Juuso-Matias Maijanen

Juuso-Matias Maijanen

an artist-expert

+358 40 717 2486
info@juuso-matias.fi

Juuso-Matias - An Artist-Expert

I am Juuso-Matias (they/them), an artist-expert, a Finland-based performing arts professional. In productions I use my skills as an intimacy director and taistelukoreografina. Kouluissa toimin esittävien taiteiden kouluttajana erityisesti näillä kahdella erikoisalalla. Kuvaan usein omaa työtäni pedagogical and didactical.

Punon nimittäin työssäni yhteen muiden ihmisten praktiikoita, taitoja sekä tietoja, sillä minun työtäni ei ole tehdä muiden töitä vaan vain tarjota oma asiantuntemukseni muiden käyttöön.

Juuso-Matias

Master of Fine Arts
Intimacy Director
Fight Director
Performing Arts Pedagogue
Physical Actor

Olen rakentanut taiteilija-asiantuntijan praktiikkani alun perin liikepohjaiselle näyttelijäntyölle puolentoista vuosikymmenen ajan. Näistä kymmenen vuotta olen erikoistunut läheisyyden ja väkivallan tarinoiden kertomiseen.

MFA in Performing Arts and Media at Stockholm University of the Arts (SKH) - 2025

I did my Degree of Master in Fine Arts in Performing Arts and Media at Stockholm University of the Arts 2023-2025. These studies concentrated in developing my own practice with the tools of artistic research and thematic research areas of SKH.

Intimacy Director* at Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC)

I have studied intimacy direction with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators I have finished my level 3, but have been checking boxes for my official graduation since 2025. Before IDC I studied with their predecessor Intimacy Directors International from 2017 onwards, and have worked continuously with intimacy since then.

A Teacher-Student at Nordic Stage Fight Society (NSFS)

I have studied stage combat pedagogy since 2023 in the mentor program of Nordic Stage Fight Society (NSFS) under Iiro Heikkilä, a teacher at Dramatic Combat Finland(DCF). My studies with NSFS and DCF span all the way to 2015, but I have been crafting different pieces of fight choreography since early 2011.

Teatteripedagogi (AMK) - Ammattikorkeakoulu Novia (Novia) - 2019

I studied performing arts pedagogy (scenkonstpedagogik) with Novia University of the Applied Sciences until 2019. Besides my two specialities (intimacy and violence), I have taught classes in mime, pantomime, physical acting and different dramatic movement techniques. I also teach basic courses in theatre now and then.

Bachelor of Culture and Arts at Novia University of Applied Sciences (Novia) - 2015

My degree in physical theatre from Novia University of Applied Sciences is from 2015. The program concentrated heavily on physical acting techniques, but spent a few courses delving into directing, choreographing and teaching.

An Artist-Expert - A Performance-Weaver

Työni läheisyyskoreografina ja taistelukoreografina pohjaa käytännöllisiin tarinankerronnallisiin valintoihin. Arvostan tehokasta ajan ja energian käyttöä. Ymmärrän kuitenkin, että taiteen tekeminen itsessäänkin vaatii usein omat sivupolkunsa ja riittävän aikansa. 

Väkivallan esittäminen

When using terms like portrayed violence, dramatic violence, or stage combat and screen combat, I mean an approach used to create different, humanly sustainable magic tricks, illusions that let us tell the story of violence. I would always like to use terms like "portrayed violence" or "fake violence" when I speak of these to avoid confusions with the real-life violence. 

Saatamme käyttää näitä työkaluja kertoaksemme tarinoita miekkailusta, sodasta tai lähisuhdeväkivallasta. Toisaalta väkivalta voi punoutua teoksiimme myös hienovaraisemmin väkivallan uhan tai henkisen väkivallan hetkinä.

My Fight Director Path

In the role of fight director, I work as the artist-expert of violent material. I have done dramatic combat in its different forms since 2011. Since 2015 I have done my formal studies mainly with instructors of Nordic Stage Fight Society and Dramatic Combat Finland. I officially started in NSFS teacher program under Iiro Heikkilä in May 2024. 

Esitetty läheisyys

Esitetty läheisyys, näyttämöläheisyys ja lavastettu läheisyys tarkoittaa sisältää ajatuksen kestävästä tavasta rakentaa intiimejä tilanteita.

Läheisyyskohtauksia ovat klassisesti seksi- tai alastonkohtaukset sekä kohtaukset, joihin liittyy seksuaalisesti latautunutta koskettelua. Samoja työkaluja voi kuitenkin käyttää myös kun esitetään esimerkiksi perheenjäsenten, ystävien tai työparien välisiä hetkiä. Herkät, tarkat ja kokonaisvaltaiset läheisyyden työskentelytavat luovat kuitenkin pohjaa koko työryhmän laajuiselle yhteistyölle. 

My Intimacy Director Path

I have learned my Intimacy Director skills with Intimacy Director International ja viimeistellyt tason 3 erikoisharjoitteluni Intimacy Directors and Coordinators -yhteisön järjestelmässä. Viimeistelen vielä hetken aikaa Intimacy Directors and Coordinatorsin tason 4 sertifikaatiota, joka tarjoaa käyttööni mentoreina ja keskustelukumppaneina maailman johtavat läheisyyskoreografit.

Taiteellisten tuotantojen matkani läheisyyden ja väkivallan pariin


FIGHT DIRECTOR, Tampereen Ylioppilasteatteri: MacBeth Rock Musical (2026, Tampere)

I fight-directed fencing parts for MacBeth Musical at Tampere Student Theater. I also helped create dynamic containers for some parts of the stylized mass battle.

FIGHT DIRECTOR, Teatteri Soittorasia: Lumikuningatar (2025, Porvoo)

I fight-directed several fencing and spear-fighting moments for Teatteri Soittorasia in their performance of Lumikuningatar (Snow Queen). This was part of Soittorasia's annual dramatic combat courses which are part of their basic theatre education program.

INTIMACY COORDINATOR, Helsinki-filmi: Jään vangit - Icebreaker (2024, Helsinki)

Keskityin Jäänmurtajassa koreografian rakentamisprosessiin, jotta pystyimme paremmin kertomaan tarinaaa hahmojen välisestä intensiivisestä, monisyisestä ihmissuhteesta. IMDB LINKKI

THEATRE DIRECTOR, Turun Suurtorin keskiaika ry: Elävöitetty Pyhiinvaellus - A living pilgrimage (2023, Turku)

Turun suurtorin keskiaika wanted to have an immersive performance in connection with their new pilgrimage project. I directed four small independent scenes to the nature of South-Western Finland between the Church of Lemu and City of Turku. The intent behind these scenes was to stop people to consider the value of internal journeys, comical nature of life and beauty of nature.

INTIMACY COORDINATOR, coffee n’ movies: Neon Moon (2021-2024, Kouvola)

Neon Moon is an indie cyberpunk short film by coffee'n'movies. As part of my intimacy-coordination, I supported the production with relationship-dramaturgical tools and coordinated and choreographed the key moments of the sibling-relationship of the movie.

LINK TO RECORDING

INTIMACY DIRECTOR, Avatar’s Journey Travel Agency and &-theater: Love Simulation EVE (2023, Espoo)

Love Simulation EVE was an indie-production combining virtual reality (VR) and immersive live-performance. It was experienceable at &-theater, Espoo City Theater. I took part of the process as an intimacy director and intimacy coordinator from the very beginning of the conceptual phase to the first night. This production was an excellent example of how an intimacy director can be used to their fullest: I was part of the production group for several years.

FIGHT COORDINATOR, Turku University of Applied Sciences: Eräänä… Zombietrilogia (2022)

I crafted the fight choreographies for this post-apocalyptic student film.

INTIMACY COORDINATOR, Kaiho Republic: Swang 2nd season (2022, Helsinki)

I supported the young actors with choreographical and structural tools in their scenes including squabbles, falling in love and playful togetherness.

INTIMACY COORDINATOR, Yellow Film & TV: Kiitos elämä (2022, Helsinki)

I helped in intimacy coordination of Kiitos elämä television series

INTIMACY COORDINATOR, Warner Bros Finland: Aallonmurtaja 4th season (2022, Helsinki)

I supported some actors in finding their movement choices and support structures in order to sharpen and add playfulness to their intimate scenes.

INTIMACY DIRECTOR, Love Simulation EVE: Water Spirits (2020-2022)

I worked as an intimacy director for an indie experience about human connection in VR. This piece later became a part of Love Simulation EVE. LINK TO DESCRIPTION

INTIMACY COORDINATOR AND FIGHT COORDINATOR, Fyr Films: The Demon of Midday (2021, Praque, Czech Republic)

In this student production I worked online in supporting the cast in Praque, Czech Republic with both their scenes of violence and intimacy mainly giving them protocols for nudity and relationship dramaturgy.

IMBD LINK

FIGHT DIRECTOR AND PHYSICAL ACTOR, Medieval Turku: Medieval Ferry (2021, Turku)

I co-choreographed and co-directed a simple fight performance for Turun suurtorin keskiaika.

FILM DIRECTOR, Turun suurtorin keskiaika: Medieval Market Online (2020, Turku)

I directed several short films about the daily lives of people in medieval Turku as a part of the Online Medieval Market.
PART 1, PART 2 , PART 3

THEATRE DIRECTOR, Åbolands Teaterskola: Världen runt i åttio dagar (2019, Turku)

I directed a performance for the students at the basic theatre education group that I was teaching.

THEATRE DIRECTOR, Åbolands Teaterskola: Om allt bara var bra (2019, Turku)

I directed a performance for the students at the basic theatre education group that I was teaching.

PHYSICAL ACTOR, Teatteri Iris: Tyttö ja Herra K (2018, Tampere)

I worked as a physical actor in a Teatteri Iris piece. I played the roles of the father and the viking and acted as a part of dancing ensemble. I also took part in creation of fight choreographies with my then-future mentor Iiro Heikkilä.

CHOIR MEMBER AND DRAMATURG, Kanervakuoro: Rauhan laulut (2018, Tampere)

I did help the choir I was part of to craft a simple dramaturgy for their live performance Rauhan laulut.

FIGHT DIRECTOR, Suomen Musiikkiteatteri Akatemia: Merry Wives of Windsor (2017, Tampere)

I was the physical theatre teacher at Suomen Musiikkiteatteri Akatemia 2014-2017 before the school declared bankruptcy. During this time, I also fight directed all their student productions. Merry Wives of Windsor was one of these.

CHOIR MEMBER, Kanervakuoro: Lauluja Metsäpolulta (2017, Tampere)

I took part in a choir performance as a tenor.

PHYSICAL ACTOR, Kompastusjoukko: Lepus (R)evolution (2017, Tampere)

I was one of the creators of Kompastusjoukko's third physical theatre performance which combined lights, origami masks and music, and was performed as a part of Night of the Arts during Tampere Theatre Summer.

THEATRE DIRECTOR, Jyväskylän kansannäyttämö: Saaren kätköissä – A 50-year anniversary play (2016, Jyväskylä)

I directed an hour-long mask theatre adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island for five actors.

LINK TO A REVIEW

PHYSICAL ACTOR AND PRODUCER, Kompastusjoukko: Jäävuorivaara - Iceberg-danger (2016, Tampere)

Kompastusjoukko's second physical theatre performance was ordered for Earth Hour. It included a huge piece of sewn-together cloth, live lanterns, cardboard houses and several physical actors.

PHYSICAL ACTOR, Kompastusjoukko: More Amore (2015, Tampere)

Kompastusjoukko's first physical theatre performance was created for Häme Medieval Market. There we simply told a silly story of love and contact with the use of classical commedia dell'arte masks.

STUDENT-PERFORMER, Novia University of Applied Sciences: Tuikesilmä (2015, Vaasa)

Rakensin sooloesityksen ja esiinnyin siinä osana Peeled-festivaalia. Tämä oli osa fyysisen teatterin opintojani Ammattikorkeakoulu Noviassa.

PHYSICAL ACTOR STUDENT, Novia University of Applied Sciences: Om et DrömSpel (2015, Vaasa)

Esiinnyin Tom Fjordefalkin ohjaamassa esityksessä osana fyysisen teatterin opintojani.

PHYSICAL ACTOR STUDENT, Novia University of Applied Sciences: Kurokami (2014, Vaasa)

I performed a dance from classical Nihon Buyou repertoire Beats and Prayers festival as part of my physical theatre studies. This was a presentation of what I had learned during my exchange studies in Japan under autumn 2013.

STUDENT-DIRECTOR, Novia University of Applied Sciences: Den skalliga förtrollerskan (2012, Vaasa)

I directed Eugene Ionesco’s text as a part of my physical theatre studies at Novia University of Applied Sciences.

STUDENT PHYSICAL ACTOR, Novia University of Applied Sciences: Purgatorium (2012, Vaasa)

I acted William Butler Yeat's Purgatorium as directed by Liv Nordgren as a part of my physical theatre studies at Novia University of Applied Sciences

PHYSICAL ACTOR STUDENT, Novia University of Applied Sciences: Inför lyckta dörrar (2012, Vaasa)

Näyttelin Elin Smedlundin versiossa Jean-Paul Sartren tekstiä osana opintojani Ammattikorkeakoulu Noviassa.

PHYSICAL ACTOR, Vaasa Market of Possibilities: Gorou (2014, Vaasa)

I performed a dance from classical Nihon Buyou repertoire at the market event.

PHYSICAL ACTOR AND FIGHT DIRECTOR, Teatteri Outolintu: Vaudeville Moustache (2013, Vaasa)

I was one of the physical performers and choreographers for the Dinner Show Performance in Vaasa.

LINK TO THEATRE'S WEBSITE

PHYSICAL ACTOR, Sampei Fes: Kurokami, Gorou and others (2013, Kyoto)

I performed at SampeiFes festival in Kyoto, Japan during my exchange studies there. I performed dances from classical Nihon Buyou repertoire and learned a few contemporary pieces adapted to the festival.

PHYSICAL ACTOR, Vaasa Lunch Picnic: physical theatre pieces (2012, Vaasa)

I worked as a summer performer at the Vaasa Lunch Picnic where I created several live performances for the picnic-goers. These included a music-theatre performance and several clown numbers.

MOVEMENT DIRECTOR, Animecon IX: Gin! the Musical (2012, Kuopio)

I worked as a summer performer at the Vaasa Lunch Picnic where I created several live performances for the picnic-goers. These included a music-theatre performance and several clown numbers.

An Artist Expert - A Special Skills Educator

Kouluttamistyöni tarkoitus on erikoisalojeni tekniikoiden saatavuuden lisääminen kaikille kentällä työskenteleville.

Koulutuksellinen työni tulevaisuuden ammattilaisten parissa on tästä näkökulmasta elintärkeää esittävän taiteen kentälle. Olen tehnyt tätä työtä Taideyliopistossa, ammattikorkeakoulussa ja kansanopistotasolla, mutta opetan mielelläni myös teatterin perusopetusoppilaita sekä harrastajateattereita. Suurin osa nykypäivänkin ammattilaisista on kuitenkin aikanaan ollut harrastajia: ja perusasioiden oppiminen jo varhaisessa vaiheessa helpottaa tulevaisuuden yhteistyötämme. 

Liikkumistekniikoiden lisäksi opetan erilaisia toimintatapoja, joiden tarkoitus on keventää ja syventää työskentelyä erikoisalojeni kanssa. Näihin liittyy esimerkiksi konkreettisen ja dramaturgisen kielen jatkaminen läheisyyden tai väkivallan sanastolla sekä toisaalta erilaiset suunnitelmat, jotka helpottavat koko työryhmän työskentelyä. 

Taustani fyysisessä, liikepohjaisessa näyttelijäntyössä sekoittaa erilaisia miimitekniikoita, naamioteatteria, liikeanalyysia sekä perinteisiä ja historiallisia liiketyylejä Aasiasta ja Euroopasta. Perusharjoitteluni jälkeen olen syventynyt vuosikymmenen ajan läheisyyteen ja väkivaltaan. Olen opiskellut esitettyä läheisyyttä pääasiassa Intimacy Directors and Coordinators kanssa ja väkivallan esittämistä Pohjoismaisessa näyttämötaisteluyhdistyksessä, Nordic Stage Fight Societyssä sekä Dramatic Combat Finland.

Hyödynnän koko tätä kolmella mantereella kerättyä työkalustoani kaikessa opetustyössäni.
Jos en ole paras ihminen kouluttamaan jotain tiettyä aihetta tai tekniikkaa, mielelläni suosittelen myös toisenlaisen osaamisprofiilin kollegaa.

My educator experiences with intimacy and violence

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, Nordic Stage Fight Society Summer Workshop (2025, Pärnu)

I was assisting, co-teaching and teaching at the traditional NSFS Summer Workshop in Pärnu.

GUEST LECTURER, University of the Arts Helsinki: Consent Day (2024, Helsinki)

I taught a day-long workshop of consent, its anatomy and mechanics, to the first year master-students of all the programs at the university of the arts.

GUEST TEACHER, University of the Arts Helsinki: Intimacy Choreography (2023)

I was one of the guest teachers at University of the Arts Intimacy Choreography course taught by Marjo-Riikka Mäkelä.

PHYSICAL THEATRE TEACHER, Turku University of Applied Sciences: Physical Expression 1 (2021, Turku)

I taught an autumn long physical theatre course, delving through different forms and approaches to the expressive, communicative and articulative acting techniques of physical theatre.

THEATRE TEACHER, Turku Finnish Language Community College: Humane Theatre (2021)

I taught a course in so-called humane theatre, an approach of mine where we use some accessible, easy to learn physical theatre techniques to the simple versions of technical theatre (lights, sounds, costumes, scenography and props) to create a total performances.

PHYSICAL THEATRE TEACHER, Turku Dansart: Physical Theatre, Mime and Pantomime (2021, Turku)

I taught several weekly lessons in general physical theatre, mime (acting technique) and pantomime (technique of gesture language) at Turku Dansart, an association for professional performers in Turku.

STAGE COMBAT INSTRUCTOR, Teatteri Soittorasia: Stage Combat Basics (2020-2026, Porvoo)

I have taught stage combat courses as part of Teatteri Soittorasia's basic theatre education program since 2020.

THEATRE TEACHER, Turku Swedish Workers’ College: Mänsklig teater med din egen kropp - Humane theatre with your own body (2020)

I taught a Swedish-language version of Humane Theatre course at Åbo Svenska Arbetarinstitut in spring 2020.

STAND-IN FOR THE MAIN TEACHER, Varsinais-Suomen kansanopisto: Theatre and Make-up Program (2020, Paimio)

I worked as a stand-in for the main teacher at at Varsinais-Suomen kansanopisto during spring 2020. During this course we went through techniques of intensive acting: how to act the violent and intimate situations.

THEATRE TEACHER, Turku Student Theatre: Stage Combat and Intimacy for the Stage courses (2019)

I taught two day courses for Turku Student theatre in 2019.

ASSISTANT TEACHER, Intimacy Directors International: intimacy workshops (2019, Los Angeles, Hollywood and Houston at US)

I visited the US in 2019, and worked there as an assistant-teacher for several intimacy courses organized by Intimacy Directors International and their intimacy directors. I also shadowed a few working professionals in their teaching, and had discussions and simulations with more experienced intimacy directors.

THEATRE TEACHER, Åbolands Teaterskola (2018-2019, Turku)

I worked as a main teacher for several courses (classes 1-2, 5-6, 7-8 and 9+) in Swedish-language basic arts education at Åbolands Teaterskola during academic year 2018-2019.

STAGE COMBAT INSTRUCTOR, Suomen teatteriopisto: special course in intimate violence (2018, Tampere)

I taught a two-week course in intimate violence at Suomen teatteriopisto's second year students.

CONTACT IMPROV TEACHER, Tampere Contact Improv (2015-2018, Tampere)

I taught regularly at Tampere Contact Improvisation (TreKI) during 2015-2018. I also participated in writing their Jamming Guidelines and creation of Improv Buddy (kontsukummi) system.

THEATRICAL INTIMACY EDUCATOR, Teatteri Iris: Intimate Moments (2018, Tampere)

I taught a weekend course in staging intimacy to Teatteri Iris, a small independent theatre in Tampere.

THEATRE PEDAGOGUE, Teatteri Iris: Tyttö ja Herra K (2018, Tampere)

I worked as a theatre pedagogue for a Teatteri Iris piece, creating a school-material that would help teachers to go into the dark topic of the play with their children.

THEATRE TEACHER, Koskikotikeskus 55+ group: Humane Theatre (2018, Tampere)

I taught my first ever humane theatre course to the 55+ group of Koskikotikeskus. This was part of my paid internship during my pedagogical studies at Novia University of Applied Sciences.

STAGE COMBAT INSTRUCTOR, Pirkan opisto: Stagefight course (2017, Pirkkala)

I taught a three-weekend stagefighting course to the theatre students at Pirkan opisto.

PHYSICAL THEATRE TEACHER, Suomen Musiikkiteatteri Akatemia (2014-2017, Tampere)

I worked as the physical theatre teacher at this community college during 2014-2017 teaching a weekly lesson of three hours covering various forms of physical theatre.

HEMA INSTRUCTOR, Vaasa Fencers Society - VaMi (2011-2015, Vaasa)

I researched, studied and taught Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) at Vaasa Fencers Society (VaMi) in 2011-2015.

DANCE INSTRUCTOR, Vaasa Historical Dance Group (2011-2015)

I researched, studied and taught historical dance and folk dance in Vaasa 2011-2015 with the local dance group in the Levande Tradition project.

PHYSICAL THEATRE TEACHER, Jyväskylän kansannäyttämö: Several Physical Theatre courses (2013-2014, Jyväskylä)

I taught several courses at Jyväskylän Kansannäyttämö from 2013 onwards, after which I was asked to direct their 50-year anniversary performance Saaren kätköissä.

HEMA TEACHING ASSISTANT, Jyväskylä Swordfighting Society (2010-2011, Jyväskylä)

I practiced and finally started to study leading HEMA classes at Jyväskylä Swordfighting Society between 2010-2011.

Juuso-Matias - An Artist-Expert

Kun edes harkitset palkkaavasi minut läheisyyskoreografiksi tai taistelukoreografiksi, ole heti yhteydessä. Luen mielelläni mahdollisimman aikaisin käsikirjoituksenne ja muut suunnitelmanne läpi sekä teen pikapurkuja huomioistani. Varaan myös jo etukäteen aikaa kalenteriini, sillä se täyttyy aina yllättävän nopeasti.

I hope to keep my work economically accessible to different organizations. If your organization, indie production or amateur theatre couldn’t pay the collective agreement level of salary, please still be in contact. There are always ways to collaborate and find solutions: it is simply about having a bit of creativity and discuss these things honestly. 

Olen jättänyt alle omat yhteystietoni. Ole yhteydessä sähköpostilla, sosiaalisen median kautta tai soita. Puhelimeni on yleensä äänettömällä. Jos siis soitat, enkä vastaa, soitan takaisin, kun huomaan puhelusi.

Let’s collaborate in the near future!

Juuso-Matias Maijanen

Juuso-Matias Maijanen

an artist-expert

+358 40 717 2486
info@juuso-matias.fi