Intimacy Direction

Shea Madison is a Cuban-Irish, NYC-Based Actor, Singer, and Intimacy Professional. Shea firmly believes in the importance of Intimacy Work and in the ways that it spills over into the “real” world.

Shea’s intention as an Intimacy Professional is always to set everyone up with the proper tools and vocabulary that they need to a) discuss their creative impulses - be it touching another Actor, looking at a scene more closely, or asking for support on a particular moment - and b) say yes or no to suggestions without any underlying guilt.

The work we all do as Storytellers is incredibly demanding both physically and emotionally, and Shea wants nothing more than to carry some of that burden for her fellow Artists through the work that she does as an Intimacy Professional, and if, in the meantime, you get a little more confident saying “no” outside of work or become a little more secure asking for help, then so be it. <3

“With intimacy work, it can be scary and vulnerable, However, with Shea’s approach, I never felt more supported and confident. Her dedication to finding specificity in storytelling shines so bright, and you can see it while she is working. She provides a structure to her ever-changing choreography, based on actors needs, and lets them soar. She is not only a true artist, but a true advocate to whoever she is working with.”

- Emily Ann Banks, Actor
"Shea has such an instinct for intimacy direction and fantastic ideas that really help to heighten the character relationships onstage. Shea brought immense compassion, dedication, patience, and attention to detail to our staged reading of Shakespeare's Hamlet which helped the actors do amazing work that truly tied the whole piece together. There was more than one moment during rehearsals where I struggled to verbalize what I specifically wanted in a scene but Shea somehow read my mind and was able to articulate exactly what I wanted to the actors. Working with Shea was an incredible experience and I can't wait for us to collaborate again soon!"

-Sarah Jack, Director
“Shea went beyond just coordinating intimacy by crafting movement based in her deep understanding of the scene and context. She is always clear, concise, informative, and creates a strong and true sense of safety. I hope to work together again soon!”

- Laura Paganello, Director
“I had the pleasure of working with Shea on what was by far & away the most foreign & demanding scene I had all year in the short film ‘Jimmy’s Older Sister’ directed by Laura Pagnello. Before shooting Shea and I had a conversation about how to best make the space & shoot feel comfortable for me which was so calming on what was a really anxious day. Moreover, she had a step by step plan on how to best guide us into the intimate moments of the scene & ensure both of us felt ready. Shea made the whole set feel completely at ease during the film’s most difficult scene & provided a warm comforting energy any set would be lucky to have!”

- Nick Stoesser, Actor
“Shea’s shared knowledge of film and stage considerations were invaluable for our multi-modal production of THE FLICK. Even through Zoom, her attention to the actors’ safety, ability to navigate a highly collaborative creative process, and attention to detail were evident.”

- Ethan Graham, Director
Founder/Artistic Director of First Take