We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamie Monahan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamie below.

Jamie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

The demand for intimacy coordinators has risen significantly as the industry recognizes the importance of ensuring the well-being of actors during intimate scenes. This trend is only going to grow with the new SAG-AFTRA agreement which states, “Producer will use best efforts to engage an Intimacy Coordinator for scenes involving nudity or sex acts. Producer will also consider in good faith any request by a performer or a performer’s representative to engage an Intimacy Coordinator for other scenes. Producer shall not retaliate against a performer for requesting an Intimacy Coordinator.”

While there has been some resistance to change in Hollywood I have had the pleasure of working with emerging filmmakers, students, and indie filmmakers who wholly embrace intimacy coordinators and the work that we do and see us as a vital part of the production team. I’m excited to see this next generation of storytellers who prioritize ethical and consent-forward storytelling and sets.

Another trend I am seeing that I hope continues is universities hiring intimacy professionals as essential university staff. I am currently in my second year at Fairfield University as an adjunct professor and intimacy director for the Theatre Fairfield department. As a teacher at heart, I believe education is the key to real change.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started acting professionally when I was nine. Since then I’ve performed all over America and internationally. I continued my education with a B.A. in Acting from Christopher Newport University with a Minor in Dance, and an Acting for Film summer program at the New York Film Academy. I have 13+ years’ of professional acting experience in New York City. I’m a strong multi-hyphenate in the industry. Broadway World says, “Like Brit Marling and Reed Morano before her, Monahan joins the small but slowly growing ranks of multi-hyphenate women in the entertainment industry. In addition to occupying roles traditionally held by men, she’s committed to telling female-centric stories in male-dominated genres.”

My background in acting has taught me how to effortlessly communicate with actors and to understand them on a deeper level. As a director, I know how to have effective conversations with my crew and I am a great team leader. Steven Breese, the Artistic Director at CNU when I was studying there says, “I believe Jamie to be a gifted leader—and, not surprisingly, she sets high expectations for herself. Moreover, she is strong, sensible, smart and resilient. She personifies the spirit of cooperation and professionalism.”

My training in dance and my professional experience both nationally and internationally have given me a strong understanding of movement, choreography, composition, and physical theatre. As an SAFD Actor Combatant certified in Rapier, Broadsword, and Unarmed Combat, I am confident in my movement training, masking, and choreography skills.

Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a keen attention to detail and a commitment to fostering a culture of consent and collaboration on set. I understand the importance of clear communication and sensitivity when working with performers and production teams. I have a strong track record of building relationships based on trust and mutual respect. All of these skills combined with my life and artistic experiences led me to become an intimacy professional.

Bio: Jamie Monahan is an award-winning filmmaker, director, intimacy coordinator, and actress. Jamie completed Levels 1, 2, and 3 of IDC’s Intimacy Coordinator training, fostering intimate safe spaces for performers. She is currently listed on the SAG-AFTRA Intimacy Coordinator Pre-Registry. Jamie intimacy coordinated the short films: ONLY THE DEAD, IN THE NIGHT, HEALING TREE, BETTY BITES BACK, THE BIG 3-OH, and CRIMSON WAVE to name a few. She also worked as the intimacy coordinator on the feature film ESCAPING OHIO. Jamie intimacy directed POWERHOUSE Off-Broadway in October 2022 and is in her second year of being an adjunct professor at Fairfield University working with Theatre Fairfield as the intimacy director for their 2023-2024 season.

As a professional with a degree in acting and over 20+ years of experience working in theater and film, Jamie understands the importance of crafting authentic and impactful performances. She is deeply committed to ensuring that actors feel supported and respected during intimate scenes. Jamie has a proven track record of providing guidance and direction to performers to create effective and dynamic performances.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

For me, the best source of new clients has been word of mouth. I also find a lot of clients via social media. Instagram is my digital business card. I try to post when I’m working on projects and when/where you can watch them. Ultimately, the positive recommendations and referrals from satisfied clients have played a pivotal role in expanding my clientele and establishing a trustworthy reputation in my industry.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, lies in the transformative power of art. Art has the incredible ability to change people’s perspectives and beliefs, fostering empathy and understanding. The healing aspects of art are multifaceted, encompassing emotional expression, community building, mindfulness, and the capacity to inspire positive change in individuals’ lives. Whether it’s through the laughter evoked by humor or healing woven into storytelling, the impact of art goes beyond aesthetics. It’s immensely gratifying to know that the projects I collaborate on with others can inspire, uplift, and contribute to the positive change I wish to see in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jamiemonahan.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jmemonahan
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jmemonahan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmemonahan
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/jmemonahan