Biography

Chris Harder
Photo by Val
Hello and welcome to my site. I am a professional actor (Actors' Equity Member), teacher, clown performer and theatre maker based in the beautiful rose city of Portland, Oregon, a stone throw from the Cascade mountains, the Pacific ocean and some of the best fly fishing country in the world.

Here is a little bit about my history... I grew up in Racine, Wisconsin and received my degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of Wisconsin Parkside, a well rounded actor training program that gave me many memorable experiences. After graduating in 1996, I moved to Portland and quickly began working with Stark Raving Theatre Company, from out of which grew Sowelu Theatre. I was an original member of the Sowelu Theater Ensemble from 1998 - 2004, and in addition to being regularly featured on stage, I served on the board of directors and Sowelu staff, playing an integral role in all areas of production. I continued my training at Sowelu, meeting weekly for the Company Workshop, exploring ensemble building, movement and Viewpoints training. We focused on individual bodywork as well, including Alexander and Yoga. Under the guidance of Sowelu Artistic Director Barry Hunt we trained in Meisner technique (Barry studied at William Esper Studio) and the psychophysical work of Michael Chekhov.

Since my time with Sowelu I have worked with Portland Center Stage, Artists Repertory Theatre, Third Rail Repertory , Sojourn Theatre, Well Arts Institute, The Haven Project, Portland Civic Theatre Guild and CoHo Productions. I have appeared in several commercials, industrials, print ads and films. I have recently worked with Harrison Ford in Extraordinary Measures, Timothy Hutton on Leverage and with Gus Van Sant on his upcoming film Restless.

I've been honored twice by the Portland theatre comunity for a Portland Drammy Award as a recipient for Outstanding Performance. Most recently winning for my solo show The Centering, co-written with Oregon Book Award winner, Steve Patterson, which I produced at The Back Door Theater in 2006, and later toured to Edmonton and Boulder International Fringe Festivals.

I was an ongoing mentor with The Haven Project (2000-2005), where kids are guided one on one through the process of playwriting and theatre production. As a freelance artist, I have organized a number of original theatre workshops and classes for schools, correctional facilities and public students. I continue to teach and create original plays through Oregon Children's Theatre, The Young Players, Playwrite Inc. and Artists Rep’s "Actors To Go" program.

I am always seeking projects that inspire thought and engage the heart.

If you are interested in my work please feel free to contact me by email at ChrisHarder22@yahoo.com. I look forward to meeting you.

*A special thanks to Jen Raynak for help with my site!