DATE: Sunday, March 17, 2024

START TIME: 9am PT/12pm ET/6pm CEST

CLASS DURATION: Approximately 2 hours 

LOCATION: Zoom

RECORDING: A recording of this workshop will be available for one week after the class for anyone who purchases a ticket. If you cannot attend the class live, we would encourage you to buy a ticket and watch the recording later.

TICKET PRICING: We are offering a limited number of tickets for $59 and $69, and an unlimited number of tickets for $79. BIPOC and/or disabled participants with financial need may request a $59 ticket even if this price point is sold out. Please email training@IPAinternational.org if you would like to request one of these tickets.

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

This workshop, led by autistic intimacy coordinator Sawyer VanVactor-Lee, dives deep into the lived experiences of autistic individuals and the implications for portraying intimacy on screen. We will examine the representation of autistic characters in TV and film in this session, as well as present best practices for supporting autistic folks on set. Attendees will walk away from this session with insights into the lived experiences of autistic individuals along with a better understanding of:  

• Myths about autistic brains and how they function

• The diverse experience of autistic individuals, in particular regarding intimacy and connection

• Positive and negative stereotypes of autism in the media

• Best practices when telling stories about autistic people and working with autistic performers

People who should take this course include:

• Working or aspiring intimacy professionals

• Working or aspiring screenwriters & playwrights

• Working or aspiring directors

• Working or aspiring producers

This workshop will be facilitated by IPA-certified intimacy coordinator Rebecca Johannsen.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Sawyer VanVactor-Lee (they/he) is an autistic transmasculine artist based in Portland, OR who specializes in uplifting queer and disabled stories with a trauma-informed approach. With a background in acting and teaching, his most recent avenue of storytelling has been through intimacy coordination. Struck by the deep need for this work, Sawyer started studying intimacy choreography in 2018. They are a certified intimacy coordinator in film and TV through Intimacy Professionals Association.