals for Intimacy or Violence. 4
4. Consent: Enthusiastic vs Reluctant 4
5. How Cast Can Raise Concerns or Object 5
6. What Happens if a Performer Cannot Participate as Written. 5
7. Banter, Backstage Behaviour & Triggers. 6
8. Supporting New or Less‑Experienced Cast Members. 6
9. Documentation & Transparency. 6
10. Cast Intimacy Charter (Given to All Performers) 7
1. Purpose
Davenham Players is committed to creating a rehearsal and performance environment where all cast members feel safe, respected, and in control when working on scenes involving intimacy, physical contact, or depictions of domestic violence or aggression. This charter sets out our shared expectations, responsibilities, and procedures.
Our aim is to ensure that:
- No one is ever pressured into physical contact they are uncomfortable with
- All intimate or violent moments are choreographed safely and consistently
- Cast members have clear routes to raise concerns
- Directors and production teams have a framework that protects both individuals and the organisation
2. Core Principles
We commit to the following principles:
- Respect: Every performer’s boundaries are valid and will be honoured.
- Consent: All physical contact must be based on enthusiastic, informed, ongoing consent.
- Clarity: All intimate or violent moments will be choreographed and rehearsed with precision.
- Privacy: Sensitive work will take place in closed rehearsals with only essential personnel present.
- Safety: Emotional and physical safety are prioritised equally.
- Professionalism: Rehearsal and backstage behaviour must reflect the agreed choreography and boundaries.
3. Closed Rehearsals for Intimacy or Violence
Scenes involving intimacy, domestic violence, or physical aggression will be initially rehearsed in a closed room with:
- Only the director
- The intimacy coordinator (if appointed)
- The actors involved
- Stage management if required for safety
This ensures:
- Cast can speak openly about boundaries
- Choreography can be developed without pressure or audience
- Everyone understands exactly what will happen on stage
No other cast members, observers, or visitors will be present.
4. Consent: Enthusiastic vs Reluctant
We recognise that consent exists on a spectrum:
Enthusiastic consent
A performer is comfortable, confident, and happy to participate in the required physicality.
Reluctant consent
A performer agrees because the script requires it, but the action is not something they would choose to do.
This is still consent — but it requires extra care, no assumptions, and no banter.
Non‑consent
A performer does not agree to a particular action.
This must be respected without question or pressure.
Consent can be changed or withdrawn at any time, including:
- Before rehearsal
- During rehearsal
- After a performance run
5. How Cast Can Raise Concerns or Object
Cast members may object to any physical contact or staging at any time.
They can speak to:
- The director
- The intimacy coordinator (if appointed)
- The producer
- The safeguarding lead
- A trusted committee member
No justification is required beyond:
“I’m not comfortable with this.”
If a performer objects:
- The choreography will be adapted
- Alternatives will be explored
- No negative consequences will follow
- The performer will not be pressured to reconsider
6. What Happens if a Performer Cannot Participate as Written
If a performer cannot participate in the level of intimacy or physicality originally envisaged:
- The director will adjust the staging
- The script may be re‑interpreted or re‑blocked
- Symbolic or suggestive staging may replace physical contact
- The performer will remain fully supported
The priority is always: Storytelling that is safe, respectful, and achievable with the cast we have.
7. Banter, Backstage Behaviour & Triggers
We recognise that intimate or violent scenes can be emotionally charged or triggering.
Therefore:
- No jokes, teasing, or sexualised comments about intimate scenes
- No “banter” about domestic violence scenes, even if well‑intended
- No assumptions that someone who performs intimacy on stage is comfortable discussing it off stage
- No references to rehearsed intimacy outside the rehearsal room unless all parties explicitly agree
This protects:
- Those with enthusiastic consent
- Those with reluctant consent
- Those with lived experience of trauma
- Those who may be masking discomfort
Professionalism and sensitivity are expected at all times.
8. Supporting New or Less‑Experienced Cast Members
Newer performers may be less confident in asserting boundaries or may not yet recognise when something feels wrong.
Therefore:
- Directors will check in proactively
- Consent will be revisited regularly
- No one will be assumed to “just get on with it”
- Extra time will be given to ensure comfort and clarity
- No one will be penalised for needing adjustments
This is especially important if we recruit new technical and performance volunteers who may be unfamiliar with intimacy practice.
9. Documentation & Transparency
All agreed choreography for intimate or violent scenes will be:
- Written down as stage direction
- Shared with the performers involved
- Rehearsed consistently
- Not altered without discussion and renewed consent
This ensures clarity and prevents accidental escalation.
10. Cast Intimacy Charter (Given to All Performers)
This is a PDF document which is pasted after signatures below.
A cast member of Davenham Players, you have the right to:
- Feel safe and respected in all rehearsals
- Set your own boundaries
- Change or withdraw consent at any time
- Ask for clarification or adjustments
- Request a closed rehearsal for sensitive scenes
- Pause a rehearsal if you feel uncomfortable
- Report concerns without fear of judgement or consequence
If at any point you feel uncomfortable, unsure, or unsafe, you can speak to:
- Your director
- The intimacy coordinator (if appointed)
- The producer
- The safeguarding lead
- Any committee member you trust
Your wellbeing is more important than any scene, script, or staging choice.
This policy was agreed at the committee meeting on the dd.mm.yy. It is to be reviewed every three years to ensure that it is fit for purpose or after any complaint regarding a performance covered by this policy.
Signed:
Chairman Secretary
Jane Barrie Lou Wade
Date Date
A safe, respectful, and professional rehearsal environment for all.
CAST INTIMACY & SENSITIVE CONTENT CHARTER
| Role | Name | Contact details |
| Safeguarding Lead / Chair | Jane Barrie | |
| Director | ||
| Intimacy Co-ordinator |
Version (Draft Feb 2026)
