What does it take to choreograph a Jane Austen novel for the stage?
How do actors build trust during emotionally intimate scenes?
And why do so many historical dance steps sound suspiciously like cheese?
At the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA, Sense and Sensibility gets a fresh, movement-forward approach—where every glance, step, and stillness is shaped with intention. From sweeping Regency-era waltzes to barely-there hand touches that speak volumes, physical storytelling drives this production forward.
In this behind-the-scenes conversation, dance choreographer Cory Douylliez-Willis and intimacy coordinator Haley Roberts unpack the work that happens before the audience ever arrives: the rehearsal room process where movement showcases meaning. Whether you’re a theatre-maker, educator, or Austen fan, this is a deep dive into how choreography and intimacy direction bring emotional truth to the stage.
Watch the Video: Crafting Connection – Choreographing Austen for the Stage
Dance as Storytelling in Austen’s World
At ASC, movement isn’t just decorative—it’s a core part of the narrative. Director Jemma Alix Levy worked closely with choreographer Cory Douylliez-Willis to shape sequences that feel both rooted in the Regency period—a time in early 19th-century England (roughly 1811–1820) known for its distinct social rules, elegant fashions, and the romantic realism of Jane Austen’s novels—and emotionally alive for today’s audiences.
For Cory, every dance is a conversation. Steps, patterns, and gestures become tools for expressing status, longing, humor, or tension. The choreography draws on historical research—waltzes, quadrilles, and other forms that Austen’s characters would’ve known—but is shaped by character and context.
From the charged formality of a ballroom to the quick, comic timing of a partner switch, movement in Sense and Sensibility reveals what characters can’t always say aloud. It’s not about precision—it’s about storytelling.
Intimacy Direction & the 5 C’s: Building Trust in the Rehearsal Room
Meanwhile, intimacy coordinator Haley Roberts focused on how performers connect in close, emotionally charged moments. At ASC, intimacy direction ensures that every physical interaction—no matter how small—is approached with care, clarity, and collaboration.
(The Cast of Sense and Sensibility in Rehersal at the Blackfriars Playhouse. Photo By Madison Patterson.)
Haley uses the 5 C’s of Intimacy—a foundational framework for consent-based stage work:
- Context – Why is this moment happening in the story?
- Communication – What do the artists need to share with one another?
- Consent – What has each performer clearly and enthusiastically agreed to?
- Choreography – How is the moment specifically staged, just like a dance or fight?
- Closure – How do we wrap the work safely at the end of rehearsal or performance?
These practices empower actors to work boldly within clearly defined boundaries. As Haley notes in the video, this kind of structure doesn’t limit creativity—it deepens it. When actors know they’re supported, they can fully commit to the moment.
At ASC, intimacy choreography isn’t just about safety. It’s a way to unlock the quietest, most powerful parts of the story—bringing truth, vulnerability, and trust to the stage.
Discover More at the American Shakespeare Center
- Summer 2025 Repertory Season – Two unforgettable stories, one extraordinary cast. Experience the elegance of Sense & Sensibility and the rhythm-infused wonder of The Winter’s Tale, live in repertory at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia.
Experience Shakespeare reimagined through jazz, jealousy, and forgiveness. - Lights ON Blackfriars with Director Jemma Levy – Listen to the choices, challenges, and joys of staging Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
- Audience Reactions to Sense & Sensibility — “I loved it—it was so entertaining. It made me appreciate Jane Austen more. And as a fellow thespian, I would love to perform on that stage.”
Visiting Virginia? Start with the Blackfriars Playhouse.
Located in the heart of Staunton, VA, the Blackfriars Playhouse is the world’s first re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre—and one of the most unforgettable stops on any Virginia trip. Whether you’re searching for Shakespeare theatre in Virginia, things to do in Staunton, or Jane Austen live stage productions, this is where history, drama, and community come together under one roof. Your next adventure starts here.
Ready to See It Live?
Experience the movement. Feel the connection.
See Sense and Sensibility under shared light.
Live in Staunton, VA, at the American Shakespeare Center through August 2.