Launchpad FAQ

Do you accept international students?

Yes! Anyone is welcome to apply to the program so long as they meet the pre-requisites listed. We adjust our content based on the participants enrolled in each class.

How much does the Launchpad cost?

Each Phase of the Launchpad has an established value, and applicants are invited to indicate the level of financial investment that feels sustainable for them. We recognize that financial circumstances vary, and limited financial support options are available for those who require assistance.

Energy Exchange may also be available as an alternative way to contribute to PIP, depending on the needs of the program and the opportunities available.

I can’t afford to make a financial investment for training. Can I still apply?

Yes. Financial circumstances should not prevent a qualified applicant from applying. Each Phase has an established value, and our application process provides several ways to explore making participation more accessible, including payment plans, financial support, bursary consideration, and Energy Exchange opportunities.

If the listed investment options are not feasible for you, you can indicate this in your application. Financial support options are limited and are considered separately from the admissions decision.

What is Energy Exchange?

Energy Exchange is an alternative way for participants to contribute to PIP through agreed-upon work or services. Depending on PIP's current needs, opportunities may include administrative support, social media, translation, resource curation or creation, or other skills that can support the organization.

Energy Exchange opportunities are considered based on both the participant's skills and the needs of PIP at the time.

If I offer a higher financial investment, will I have a better chance of being accepted? What if I need financial support?

No. Financial investment and financial support requests are considered separately from the admissions decision. Applicants are evaluated based on the program prerequisites, their fit within the cohort, and program capacity and availability.

Your proposed investment level, request for financial support, or interest in Energy Exchange will not determine whether you are accepted into the program.

What is considered when accepting students into the program?

Applicants are considered based on whether they meet the pre-requisites, whether they’d be a good fit within the respective cohort, national and international equitability, and general class availability. We can only accept a certain number of folks from each community, both nationally and internationally, and every Phase has a specific class cap. If you are not accepted into a Phase, you are more than welcome to reapply or have your application on file for future intakes.

Where can I take the required pre-requisite training?

Check out this resource for training programs you can take to satisfy SAG-AFTRA’s IC Registry re-requisites. This is not an exhaustive resource.

How is the Launchpad structured across the four Phases?

Each Phase of the Launchpad has its own investment structure based on the training, mentorship, assessment, and resources involved.

For each Phase, applicants are given investment options to help make participation accessible while supporting the sustainability of the program. Financial support, bursary consideration, payment plans, and Energy Exchange opportunities may also be available depending on the Phase and individual circumstances.

The specific investment options for each Phase are outlined during the application process.

How long is Phase Three: Mentorship?

Phase Three is an individualized mentorship experience that typically begins with a three-month commitment. During this time, mentees gain supervised practical experience and work toward applying their knowledge in professional settings.

Mentees are matched with at least one mentor and meet regularly to review goals, progress, and areas for development. Depending on project availability, mentee goals, experience, and opportunities for practical application, the mentorship may extend beyond the initial three-month period or may be completed sooner.

The initial three-month mentorship includes a minimum of three mentorship meetings. Additional practical and on-set opportunities are determined based on project availability, the mentee's development, and the goals established with their mentor.

For mentees pursuing additional certification or experience in another area, such as theatre or film, a further mentorship cycle or additional training may be recommended.

Phase Three is an educational and practical development phase. It does not, by itself, certify a participant as an Intimacy Coordinator or Intimacy Director. The mentorship is designed to gradually increase responsibility and support mentees as they develop the experience and skills needed to work more independently in the field.

Why does Phase Three have a Do-Not-Compete Clause?

PIP has spent several years fostering our relationships in the community, which allows us to bring mentees on board and provide training opportunities. This honours our time and energy in cultivating these relationships. This doesn't mean you can’t work on a specific project should you be requested or the right fit. It only means those contracts will go through PIP.

How do I become certified?

Students must have the additional training laid out by SAG-AFTRA. They also need to successfully complete all Phases, including any supplemental courses recommended to the student by their respective mentors. Phase Four consists of a review of all training and experience before final certification is granted.

Will I be certified to work in both theatre and film?

Dual certification takes more time than certifying in one stream or the other. Regardless, our courses cover both streams and mentorship would need to adequately cover both film and theatre projects. It is recommended students focus on one stream to start, and to expect a longer mentorship phase if dual certification is your goal.

I have already taken some intimacy training. Can I skip a Phase?

That is determined on a case-by-case basis. Each Phase informs and leads into the next. Every organisation is different, and every program is different. Certain units taught by our program in Phase One may not be offered until further on in a program with another organisation. We can review your CV, training, and assess together whether joining us further in the program will offer you what you’re looking for.

I already have a bunch of training, but I’m looking for some more info on a specific topic. Do you offer public workshops on specific topics?

We offer workshops and training based on demand. If you’re looking for a certain workshop or one-on-one consultation about a specific topic, please let us know! If there’s enough interest, then we can look into offering a full workshop, or we can look into one-on-one consultations.