In theatre and film, what the body communicates is just as important as dialogue, story and staging. That’s why the movement director is so important. If you’ve ever wondered “What does a movement director do?” or “What is a movement director?”, this guide will walk you through the role, responsibilities, and how to get into this exciting profession. What Is a Movement Director? A movement director works with actors to help shape the physical language of a performance. They help performers develop and embody their character through posture, gesture, rhythm and spatial awareness. Unlike a choreographer, who typically works on dance routines, a movement director’s work is more subtle, expressive, and sometimes abstract. What Does a Movement Director Do? The responsibilities of a movement director will vary from production to production, but often include things like: Helping actors physicalise their characters, including how they walk, react, and hold tension in their bodies Working with directors to shape the visual flow of a scene Creating stylised movement or group work in physical theatre Supporting actors with specific challenges, like disabilities, intimacy or combat In film and TV, movement directors will also coach actors on how to move naturally in front of the camera. Movement Directors in Action The work of a movement director is usually most visible in productions that push the boundaries of physical storytelling. In film and TV, Polly Bennett, who coached Rami Malek for his role as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, shows how movement is essential even in performances that may not appear overly physical at first glance. Another brilliant movement director is Kate Waters, one of the UK’s leading movement and fight directors, whose work has featured in major productions at The National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe. She was also the movement and fight director for the BBC’s Killing Eve. She helped choreograph the now-iconic physicality of Villanelle. From fight scenes to the subtle body language that conveyed Villanelle’s unpredictable nature, Waters’ direction played a huge role in bringing this well-loved villain to life. How to Become a Movement Director There’s no one set route, but most movement directors come from a background in dance, acting, physical theatre, or performance coaching. A solid foundation in anatomy, somatic practice, and movement analysis is key, as well as a collaborative mindset and strong communication skills. Many people who go on to work as movement directors will have developed their expertise through postgraduate training. Italia Conti’s MA/MFA in Teaching and Coaching Physical Performance is designed specifically for experienced performers or movement specialists who want to transition into roles like movement direction. The course combines theory with hands-on practice, giving students the tools to teach, coach, and direct movement across a wide range of creative environments. Graduates go on to work as movement directors, physical performance coaches, intimacy professionals, and teachers in higher education and conservatoires. Whether you’re drawn to working in rehearsal rooms, on Hollywood film sets, or in education, being a movement director is a role that has real impact. If you want to train in this field, our postgraduate programme could be the perfect next step.