6.22 A Conversation with Nathaniel Haywood

Nathaniel Haywood is a graduate of Illinois State University's Theatre Education program and has been teaching high school English and Theatre for 15 years, first at Normal West High School before moving on to Downers Grove South High School. As a theatre teacher, he has taught multiple theatre classes including Intro to Theatre, Acting I, Advanced Acting & Directing, and Theatre Design. His focus is directing and has directed or produced over 40 plays, musicals, and traveling contest shows. He has also volunteered in the Illinois theatre community extensively, including serving as a Secondary Representative for the Illinois Theatre Association and working with the Illinois Theatre Association & All-State production for 15 years, highlighted by working as the Festival's Executive Director for 2018 and the All-State Director for 2024. He enjoys the process of working with students to create honest and engaging art onstage, and the process of seeing students grow in their talents and identities is what makes it all worth it.