Hayes Warner, Pop Singer, Says She Had No Professional Acting Experience Before Ryan Murphy Cast Her in ‘The Shards’

Pop singer Hayes Warner described landing a role in Ryan Murphy’s series ‘The Shards’ despite never having acted professionally before. In an interview reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Warner said her entry into the audition process began with a first screen test, where the show’s lead creative direction focused on giving her immediate feedback meant to shape her performance.

Warner said that at that first screen test, Murphy provided notes on how Warner should play the moment. She recounted that she did not fully understand the instructions, and that she was hesitant to ask for clarification in that setting. Rather than walking away from the process, Warner explained that she ultimately received another chance, which she said was pivotal to her ability to move forward with the production.

The Hollywood Reporter also reported that Warner’s lack of acting experience did not prevent her from being considered further. According to the account, her second shot came after the initial exchange, which suggests the casting process included at least one follow-up opportunity after the first set of direction and evaluation.

The ‘The Shards’ casting sequence, as described by Warner through The Hollywood Reporter, underscores how high-profile productions can still incorporate newcomers at the audition stage, even when a performer’s resume does not include prior professional acting work. In many productions, the early stages of testing often serve to determine how quickly an applicant can absorb direction, adjust approach, and remain responsive under the pressure of an on-camera evaluation. Warner’s comments point to that dynamic, particularly the role that follow-up guidance played in closing the gap between the first set of notes and a workable performance.

The account also highlights the interpersonal component of casting: the difference between receiving instruction and being able to translate it in real time. Warner’s description of being afraid to ask questions in the moment frames the screen test not only as a measurement of acting ability, but also as a trial of communication comfort and clarity in a fast-moving environment.

Because the report focuses on Warner’s individual experience and her early interaction with Murphy during the casting process, it does not, in the available summary, provide additional details about the series’ broader production timeline, the specific character Warner plays, or how the casting decision interfaces with network or platform requirements. The next steps for viewers and industry observers will be tied to the series’ release and publicity cycle, when casting announcements and character context can be confirmed more fully through official promotional materials.

As ‘The Shards’ continues through its production and release planning, Warner’s account may offer audiences a window into how screen tests function for performers who come from music rather than traditional acting training. In the meantime, the episode described by The Hollywood Reporter remains a specific, personal milestone for Warner: a transition from first screen-test uncertainty to a casting result that moved her into a major scripted project helmed by Ryan Murphy.