Elevating Stories... Empowering Artists ... Embracing Play!
NEWS
Jenise is currently the Intimacy Director for
Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage
at Kansas City Actors Theatre (KCAT)
Dates: Aug 5 - 23
Location: City Stage in Union Station
Directed by: Teresa Leggard
For ticket info visit kcactors.org
PROCESS
Jenise is an Intimacy Director (Theatre/Live Stage) and Intimacy Coordinator (Film/TV) specializing in consent-based processes for staged intimacy and vulnerable physical storytelling. She collaborates with directors and performers to build clear, efficient, and repeatable work that serves the story while supporting artists through transparent communication and shared language. Jenise's focus is on creating conditions for safer, more supported, and artist-centered rehearsal and performance environments.
One of The Good Ones
Kansas City Repertory Theatre
As a movement specialist and intimacy professional, 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
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
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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TV / FILM
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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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Artist advocacy
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Intimacy in movement-based work
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Power dynamics & actor agency
TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
Jenise is currently completing her full 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
*Intimacy resume available upon request*
Smart People
Kansas City Actors Theatre (KCAT)
CULTURAL CONSULTATION
The Devils Between Us
University of Kansas (KU)
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."
MEDIA
Take a look at this interview on the intimacy process for
One of the Good Ones at KCREP
Jenise's motto:
"Boundaries Make Art Better"
RECENT WORK
*NEWS*
Jenise recently received a Meritorious Award for Intimacy Choreography from the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) for her contribution on the 2025 production of Cabaret at the University of Central Missouri.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
Jenise offers intimacy direction/choreography, intimacy coordination, consultation, and consent workshops for theater companies, films/shorts, 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)