"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
Jennifer Fell Hayes
Minute of Appreciation
Jennifer Fell Hayes
Faculty Emerita
Off in the wings of a makeshift stage in the Meetinghouse, or in the shadows of the McCray Theater and, now, from the periphery of the professional stage at the Vineyard Theatre, Jennifer Fell Hayes has directed more than 60 student productions during her 22 years of service to Friends-each and every production always showcasing her boundless energy, infinite creativity and artistic vision. Jennifer, an accomplished and prolific playwright, has brought so much of herself and her art into her work at Friends. She directed students in Way's End, Seven Ages of Anne, and Time and Tide, all her own original, published plays. She is a gifted wordsmith and her sensitivity to language has inspired thousands of students over a 48 year career. Jennifer has a gift for pushing students to imagine "the magic as if." She takes tremendous joy in the rich imagination of children. It seems that her imagination and enthusiasm for the magic of drama hasn't faded in the least bit since her first production at Friends in 1991. Jennifer regularly stands up during Meeting for Announcements to promote an upcoming performance, and it is as if she were promoting her first play. Her eyes still twinkle with delight as she promotes the work of her cast. In addition to seemingly perpetual rehearsals, she has taught a full roster of courses and electives. She initiated the first-ever playwriting class at Friends, allowing students to explore the many facets of creativity involved in theater. She thrives on the sense of togetherness when putting on a production. Before each performance, she gathers students together for a moment of silence and to wish each other well. As the lights go down, she gives everyone a pat on the back and whispers, "have a great show." She challenges her students, but supports and encourages them with genuine warmth and care. Watching Jennifer's vision and hard work come to life on stage has been a privilege. We express heartfelt gratitude for the breadth and depth of her service and we are proud to honor her as Faculty Emerita.
Jennifer Fell Hayes
Faculty Emerita
Off in the wings of a makeshift stage in the Meetinghouse, or in the shadows of the McCray Theater and, now, from the periphery of the professional stage at the Vineyard Theatre, Jennifer Fell Hayes has directed more than 60 student productions during her 22 years of service to Friends-each and every production always showcasing her boundless energy, infinite creativity and artistic vision. Jennifer, an accomplished and prolific playwright, has brought so much of herself and her art into her work at Friends. She directed students in Way's End, Seven Ages of Anne, and Time and Tide, all her own original, published plays. She is a gifted wordsmith and her sensitivity to language has inspired thousands of students over a 48 year career. Jennifer has a gift for pushing students to imagine "the magic as if." She takes tremendous joy in the rich imagination of children. It seems that her imagination and enthusiasm for the magic of drama hasn't faded in the least bit since her first production at Friends in 1991. Jennifer regularly stands up during Meeting for Announcements to promote an upcoming performance, and it is as if she were promoting her first play. Her eyes still twinkle with delight as she promotes the work of her cast. In addition to seemingly perpetual rehearsals, she has taught a full roster of courses and electives. She initiated the first-ever playwriting class at Friends, allowing students to explore the many facets of creativity involved in theater. She thrives on the sense of togetherness when putting on a production. Before each performance, she gathers students together for a moment of silence and to wish each other well. As the lights go down, she gives everyone a pat on the back and whispers, "have a great show." She challenges her students, but supports and encourages them with genuine warmth and care. Watching Jennifer's vision and hard work come to life on stage has been a privilege. We express heartfelt gratitude for the breadth and depth of her service and we are proud to honor her as Faculty Emerita.
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.
