Andrea Hays(I)

Andrea's fascination with horror began at a young age when she first watched *The Ghost and Mr. Chicken* at about 7 years old. While other children were frightened by the film’s bloody organ scene, Andrea and her siblings were inspired to recreate the set in their basement. "I had the bright idea of using my Mom's red nail polish on my fingers and making bloody fingerprints on our Hammond organ," she recalled. Her mother was both impressed with the creativity and upset about the stained organ. This early experience sparked a lifelong appreciation for sets, props, and makeup in horror films. Her mother also found a local haunted house that allowed children to volunteer, and Andrea and her older siblings eagerly joined. "Basically, blame my Mom for encouraging this fascination with what scares people!" Andrea studied technical theater with a costume emphasis in school, and developed an interest in film while attending Michigan State University, which had a strong film program. After graduation, she moved to Seattle in the 1980s and early 1990s, working in local theater (including the Rep) and the independent film scene. Disillusioned by how people were treated during the early years of the AIDS crisis, Andrea took a course in home care for those affected and found a new calling. She returned to school to study nursing while working full time, and her role as Heidi on the David Lynch series *Twin Peaks* allowed her to attend nursing school full time. Over 25 years later, after sustaining injuries in an assault, Andrea was forced to semi-retire from nursing. Coincidentally, *Twin Peaks: The Return* was being filmed, and she reprised her role as Heidi. "I was able to thank David for helping me through nursing school—he was touched." Returning to her first love, Andrea partnered with Cascadia Dread to produce several horror shorts. "All my years as a charge nurse really helped me become a good producer as I see minute details. I also joke that I put out fires before they start." She later formed Smarticle Productions for non-horror projects the group wanted to pursue. Andrea has continued her love of haunted houses by volunteering for Nile Nightmares for the past ten years.