Why Consent Culture Benefits Every Rehearsal Room
Pursuit rehearsal, 2020
The rehearsal room should be a place of exploration, collaboration, and trust. Yet, for too long, the performing arts have relied on outdated models of direction that prioritize hierarchy over dialogue, often leaving performers feeling unheard, unsafe, or uncertain about their boundaries.
Enter consent culture—a framework that prioritizes clear communication, mutual agreement, and respect for personal boundaries. While often discussed in the context of intimacy direction, consent culture is valuable for every aspect of the rehearsal process, from choreography to scene work to backstage dynamics.
Integrating consent-based practices doesn’t just prevent harm—it enhances artistry, deepens collaboration, and fosters a healthier, more sustainable creative environment.
How Consent Culture Strengthens the Creative Process
Consent Encourages More Confident Performers
When performers know their boundaries are respected, they take more risks. Instead of shutting down when they feel uncomfortable, they engage fully, leading to more authentic performances.
It Builds a Rehearsal Room Based on Trust, Not Power
Historically, some directors and choreographers have used authority to demand compliance. Consent culture shifts the focus from power to partnership, ensuring that artists feel like collaborators rather than instruments.
It Fosters Better Communication and Artistic Clarity
Establishing consent culture means normalizing check-ins, clarifying expectations, and making room for dialogue. This prevents misunderstandings, allowing everyone to work more efficiently and creatively.
It Reduces Harm and Prevents Long-Term Injury
From a physical standpoint, forcing bodies into movement without consent leads to injury. From an emotional standpoint, ignoring boundaries can cause burnout and trauma. In both cases, consent culture prioritizes longevity over short-term results.
It Creates a More Inclusive, Accessible Rehearsal Room
Not every performer moves or experiences space the same way. A consent-based space makes room for individual bodies, voices, and lived experiences rather than imposing a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach.
Practical Ways to Build a Consent-Based Rehearsal Room
Consent culture isn’t just about what we don’t do—it’s about actively creating a better process. Here’s how to implement it in everyday rehearsals:
Normalize asking for consent: “Can I adjust your arm placement?” should be as natural as saying, “Let’s take that from the top.”
Use boundary check-ins: A quick “How’s everyone feeling about this?” before and after intense work ensures performers aren’t carrying discomfort into the next scene.
Offer opt-in/opt-out language: Instead of “We’re all doing this exercise,” try “Would you like to participate, modify, or observe?”
Give performers agency: Allow them to suggest solutions when something feels off rather than dictating what they should endure.
Lead by example: Directors set the tone. If they model consent culture, the whole room follows.