My first AEA Showcase in NYC

Hayley just opened A House Divided -- a show about the political climate in 2021, and plays their first trans character on stage, becoming public about their journey with being non-binary.

I have been very private about my experience being non-binary. For many years since I moved to NYC, I kept it between my acting class, and my close friends. It wasn't until recently, where I decided to take "she" out of the equation entirely. I've never resonated with my gender, and this play forced me to take the next step. Now, I am making efforts to introduce myself with pronouns, and correcting the room if I feel safe to do so. I hate correcting people in any sense of the imagination, so this is a huge step outside my comfort zone in ways where I must move toward honouring myself.

Although I am uncertain about the playwright's views on gender, I took this show as an opportunity to play the words I was given with truth, dignity, and complexity, making Sammy a dynamic, fleshed-out human being. I had the voices of my acting teachers in the back of my head, which made me feel equipped to craft a performance regardless of my circumstances. I took this show as an opportunity to get back into my voice and speech routine, which I hope to continue with the recent influx of acting opportunities I've had come to me. I met the most amazing, supportive cast through this process, and I wouldn't take that back for the world. In fact, I am bringing Mark McKenna, who played my father, over to With A Bang, the show I am working on with my fiance in the fall. Mark will be playing my father again, and many other weirdos. Everything happens for a reason!