A Creative Life
I've spent 25 years on stages, in rehearsal rooms, and on film sets.
The most powerful tool any performer, or person, can develop is presence.
I'm Chris Harder—actor, director, and certified coach.
A Creative Life
I've spent 25 years on stages, in rehearsal rooms, and on film sets.
The most powerful tool any performer, or person, can develop is presence.
I'm Chris Harder—actor, director, and certified coach.
A Creative Life
I've spent 25 years on stages, in rehearsal rooms, and on film sets.
The most powerful tool any performer, or person, can develop is presence.
I'm Chris Harder—actor, director, and certified coach.
How I Got Here
I grew up in Wisconsin, and found my way to the stage through a love of storytelling and a curiosity about what it means to be fully present.
After earning a degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, I moved to Portland, Oregon, where I've built a life deeply rooted in the theatre community.
For seven years I was an original member of the Sowelu Theatre Ensemble, training weekly in Meisner Technique and Viewpoints. That rigorous, collaborative training shaped everything about how I approach acting—and teaching.
From there I dove in fully—working in film, TV, and commercials, joining the SAG/AFTRA and AEA unions, developing new work, and entertaining at thousands of events.
In 2014 I studied with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts—studying text, Linklater voice, movement, clown, and stage combat with some of the finest teachers in the field.
I worked eight years as a Resident Artist with Artists Repertory Theatre, performing in over 60 professional productions in the region and earning awards and recognition along the way.
But the more I performed, the more I fell in love with teaching. I discovered that the tools we use to create truthful performances are the same tools that help people live more authentic, courageous lives.
In 2025 I completed my Life & Health coaching certifications, deepening my ability to support people through personal transformation and creative growth.
How I Got Here
I grew up in Wisconsin, and found my way to the stage through a love of storytelling and a curiosity about what it means to be fully present.
After earning a degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, I moved to Portland, Oregon, where I've built a life deeply rooted in the theatre community.
For seven years I was an original member of the Sowelu Theatre Ensemble, training weekly in Meisner Technique and Viewpoints. That rigorous, collaborative training shaped everything about how I approach acting—and teaching.
From there I dove in fully—working in film, TV, and commercials, joining the SAG/AFTRA and AEA unions, developing new work, and entertaining at thousands of events.
In 2014 I studied with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts—studying text, Linklater voice, movement, clown, and stage combat with some of the finest teachers in the field.
I worked eight years as a Resident Artist with Artists Repertory Theatre, performing in over 60 professional productions in the region and earning awards and recognition along the way.
But the more I performed, the more I fell in love with teaching. I discovered that the tools we use to create truthful performances are the same tools that help people live more authentic, courageous lives.
In 2025 I completed my Life & Health coaching certifications, deepening my ability to support people through personal transformation and creative growth.
How I Got Here
I grew up in Wisconsin, and found my way to the stage through a love of storytelling and a curiosity about what it means to be fully present.
After earning a degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, I moved to Portland, Oregon, where I've built a life deeply rooted in the theatre community.
For seven years I was an original member of the Sowelu Theatre Ensemble, training weekly in Meisner Technique and Viewpoints. That rigorous, collaborative training shaped everything about how I approach acting—and teaching.
From there I dove in fully—working in film, TV, and commercials, joining the SAG/AFTRA and AEA unions, developing new work, and entertaining at thousands of events.
In 2014 I studied with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts—studying text, Linklater voice, movement, clown, and stage combat with some of the finest teachers in the field.
I worked eight years as a Resident Artist with Artists Repertory Theatre, performing in over 60 professional productions in the region and earning awards and recognition along the way.
But the more I performed, the more I fell in love with teaching. I discovered that the tools we use to create truthful performances are the same tools that help people live more authentic, courageous lives.
In 2025 I completed my Life & Health coaching certifications, deepening my ability to support people through personal transformation and creative growth.
What I Believe About This Work
Theatre is one of humanity's oldest systems for transformation.
Before psychology, self-help or coaching - there was the stage.
A place to gather, to witness, to feel, to be changed.
Acting awakens our instrument and allows us to experience the full range of the human condition.
It opens the door to voluntary play, creative expression, and genuine human connection.
I'm compelled by stories with universal resonance and unique perspectives.
I'm drawn to the spiritual roots of live theatre and fascinated by our relationship with consciousness - how presence, imagination, and embodied experience can shift something fundamental in us.
It's fun. It's meaningful. And it opens the possibility for change.
I'd love to explore it with you.
What I Believe About This Work
Theatre is one of humanity's oldest systems for transformation.
Before psychology, self-help or coaching - there was the stage.
A place to gather, to witness, to feel, to be changed.
Acting awakens our instrument and allows us to experience the full range of the human condition.
It opens the door to voluntary play, creative expression, and genuine human connection.
I'm compelled by stories with universal resonance and unique perspectives.
I'm drawn to the spiritual roots of live theatre and fascinated by our relationship with consciousness - how presence, imagination, and embodied experience can shift something fundamental in us.
It's fun. It's meaningful. And it opens the possibility for change.
I'd love to explore it with you.
Teaching, Directing & Community
My private Meisner based acting classes have been evolving over the past 15 years.
For 11 years I was a faculty member at The Actors Conservatory, an accredited two-year professional training program.
I've also taught at Portland Center Stage, Portland Playhouse, and Oregon Children's Theatre, and led residencies in dozens of schools and organizations—including prison outreach programs at Coffee Creek and Columbia River Correctional Facilities.
I've directed over 20 productions and mentored young playwrights and actors through programs like The Haven Project and PlayWrite Inc.
All of this work has reinforced my belief in the power of theatre and story to create connection, spark transformation, and build community.
Teaching, Directing & Community
My private Meisner based acting classes have been evolving over the past 15 years.
For 11 years I was a faculty member at The Actors Conservatory, an accredited two-year professional training program.
I've also taught at Portland Center Stage, Portland Playhouse, and Oregon Children's Theatre, and led residencies in dozens of schools and organizations—including prison outreach programs at Coffee Creek and Columbia River Correctional Facilities.
I've directed over 20 productions and mentored young playwrights and actors through programs like The Haven Project and PlayWrite Inc.
All of this work has reinforced my belief in the power of theatre and story to create connection, spark transformation, and build community.
Teaching, Directing & Community
My private Meisner based acting classes have been evolving over the past 15 years.
For 11 years I was a faculty member at The Actors Conservatory, an accredited two-year professional training program.
I've also taught at Portland Center Stage, Portland Playhouse, and Oregon Children's Theatre, and led residencies in dozens of schools and organizations—including prison outreach programs at Coffee Creek and Columbia River Correctional Facilities.
I've directed over 20 productions and mentored young playwrights and actors through programs like The Haven Project and PlayWrite Inc.
All of this work has reinforced my belief in the power of theatre and story to create connection, spark transformation, and build community.
Let's Work Together
Whether you're joining a class, exploring personal coaching, or workshops for your team,
I'd love to support your creative journey.
