Jenise's approach merges physical storytelling, trauma-informed practices, and consent-based communication to ensure that artists feel empowered and creatively free while portraying intimate moments. Whether working in classical or contemporary settings, her goal is to elevate both the artist and the art by cultivating an environment where vulnerability and creativity are explored with joy and agency.
Spilled Milk
FishTank Theatre
An intimacy director for theatre and live performance is a trained professional dedicated to ensuring the safety, well-being, and empowerment of actors and artistic collaborators during scenes involving physical intimacy, nudity, or other sensitive moments.The role of an Intimacy Director, first and foremost, is to be an advocate. The goal is to collaborate with the director and the actors to create authentic stories of intimacy and vulnerability. That job also expands to creating a culture of consent so that the artists working in the space can work safely and consensually.
Collective Rage
FishTank Theatre
As a movement specialist and intimacy director, Jenise's work extends beyond artistic expression—it is grounded in advocacy for artists and a dedication to reshaping the theater-making process into one that prioritizes consent, respect, and equity for all involved. She is committed to dismantling harmful industry practices, particularly those that have historically marginalized artists, and to create culturally conscious spaces where all performers can thrive.
Rock Opera
Glow Lyric Theatre
NEWS:
Jenise is currently the Intimacy Consultant for KCRep's production of
Broke-ology by Nathan Louis Jackson.
Direction: Francois Battiste
Feb 11 - March 2
KCRep Copaken Stage
KCRep for All Community Tour
Mar 6 - Mar 16
You can find more information at
Jenise is currently the Associate Director & Cultural Consultant for
Unicorn Theatre's production of
fire work by Mary Glen Fredrick.
Direction: Katie Gilchrist
Mar 12 - March 30
Unicorn Theatre | Levin Stage
You can find more information at
Specialties
Twelfth Night
Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCRep)
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Consent-forward practices
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Staging intimacy for various genres
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Live theater
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Opera
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Classical and contemporary productions
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New and devised work
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Musical Theatre
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Trauma-informed approaches
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Advocacy & industry reform
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Intimacy in movement-based work
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Power dynamics & actor agency
Training & Certification
Jenise is currently completing her certification with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC), a leading organization in intimacy direction for theater, film, and television.
Other leading organizations she has trained with include:
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Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE)
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Intimacy Coordinators of Color (ICOC)
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Right to Be
Specialized Training in:
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Mental Health First Aid (Certified)
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Anti-Racism
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Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation
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Allyship & Advocacy
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Implicit Bias Awareness
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Anti-Harassment & Anti-Sexual Harassment
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Ethics & Diversity
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Sensitivity Training
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Trauma Stewardship
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Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Smart People
Kansas City Actors Theatre (KCAT)
Cultural Consultation
Jenise Cook provides culturally conscious guidance for productions that explore sensitive racial themes, LGBTQ+ narratives, and culturally specific storytelling. She collaborates with directors, playwrights, and creative teams to ensure that these stories are approached with authenticity, ethical representation, and deep respect for the communities they depict.
With a commitment to equity and inclusivity, Jenise helps productions navigate staging, language, character dynamics, and thematic elements, fostering meaningful and responsible storytelling. Her work creates more responsible and inclusive spaces for artists and audiences, ensuring that all voices are uplifted with care and integrity."
The Devils Between Us
University of Kansas (KU)
Work with Jenise
Jenise offers intimacy direction/choreography, consultation, and consent workshops for theater companies, academic institutions, and independent productions. Whether a project requires full-scale intimacy choreography, culturally responsive training, or guidance in creating consent-forward rehearsal spaces, she is passionate about ensuring an inclusive and dynamic creative process.
Romeo and Juliet
University of Central Missouri (UCM)