Hailee Dyer

From the moment the luminous Hailee Dyer stepped on stage in the lead role of Alice in Theatre Arlington’s recent wonderful production of You Can’t Take It With You, I was a goner. Hailee is one of those rare performers who seem to have an inner light that beams brightly and connects them to an audience. I sat there mesmerized by Hailee’s every movement, totally under her spell. She is so at ease, so completely natural on stage, that she became the character and I became totally enamored of Hailee Dyer and her remarkable talent. Take a few moments to read about this exciting young actor.

When was your first time on stage?

I remember being 7 years old in my first school play. We were all specific patches in a garden. I played the role of the Cabbage Queen. I honestly can’t remember what the role was about, but I have a distinct memory of my family being there, supporting me the whole time. There’s even a photo from that day that reminds me that before I even truly knew what I was doing, this was something I loved.

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

I think I knew as young as 14. My parents did a great job helping me explore my passions. It wasn’t until theatre that I found something I truly loved. Sports didn’t stick, the orchestra was nice, but acting brought my heart the most joy. I committed to it even then.

Who is your greatest mentor?

My greatest mentor is Steve D. Morris, who happened to be my high school teacher. His effort and commitment to his program, Blue Curtain, trained me to love theatre beyond the stage. He removed the vanity from acting and highlighted the commitment to story and community. After his and my last year at Lamar High School in 2015, he has continued to be a sounding board in my career and my path as an actress. Being part of this show was very special for that reason.

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

Every role has had its own joy, so I can’t pick a favorite. Whether it’s the laughter backstage, the tears on stage, or the process of learning and connecting with characters, I’m always in awe of how beautiful and enriching the process of putting on a show is. Every. Single. Time.

Do you have a dream role?

I would love to play Mimi in Rent.

What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

I would be honored to share the stage with Viola Davis or Denzel Washington. They are extraordinary at what they do. But honestly, there’s a true gift in being on stage with any theatre actor. Everyone brings something special, and this show was proof of that. In You Can’t Take It With You, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of DFW’s finest, and I don’t take that lightly. I cherish every cast member I’ve been blessed to work alongside.

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

Well, I’ve been captivated by many performances—how can I ever limit this to just a few?

What are your career goals?

Truth be told, I want to innovate theatre for a younger generation of audiences and for people of color. I want to help theatre thrive in a way where funding, ticket sales, and community impact are all accomplished in one breath. One step at a time.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Life is full of surprises. One of my favorites is that my work as an actress has led me down many paths, and I am currently a pageant titleholder preparing to compete in Miss Planet USA next month. Pageantry comes at a high cost, but it gives me the opportunity to merge my talents and gifts with a philanthropic purpose.