How Theater Alum Max Hayden Earned CCRI’s Fifth Gamm Fellowship

06/11/2025

WARWICK, RI. -- When an opportunity presented itself, Max Hayden took it and ran with it.

Hayden initially focused on behind-the-scenes work for CCRI’s theater program. But after accepting and thriving in the lead role for the school’s Yellowman production in 2023, Hayden became a fixture of the school’s theater program over the last two years.

Now, Hayden, who graduated in the spring, will continue his career at the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theater as one of three new fellows in its 2025-26 Gamm Fellowship Program. The 10-month paid program is a partnership between the theater and Rhode Island’s higher-education institutions to provide on-the-job opportunities for artists of color.

Hayden, who lives in Warwick, is the fifth CCRI theater alum selected for the 10-month fellowship program since its inception in 2021. He follows Allison “Sonny” Wong (2024-25), Mireya Hoffens (2023-24), Ednilson Tavares (2022-23), and Dan Garcia (2021-22).

“It was such a good feeling to be seen in that way,” the 21-year-old said of learning he’d been named a Gamm fellow. “It was validating.”

Hayden developed his love for entertainment at a young age. When his mom would leave the house, she’d use “SpongeBob SquarePants” episodes, which last 15 minutes, to give Hayden estimated return times. Two “SpongeBobs” meant she’d be back in 30 minutes; four “SpongeBobs” meant she’d be back in an hour – and so on.

“That really made me connect to the TV because I knew when those episodes were over with, I’d see my mom again,” Hayden said. “I just got more and more involved and in love with television.”

You wouldn’t know it by watching him act, but Hayden was very shy in high school and remained nervous about acting upon arriving at CCRI in 2022. He was involved in the theater program but was uncomfortable with the idea of performing in front of an audience.

However, a conversation with Theatre Program Director Ted Clement changed everything.

Clement, needing help for CCRI’s Yellowman production, approached Hayden about filling a role. When Hayden balked, Clement insisted. Hayden eventually committed – and the rest is history.

“There was always a thought (about acting) ever since Age 5,” Hayden said. “But there sometimes has to be a physical push -- and Ted was my physical push. If it was not for Ted … I’m just so thankful.”

Hayden initially thought he’d lend acting support as needed. But when it became clear there was a need for more actors to deliver lines for Yellowman, he signed on for six different roles.

Nerves crept in before showtime but disappeared once the show began.

“I was extremely nervous,” Hayden said. “I was so nervous. And then the lights came up, and it was like this was the feeling I’ve always been waiting for. I felt like that 5-year-old version of me again. There weren’t any nerves.”

And the six roles? Just what Hayden needed.

“I don’t think I would’ve grown so much if it weren’t for playing all those roles,” he said. “I came out euphoric. … I needed (acting), but I didn’t know I needed it.

The performance served as a launching pad.

Hayden played Charlie Brown in CCRI’s production of the eponymous musical. He also played John Wilkes Booth in Assassins, Prince Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing, Domitius Enobarbus in Antony and Cleopatra, and Jack Nicholson’s famous character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Earlier this year, Hayden and fellow CCRI theater alum Benjamin Card were named finalists at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival’s prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition.

Hayden blossomed under Clement’s mentorship. Now, he’ll look to make the most of his next big opportunity.

"The Gamm Fellowship is a remarkable opportunity for a selected student to experience the world of professional theatre from the inside,” Clement said. "Max is an exceptionally talented actor who I believe will benefit greatly from the Gamm Fellowship experience."

Hayden will begin his fellowship in September. As newcomer, he’ll be asked to handle typical theatre labor along with acting.

“I’m most excited for the hustle,” Hayden said. “I really want to not stop, just keep on going. I don’t care if I have to mop floors. I don’t care if I have to sit and take notes. I will do whatever it takes. Just being in that space and surrounded by actors … it makes me go home and say, ‘Do it, do it.’”

Hayden credited his fellow CCRI theater students for helping him come out of his shell, and he expects to make similar progress throughout his time at the Gamm.

“I have three friends who’ve done the Gamm in the past,” he said. “And watching them talk before versus after, it’s enthralling. … That is what I want. I want to come out of it and be like, ‘Yeah, I know what I’m doing.’”

As for his long-term plans, Hayden dreams of moving to New York and continuing his acting career. Regardless of where his talents take him, he just wants to play a role in making theater productions the can’t-miss events they were in the past.

“I would love to go to Broadway,” Hayden said. “ … I really want to just do theater and make it big again.”

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