Speaker, Host, Professional Development & Workshop Facilitator

PictureAriya Hawkins accompanied by several Chicago-based theatre educators, addressing undergraduate students (pictured throughout) at Northwestern University after a teaching artists panel
ARIYA HAWKINS designs and leads interactive professional development workshops for educators, arts organizations, and cultural institutions seeking practical, embodied approaches to accessibility, audience engagement, and inclusive arts practice.

All of Hawkins' workshops are rooted in her lived experience as a teaching artist, performer, and racial healing practitioner. Participants leave with tools they can implement immediately, and utilize to actively benefit their students, their communities, and themselves as individuals in practical, measurable ways.
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Conference Room set-up prepared for Accessibility in the Arts Classroom, for Illinois Educators at the Museum of Contemporary Art, February 2026
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Ariya completing a workshop with undergraduate students at The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Theatre and Music
Additional Facilitation Offerings
  • Post-Performance Discussions & Talkbacks
  • Student Matinee Moderation
  • Audience Engagement Hosting
  • Accessibility-Focused Arts Training
  • Facilitating Difficult Conversations Through Art
  • Embodied Engagement for Young Audiences

Custom workshops and panel moderation available upon request.

Interested in bringing a workshop or facilitation experience to your institution? Let’s connect!
Featured Workshop
Accessibility in the Arts Classroom
A 2-hour interactive professional development experience for K–12 educators and arts practitioners
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This workshop equips arts educators with practical strategies to build sensory-aware, inclusive arts experiences that serve a diverse range of learners.
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Participants will explore:
  • Definitions, Models of Disability, and Relevant Statistics
  • Resistance, Advocacy, and the Disability Rights Movement
  • Our 8 Senses
  • Sensory Integration and it's role in Learning & Creativity
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Anti-Ableist Language and Language Etiquette
  • Accommodations, Exercises, and Practical Tools
  • Sensory-aware Art Making Practices
​​Designed for:
  • Arts educators (K–12)
  • Teaching artists
  • Museum educators
  • TYA professionals
  • School districts and arts organizations

Format:
  • 2-hour workshop (adaptable to half-day or full-day)
  • Highly interactive and discussion-based
  • Includes reflective exercises and applied practice

Recent Engagement:
Museum-based professional development for Illinois arts educators (50+ RSVPs; 30+ in attendance)

Testimonials available upon request.

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