Hailey Hatfield
Have you ever heard someone whose voice was so gorgeous that you were totally transfixed by its power and beauty? That’s exactly what happened to me when Hailey Hatfield appeared in Act II of LCT’s Lend Me a Chainsaw. I was taken totally by surprise as I had never seen Hailey perform before. And not only does she have an incredible rock and roll angel voice, but she is also a fine actor as well. To say that this young woman is a force on stage is an understatement. Take a few moments to read about this talented young woman and rising star in DFW.
When was your first time on stage?
My first turn I was ever on stage…that’s a tough answer because my elementary school in Mansfield, Texas, used to put on little recital style musicals, but I think the first memory I have of me performing on stage was in my first grade class, with Mrs.Miller and Mrs. Waller, putting on a fundraiser musical to raise money to save the rainforests! And not to pat myself on the back, but 6 year old me was a pretty great cheetah, and to this day I still remember all the words to the songs.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
I knew I wanted to be an actor from a very early age, (I’ve always been very dramatic)- but I only realized it was actually a career I could actually pursue when I was about 15. My high school theatre and choir directors helped prep me for college auditions and since then, I’ve never looked back.
Who is your greatest mentor?
My greatest mentor…that’s a tough one to narrow down to one person! If I had to narrow it down to three, it would be my Highschool theatre director, Altraniecia Starr, my high school choir director, Reginal Wright, and my college voice instructor, Dr. Kevin Eckard. Of course, there’s several more, my parents being in the top as well, but these are the people who have also helped me in the industry and helped further my craft. I’m very thankful for them.
What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?
Having done Guys and Dolls 3 separate times, I loved playing Miss Adelaide (I’ve explored her twice and coached with Faith Prince), but Sgt. Sarah Brown was a whole new challenge for me. I’ve always played big characters in musicals, with larger than life personalities, so having to play someone a bit more human, and down to earth was a very fun challenge. I am so very thankful for that experience.
Do you have a dream role?
I have SEVERAL dream roles, ranging from Lizzie in Lizzie: a rock musical, to Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera! I have experience belting and being in operas, and I think getting the opportunity to have both of those ladies on my resume would be such a wonderful treat.
What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?
Oh goodness- there’s so many! I’d love the opportunity to perform with Faith Prince, rather than just for her, for one! Catherine Carpenter-Cox is another- we’re family and I’ve never shared the stage with her!! And goodness, after performing with all the wonderful people I’ve been given the opportunity to work with, the list goes on and on!
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
I’m always impressed by Plaza Theatre Co.’s performances, as well as Lyric Stage- but the last time I saw a show that really affected me was the national tour of Come From Away. I don’t think there was a dry eye (or nose, for the matter) in the audience.
What are your career goals?
As far as my career goals go, I just want to be on stage. In any aspect. Performing is my number one love, and I’ve traveled across the U.S. to attend auditions. I just want to sing and dance, and step into someone else’s life for a while. It’s so incredible, getting to explore someone new, or visiting someone you’ve met before but finding a new depth- these roles become more than just characters. I can’t even find the right words- I just want to perform and never stop. Stage, voice over work, film, television…it doesn’t matter. I just want to be performing, and, hopefully, inspiring someone else to start performing.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Something people might be surprised to learn about me is that before I decided to pursue musical theatre, I was convinced I was going to be a professional soccer player. I played right outside midfielder almost my whole life, then I got cast in my first musical…and soccer immediately went on the back burner. However, muscle memory is an incredible thing! I can still juggle a soccer ball!
