CREATIVITY

EXPERTISE

Inclusive. Intentional. Intimate.

ABOUT

OFFERING A DIVERSE AND CULTURALLY SENSITIVE PERSPECTIVE TO THE FIELD OF INTIMACY COORDINATION

ARIA EVANS [they/them] is a Canadian-based Intimacy Coordinator, Director, and Choreographer bringing a culturally sensitive and intersectional approach to intimacy work for film, television, and theatre. With over a decade of experience as a movement director and choreographer, Aria is dedicated to fostering authentic, grounded portrayals of intimacy that prioritize consent, bravery, and artistic integrity.

Aria’s work bridges performance and pedagogy: they have taught at universities, high schools, and creative organizations across Canada, and have collaborated with leading institutions including the Stratford Festival, Soulpepper Theatre, Théâtre Cercle Molière, Factory Theatre, Coal Mine Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, and the Canadian Opera Company. In film and television, Aria has supported projects for OutTV, Black Entertainment Television, Lifetime, and numerous independent productions. Aria is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Winnipeg and is completing an MFA at the University of Manitoba, with a focus on intimacy pedagogy.

Rooted in their lived experience as a multiracial, queer, and gender-nonconforming artist, Aria advocates for inclusive, trauma-informed creative spaces that honour actors’ boundaries and amplify representation both on and off screen. Their approach combines deep expertise in movement, storytelling, and industry-recognized best practices to cultivate environments where performers feel supported, respected, and empowered.

Aria is a certified Intimacy Coordinator with the Intimacy Professionals Association (2021), with supplemental training to implement contemporary protocols in line with ACTRA Best Practices, SAG-AFTRA IC Standards & Protocols, and Equity’s Canadian Theatre Agreement.

Inclusive |

People-First Approach |

Intentional |

Reliability You Can Count On |

Intimate |

Inclusive | People-First Approach | Intentional | Reliability You Can Count On | Intimate |

INTIMACY COORDINATION (for film and tv) 

WHAT DOES AN INTIMACY COORDINATOR DO?

  • I will facilitate clear communication linking the directors vision with the performers personal, emotional and physical boundaries

  • I will implement closed-set protocols respecting the union guidelines for scenes containing intimacy, simulated sex, nudity and/or high emotional content

  • I will advocate for all actors (while being an ally to BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks), putting the wellbeing and safety of the performers first

  • I will work collaboratively with the Director to assist in choreographing scenes with intimacy and/or simulated sex

  • I will help cultivate safer, respectful and enjoyable workspaces

  • I will act as the liaison between departments when overseeing the use of intimacy garments and barriers

INTIMACY DIRECTION and INTIMACY CHOREOGRAPHY (for stage)

WHAT DOES AN INTIMACY DIRECTOR DO?

  • I will establish and model a culture of consent in the rehearsal room

  • I will facilitate protocols around incorporating consent into the rehearsal process

  • I will assist in staging platonic, romantic and sexual intimacy as well as simulated sex acts

  • I will be a part of establishing healthy guidelines and practices for nudity in performance

  • I will work in collaboration with a fight director to stage scenes of sexual harassment or assault

  • I will offer tools for managing personal boundaries, and for creating separation between the artist and the work

LOCATION: Aria is based in Winnipeg, Canada and has access to accommodation in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada.