H Marks the Spot for Acting Students

The moment he enters the room, H. Adam Harris exudes enthusiasm. And it’s that zeal for his craft and his students, that makes him a natural instructor. Adult Theatre Conservatory students can experience Harris’ passion and knowledge first-hand by taking Act III: Advanced Scene Study this summer.

Meeting July 2 through August 13, Advanced Scene Study is perennially one of the Adult Theatre Conservatory’s most popular classes. And Harris is a big reason for that. His effervescent, passionate teaching style brings with it a deep body of knowledge, one gleaned through not only serving as a teaching artist at The Guthrie Theater, but a rich body of acting and directing credits.

For Act III, Harris teaches his students how to create more truthful and vibrant characters that build powerful onstage relationships. He takes students through both classic and modern plays, depending on experience and preference. Harris shows students techniques his actors employ on stage: relaxation, commitment, listening, characterization, script analysis and playing strong objectives.

Harris recently directed The Incredible Book Eating Boy at SCR, his second Theatre for Young Audiences and Families production for the theatre. In 2022-23, he directed a hilarious two-person adaptation of Snow White. Other directing credits include Tick, Tick … Boom by Jonathan Larson at the Chance Theater, Redwood by Brittney K. Allen at the Jungle Theater in Minneapolis and his current project, the world premiere of Heritage by JuCoby Johnson at the International Black Theater Festival in North Carolina.

As an actor, Harris has performed at Children’s Theatre Company in Minnesota, The Old Globe, The Guthrie Theater, Seattle Children’s Theater, and Penumbra Theatre Company in Minneapolis.

“He is a brilliant theatrical mind,” said actor Derek Manson, who Harris directed in Snow White and who served as an assistant director for The Incredible Book Eating Boy. “The intensity, the energy and the commitment to the craft he brings to the room, his graciousness, his ability to listen, his decisiveness. He creates an energy in a room where you can’t help but bring the best part of yourself and the most disciplined version of yourself as an artist.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an energetic, passionate theatre professional who strives to bring out the best in his students. Act III is open to students who have at least two semesters of acting experience.