Movement Director
& Intimacy Coordinator
Creating stunning images on stage and screen to captivate audiences through somatic movement direction and intimacy choreography.
See my latest work on NBC's original series St. Denis Medical
Movement Direction & Intimacy Coordination by Melissa McNamara
“Melissa curated a comfortable rehearsal room, and her insightful blocking deepened the storytelling of our production. She was efficient, collaborative, and quite frankly indispensable. I wouldn’t want to do another project without her!”
Shaina Rosenthal, Director of Kill Shelter
Pre-Pro coordination
Mindful communication between performers and production to establish agreed-upon choreography and boundaries
Choreography
Safe and attentive choreography in a closed space to develop movement with an aim to fulfill the director’s vision while honoring the performers’ comfortability
On-Set Contingency
Emergency choreography changes for unforeseen production circumstances, as well as preparedness to coach performers through potential emotional crisis or conflict
Melissa embodies responsiveness and empathy
“In working with Melissa, her value of my lived experience elevated my own sense of self-worth and self-respect. She is an exceptional intimacy director with a profound understanding of human anatomy and an innate talent for articulating and instructing movement, intention, and designing vulnerable moments for stage and film.”
Nelia Miller, Actress
Pre-Pro coordination
“Melissa is a phenomenal creative partner. Her approach to movement design and choreography is highly collaborative and always rooted in storytelling. Her presence is infectiously energetic and inclusive. In my work with her, I have been most impressed with how she centers her approach in the safety and physical capabilities of actors, which gives them the confidence to reach their full potential. I wouldn't hesitate to work with her again in the future.”
Charles Riffenburg
Director, Boho Theatre Chicago
Choreography
“I was looking for creativity for the movement in my theatrical ensemble driving show. Melissa had it in spades. I was looking for an eye for the narrative, movement that built a story. Again, Melissa gave us through line with the choreography. I was looking for compassionate instruction for new and experienced movers. Melissa’s professional kindness was the balm we needed to push through challenging emotional arcs within the piece. Such an asset.”
Orion Couling
Film & Stage Director
On-Set Contingency
“I'm so grateful for Melissa's amazing work. Rehearsals are made so rich by her presence and I feel so lucky to have her expertise and energy in the room!!”
Maddie
Director
What's an intimacy coordinator?
An intimacy coordinator serves as a liaison between actors, producers and directors for work that involves nudity, simulated sex, intimate physical contact or hyper-exposed scenes.The responsibility of the intimacy coordinator is to facilitate consent-based choreography and communication between performers and production in order to honor the director's vision without jeopardizing the physical and psychological safety of the performers.Working with a trained professional, this highly vulnerable process can be collaborative, creative, safe, educational and fun!
About Melissa
Melissa McNamara has been performing, directing, and creating original and ensemble-driven work since 1998.Melissa received her MFA in Contemporary Performance from Naropa University in Boulder, CO, and holds a BA from York University, Toronto, ON where she studied acting, devising and Political Theatre.She has created over 30 original works with physicality and vulnerability as the creative force behind each one.
Credits Include
"Killer Shelter" Produced by Theatre of NOTE
"All Store" Produced by Theatre of NOTE
"Darker Currents" Produced by Edge Theatre
"Eurydice" Produced by BOHO Theatre
"Farewell My Friend" Produced by (re)discover Theatre
"As a Rake" Short Film
Additional Training
Intimacy Directors & CoordinatorsTheatrical Intimacy Education
Contact me for a free consultation
Melissa McNamara
Movement Direction & Intimacy Coordination