My City February 2023

MYARTS

JANET HALEY A Life on Stage

BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOS BY SCOT ORSER & PROVIDED BY JANET HALEY

“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts …” – Jaques, “As You Like It”

A s “Jaques,” one of her most cherished roles performed with the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, Janet Haley was honored to deliver one of the most iconic speeches of The Bard’s literary career. “All the world’s a stage” it begins and for Haley, the line couldn’t be truer. For her, the stage is anywhere and everywhere there’s a story to tell. From childhood puppet shows in her garage to today’s historic places and iconic stages in the city of Flint that she has always called home, Haley finds purpose in the art of the show. “Theatre feeds my sense of imagination, storytelling and sharing and that’s what brings me a sense of joy,” she states. “For me, it was never about money or being famous. It was about telling stories together with people and for people.” Through the years, Haley has had success in roles both onstage and off. As an actor, she has played countless roles here and throughout the country,

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