Dr. Ayshia Mackie-Stephenson, assistant professor of performance studies in Xavier’s Department of Art and Performance Studies, recently published her first textbook, “Intimacy Directing for Theatre.” Ranked as one of Amazon’s top new releases, the book was created for instructors and artists to address intimacy and consent in theatre classrooms and rehearsal rooms. Her book offers practical strategies for instructors on how to do intimacy work in their courses and productions based on consent and racial and gender justice to ensure a safe and just environment for all.

 An award-winning writer, actor, activist, and intimacy director, Dr. Mackie-Stephenson has choreographed intimate scenes for theatre and film, using performance to investigate sexuality, race, and human rights. Intimacy directors serve as a liaison between actors and production for scenes, ensuring participants’ well-being as they engage in scenes involving movement and physical contact.

Dr. Mackie-Stephenson shared that acknowledging intimacy and consent in classroom settings is crucial as it affects student interaction and helps establish boundaries.

“Students are moving and creating scenes together in theatre and performance studies classes. This book is for professors doing movement and scene work because when you have students engaging in physical contact, you need to talk about consent,” she said. “We’re human beings, and any touch could trigger someone’s pain, trauma, or cause them to be uncomfortable. This book helps instructors navigate those interactions in a safe way.”

Grounded in racial and gender justice, the book’s discussion of theatre, intimacy, and consent directly relates to Xavier as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) built to create a more just and humane society. Founded nearly 100 years ago by St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier has always been open to any race and creed. St. Katharine also obtained special permission from the Pope to allow both male and female students to attend Xavier- a first for Catholic universities.

“Most of our students identify as Black women; Race and gender are critical factors as intimacy directing dates back to Black feminism and Black women activists. Tarana Burke, founder of the MeToo movement, sparked this conversation about advocating for our bodies and got women all over the world to start speaking up about our experiences,” Dr. Mackie-Stephenson said. “We can’t tell intimate stories without understanding race and gender. As professors, we want to give students the best resources and put them in the safest environment to help them feel free to bring their full selves to the story.”

Each book chapter is written by an instructor or professional, offering insight on how to cultivate a space that is safe, intersectional, and respectful of students’ race, gender, sexual orientation, and identity. It also provides exercises on how to keep theatre and performance rehearsals consensual and inclusive.

Dr. Mackie-Stephenson started developing the book in 2020, recognizing its necessity as there are currently no textbooks that provide instructors with tools to navigate student consent in theatre classrooms. She collaborated with diverse voices to ensure inclusivity, including excerpts from performance experts, teachers and artists from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

She is proud of the book’s publication and the significant role it will play in the performing arts and academic field.

“I’m excited about the representation in this book and the guidance it’ll provide to students, artists, scholars, and teachers in performance studies, theatre, television, the classroom, or any movement work where students are physically interacting,” she said. “I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to the book and everyone who built the intimacy field because we’re able to talk about boundaries and keep our students safe.”

Emphasizing Xavier’s mission of creating an equitable society, she expressed performances cannot be done in any capacity without understanding and enacting justice.

“At the heart of social justice is the recognition of human rights. It’s our human right to have freedom and advocacy over our bodies. The book’s focus on race and gender justice in consent, theatre, and performance speaks to Xavier’s pursuit of social justice,” she said.  

A book release party will be held in New York City on Sunday, October 15, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. CST. The event will celebrate the book with brunch and music and will include a reading by Dr. Mackie-Stephenson and fellow contributors. Please RSVP to Professor Carlin Mackie-Stephenson at cmackies@xula.edu, or join virtually via Facebook.

Click here to order Dr. Mackie-Stephenson’s new book.