PIP’s Launchpad Training Program

Phase One: Online Course
June 2024

Applications open until February 29 2024.

PIPs’ Launchpad Training Program is a four-phase program designed for individuals looking to become an intimacy professional, or for individuals looking to supplement their existing artistic practice with intimacy training.

We believe safety should not be a privilege but a standard.

Our intimacy professionals have 35+ years of collective experience + training in intimacy alone. On top of their other professional pursuits and skill sets, we have served Canada’s performing industries for over five years. We support Canadian and international productions.

Application Information

  • Applications are open for the 2024 Launchpad Training Program (Phase One) with cohorts starting in January and June*.

  • The deadline to apply is February 29 2024 at 11:59pm local time

  • Applicants must have Mental Health First Aid

  • Applicants will be invited to pitch a financial investment and an energy exchange they feel confident making for this training

  • *applicants can choose a preferred cohort; however, placement in a preferred cohort is not guaranteed

The Program

Phase One: Launchpad Training Program  

  • 16 online sessions 1-2 times a week plus home study, totalling approximately 65 hours

  • Cohorts begin in January and June, respectively

Phase Two: Launchpad In-Person Intensive

  • In-person workshop over the course of a weekend covering choreography, modesty garment application, case studies & scenarios, totalling 24 hours of in-person instruction

  • Workshops scheduled for the end of Phase One

Phase Three: PIP’s Mentorship Program

  • In-person shadowing + mentorship for a minimum of 30 days of practical on-set work, approximately 6 months

Phase Four: Lift Off!

  • Review & Certification

Phase One: accepting applications for June 2024 cohorts

Phase One of the Launchpad is a 16-week online course for folks interested in becoming an Intimacy Professional for film, television, and/or theatre. Phase One (or equivalent; please contact us) is a prerequisite for Phases 2, 3, and 4.

Topics Phase One covers:

  • Union policies and best practices for film and theatre

  • Power dynamics, production roles, and communication on set

  • Choreography* *introductory; choreo is the primary focus of Phase Two

  • Kit preparation, modesty wear overview

  • Paperwork, prep, contracts, and riders

  • Mental Health First Aid applications

  • Sex education basics

  • Unique protocols

  • Case studies

  • and more!

Investment:

  • Applicants will be invited to pitch a financial investment and an energy exchange they feel confident making

  • Bursaries and grant letters available for folks in need

  • Grant letters available

Our program is accredited by SAG-AFTRA, meaning our curriculum has been reviewed and approved based on SAG-AFTRA’s accreditation requirements. A syllabus will be shared with all participants before their Phase One cohort launches.

Accepting Applications for 2024!

DEADLINE: February 29 2024 at 11:59pm local time

Applications for our 2024 Launchpad Training Program are now open! Please read the application instructions carefully, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need assistance.

Quick Links

  1. Launchpad Onboarding Form

  2. Launchpad File Upload Form

  3. Launchpad Third Party Reference Form

Application Requirements

  • Complete the Launchpad Onboarding Form.

    • The form will ask you for contact information, accessibility needs, cohort preference, and what financial and/or energy investment you are able to offer for the training.

    • A bursary fund is available with priority to IBPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled folks. Please indicate in your application form if you are in need of financial assistance.

  • Upload your application materials to the Launchpad File Upload Form:

    • A cover letter (2 pages max) or a video/audio clip (3 mins max) describing who you are, your learning/work journey thus far, your overall goals, and why you’d like to pursue training with PIP

    • An updated PDF of your CV/resume that includes any relevant work experience and training

      • CV/resume needs to demonstrate at least 5 years experience working/learning in film/TV or theatre in any role

    • A PDF/image of Mental Health First Aid certification (or enrolment with completion prior to cohort start date)

    • A signed NDA, which would be applicable for all Launchpad offerings.

    • 1-2 reference letters; alternatively, applicants can forward the Launchpad Third Party Reference Form to their references to complete.

Program Information

  • Phase One alone will not certify an individual to be an intimacy coordinator and/or intimacy director. Folks interested in becoming fully certified with PIP will need to complete all four phases of the program (listed above).

  • This application is for Phase One only; Phase Two will have a separate onboarding process for Phase One participants.

  • Phase One cohorts begin in January and June, respectively. There will be at least one month when we will hold two sessions a week.

  • Participants will need to have a reliable internet connection; classes and content will be shared via G-Suite (Meet, Classroom, Drive)

  • Online sessions will be recorded in the event a student cannot attend class in person; however, live attendance is expected for at least 70% of the sessions. All home study assignments must be submitted within one week of the last session for a letter of completion.

Cohort Schedules

Sessions will be conducted on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays (subject to change).

  • January Cohort: January (2 sessions/week), February (1 session/week), March (1 session/week), April (contingency slots)

  • June Cohort: June-July (2 sessions/week), August (contingency)

Applications are due February 29 2024 at 11:59pm local time; please contact us if you need assistance.

Completed Phase One Cohorts

Big Bang (2019-2020), Pilots (2021), Novas (2022), Comets (2023), Starbursts (2023)