It’s nice to meet you.
Kayla is a Director, Intimacy Director, and Intimacy Coordinator.
Though she is currently based in Chicago, they have worked in various other cities including Cleveland, OH, Sacramento, CA, and Green Bay, WI. Kayla approaches her work from a place of compassion, communication, and consent. Deriving inspiration from her background as a dancer, Kayla creates lyrical compositions and uses breath to highlight the stories and journeys of the characters. Kayla is drawn to non-realism and different ways to tell stories outside of the confines of what is expected.
Kayla is a graduate of Cleveland State University. They were also a Production Intern in the first class at Dobama Theatre and the Directing Apprentice at Capital Stage Company. She co-founded Unheard Of Company in Chicago which specializes in bringing historically marginalized voices to the stage through the workshop and production of deeply personal new work. Kayla has extensive training in Intimacy Direction from both Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE) and Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC). Upon completion of Level III with IDC this summer, they are now pending certification in Intimacy Direction for Theatre. Kayla’s intimacy work has been seen on many Chicago stages including Prop Thtr, The Impostors, Factory Theatre, Idle Muse Theatre, The Understudy, and The Meat Machine. Kayla was recognized by American Theatre Magazine as one of the “6 Theatre Workers You Should Know” in Chicago.
Outside of work, Kayla enjoys playing lots of D&D, spending time outside, and enjoying all of the different entertainment Chicago has to offer.
What people are saying…
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"I served as a director and a director of photography for 2 separate short films in which Kayla Menz was the intimacy coordinator and have nothing but good things to say about her passion, work ethic, and professionalism that she puts into intimacy coordinating. Working with her as a director, she really helped my actors feel comfortable in a number of different scenes in which they were kissing passionately and her approach to coordinating felt safe and collaborative while not stepping on or limiting the story and film as a whole; in fact, my actors had nothing but positive things to say of their experience working with Kayla and subsequently, me and our production. The same can be said when I worked with her serving as a cinematographer. Kayla's technique and approach to handling nudity and intimacy never infringed on my own work while it was clear her preparation is thorough and helped actors feel safe, natural and comfortable in front of the camera which only allowed me to do my job to the best that I could."
Tin Nguyen
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"Kayla's work as intimacy coordinator on my short film Bros Before really elevated the work and a layer of depth to the project that I wouldn't have been able to achieve on my own. In addition to beautifully choreographing the obvious sex scenes, they found numerous small moments in the script to add intimacy -- like touches and breathplay -- that didn't even occur to me as the writer/director but that ended up being invaluable in terms of bringing the characters to life. Kayla brought terrific energy to rehearsals and set, finding a great balance of focus and fun. The actors told me repeatedly that they felt really taken care of and that the process was very enjoyable."
Henry Hanson
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"I had the absolute pleasure of collaborating with Kayla for my short film Emergence. During filming, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strict film set regulations, we were forced to conduct most of our intimacy work online. Yet, Kayla was such a professional throughout the entire process - they conducted all their exercises over zoom and even though she was virtual for most of the production, her presence was definitely felt throughout. The kiss scene would not have nearly had the same level of craft and narrative as it currently does without Kayla's expertise and guidance."
Rey Tang
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"Kayla is an extremely thoughtful and attentive director. Every action they give you has purpose and moves the play forward. Working with them is like working with that English teacher you loved in high school. You can't wait for class and yet at the same time you want to hang in their office while you eat lunch and talk about your favorite TV show all day long! "..."Kayla is an incredibly gentle intimacy coordinator. They'll explain everything they want you to do in full detail, talk to you through it, and take care of you as you perform the choreography. They're open to any questions you may have and never fail to make sure you feel safe. They set up the standard I have whenever I work on intimate scenes now. "
Holly Souchack
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"I have worked with Kayla on multiple full length productions now. She is my "go-to" whenever I need an Intimacy Director. Kayla creates a welcoming, structured, and playful environment to ask questions, problem solve, and get to know one another- a safe space. She approaches her work equipped with answers, ideas, and a willingness to help where needed. Kayla is consistent and timely, always respecting the time and effort put in by those around her. She is a bright and playful energy to have in the room, while also being a rock of professionalism. She takes her positions seriously and handles them with great care."
Stefan Roseen