Biography
Claire Hayes (she/her) is a Denver based director, dramaturg, playwright, and performing artist. She is a 2022 graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University with a BFA in Theatre Arts, Directing and minors in Business Management and Administration. During university, she worked on many productions including, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (AD), Dance Nation (AD), Benjamin & Alex Practice Celibacy (Director), Pieces that Remain (Director), and Swear on My Mother's Grave (Director). In her current role as a House Manager for The Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, Claire is responsible for staff and audience services. Claire has also developed her awareness for disability in the arts by working closely with the group Spectrum Shakespeare on a year-long virtual production of Macbeth for individuals with autism. She looks forward to continuing her disability training by studying ASL and working with the Phamaly Theatre company this summer.
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Mission Statement
I am a theatre artist and I am to be a field leader. My purpose is to play with multidisciplinary arts and share stories that initiate discussions about societal change. Through dramaturgy, experimentation, and collaboration any ensemble can thrive.
Accessibility Statement
Accessibility is an axiom of the theatre process. Or it should be. In my practice, accessibility means awareness, advocacy, and equity. Accessibility is raising the standards of the space and process for all to operate fairly. It is not for me to tell someone how to operate their body or force mental connections, but rather remain curious and ask questions to the theatre makers directly. As a form of equity, I also believe in access checks, comfort corners, fidgets, breaks, and supporting multiple methods of learning.
I do not identify as a person with a disability. I do not have the lived experience to inform my work. Yet, I am committed to continuing my personal accessibility education and upholding the morals of Disability Justice by Patricia Berne. I am committed to supporting the artists and voices that have disabled lived experiences and making their stories visible.
Accessibility is a journey. It involves learning and growing with the needs of the people in practice. Being aware of personal identification and the change in language is active education. I seek to introduce accessibility awareness at the start of any practice and uplift the individuals in the space. Theatre is a people centric practice, so I view accessibility as putting people’s bodymind first.
Accessibility is the spirit on my shoulder shouting vivaciously about the needs of the room and the work. Is there a sense of community? Is this community welcomed or are there barriers to entry? Does this work serve this community? Do members of the community see themselves fairly represented on and off stage? I aim to create an equitable space where all artists can test, fail, and grow together.
Accessibility is for everyone.
Values
Curiosity
What happens when we approach obstacles and challenges with curiosity instead of adversity? Through questioning and discourse, the work can be elevated to new means of expression and performance.
Creativity
4 minds are more ethical than one. Every member of the creative process has lived experiences and ways of thinking that can inform the performance and the audience's experience.
Community
Every piece of theatre should speak to the moment. Who is coming to gather in space and how do they wish to see themselves reflected? A diverse community is a strong community.
Vision Statement
To achieve an equitable and accessible theatre craft, where artistic growth is cherished. My vision will be complete when everyone in the room knows that their value is recognized.