tell me straight by Pul Bradshaw, in rehearsals. Intimacy Direction by Imogen Frances. Photo by Danny Khan
"Imogen directed a piece that dealt with several aspects of intimacy based on personal experience. They handled the process with warmth and openness, which meant my co-actor and I felt safe."
~ Paul Bradshaw (he/him)
tell me straight by Paul Bradshaw
"I worked with Imogen on a piece that included a variety of intimate moments throughout. Imogen approached each moment with delicacy, professionalism and commitment to telling a detailed story. They created an environment that was safe and secure."
~ George Greenland (he/him)
tell me straight by Paul Bradshaw
"During our scene study project, Imogen made me feel safe and comfortable, plus they were clear and direct in their approach. We took it step by step and it paid off with the final result being amazing. I can say with my full heart that if I had an option to choose my intimacy director, I would choose Imogen. A human who is organised, fun and understanding."
~ Mary-Comfort Olabisi (she/her)
Estate Walls by Arinzé Kene
“Imogen’s approach to intimate scenes in Yerma was thoughtful and respectful. They ensured clear boundaries, held intimacy calls, and made me and my scene partner feel safe and comfortable in emotionally vulnerable moments. Their professionalism created a supportive and productive space for the whole cast.”
~ Bethany Agaoglu (she/her)
Yerma by Lorca, adapted by Ursala Rani sarma
“Working with Imogen on Spring Awakening was a privilege. They made a complex, intimate, and violent scene feel safe to explore, balancing tenderness and brutality without harming the actors. Their empathy and dedication to both the cast’s well-being and the quality of the work were invaluable.”
~ Jacopo Mascitelli (he/him)
Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind, adapted by Anya Reiss
“I’ve never felt safer than working with Imogen. Their boundary checks and focus on comfort made every session effective and reassuring. They created a safe environment where my scene partner and I could perform an intimate scene with complete consent. I can’t wait to work with them again!”
~ Fimi Manoukian (she/her)
Rotterdam by Jon Brittain
“Imogen brought a playful and reassuring presence to the room, offering clear guidance while encouraging exploration within our boundaries. The space felt generous and never awkward. As a fellow queer person, they made me feel seen and understood as a non-binary actor. I’m so grateful and hope to work with them again!”
~ Lucy Clifton (they/them)
Dogville by Lars Von Trier, adapted for the stage by Christian Lollike
An intimacy director shaping safe and empowering spaces for actors
Imogen is a practicing Intimacy Director, having begun their research and training in 2021 with companies such as Intimacy on Set, The Consent Studio, Intimacy for Stage and Screen, and IDC Professionals. They are currently on the Accelerator Program with IDC Professionals and most recently worked on Bellringers by Daisy Hall, directed by Jessica Lazar at The Hampstead Theatre.
In the summer of 2024, Imogen was the resident intimacy director for the poetic text season at Rose Bruford College, collaborating with directors such as Abigail Graham (James I), Robin Belfield (Much Ado About Nothing), and Hal Chambers (As You Like It). In 2023, they worked on the short film They Remain, written by Olly Cross, directed by Luke Jenkins, and produced by Mini Productions.
Star Cross'd by Tanya Bridgeman & Imogen Frances. Directed and Intimacy Directed by Imogen Frances. The Rose Theatre, Rose Bruford College, 2023
Empowering actors through a commitment to safe and authentic intimacy direction
Having trained as an actor, Imogen is committed to centering actors in their intimacy direction, empowering them to honor and articulate their own boundaries while navigating consent in a safe and creative manner. They specialize in female-centered narratives and queer stories. With much of the industry still focused on the abuse and assault of female and queer bodies, Imogen is passionate about reframing and reclaiming the storytelling process and the treatment of actors involved.
Imogen firmly believes that creating consent-forward, communicative, and collaborative rehearsal rooms with effective de-rolling techniques allows intimate content to be produced safely while encouraging actors to play and create. They are dedicated to enabling actors to explore the complexities and nuances of their characters while safeguarding their wellbeing.
