Accessibility-Centered Arts Educator & Facilitator
Ariya leading a physical warm-up for students at a local park performance in the Uptown neighborhood, Chicago Children's Theatre & CircEsteem
Upon returning to Chicago, Ariya got her start with Chicago Children’s Theatre (CCT) through working with the Red Kite Project, a series of arts-based programs for youth on the autism spectrum, where she now teaches in on-site classes, residencies, and in Camp Red Kite. She also teaches with CCT for their ROAR Residencies, intended to teach students in Grades K-5 how to build resilience and navigate challenging life circumstances using the arts. Hawkins has had the privilege of teaching and facilitating youth experiences with various theatres and local organizations, including Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, A.B.L.E Ensemble, Congo Square Theatre Co., Filament Theatre, South Chicago Dance Theatre, Lifeline Theatre (KidSeries), Pemberley Productions
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ARIYA HAWKINS has worked across the nation as a theatre educator.
Shortly after graduating from Millikin University, Hawkins spent a year teaching & performing with The National Players, America's longest-running touring company, traveling to over 50 venues across the US with the first predominantly Black ensemble in the company's history. While on tour, she and her company taught students across a wide variety of ages and experiences, including youth living in residential treatment centers, incarcerated individuals, and adults with disabilities.
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Thank you notes from classrooms Ariya taught in throughout 2024
Students Taught by Ariya Hawkins:
and counting...
