Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Testimonials
Representation
References
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Kymberly Harris

Kymberly Harris

Summary

Thoughtful and creative Film and Theatre Director. Collaborative visionary directing every creative aspect from development to post-production. Intuitive storyteller guiding actors' performances and onscreen visuals. Professor of Acting.

Work History

Director

  • Formed strategic partnerships and connected with potential clients to drive business development.
  • Leveraged data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as sales forecasting, budgeting, or personnel management.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
  • Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
  • Enhanced theatre production quality through effective collaboration with production team members.
  • Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results.
  • Collaborated with network executives to define and propel organization's mission and vision.
  • Found appropriate stories and ideas for programming to engage target audiences and hook advertisers.
  • Developed schedules for production, editing, and duplication for timely delivery.
  • Successfully adapted classic plays into modern interpretations, reinvigorating interest in timeless works among diverse audiences.
  • Streamlined rehearsal processes by implementing efficient scheduling strategies and communication methods.
  • Increased audience engagement by implementing innovative and immersive theatre experiences.
  • Oversaw casting processes, selecting talented actors that best fit the vision for each production while creating a balanced ensemble dynamic on stage.
  • Reviewed scripts and made changes to improve wording, flow or interest levels, consistently producing highly successful shows.
  • Reviewed scripts to determine most appropriate methods to use for directing both actors and crew members.
  • Empowered cast members to explore their creative instincts through guided improvisation exercises during rehearsals, resulting in authentic character portrayals on stage.
  • Participated in meetings with producers and production crew to keep program in step with creative vision.
  • Championed diversity within the theatre company, leading to a more inclusive range of productions and talent representation.
  • Established strong connections with playwrights, securing exclusive rights to new works for the theatre company''s repertoire.
  • Conducted thorough script analysis sessions during pre-production phases to identify key story elements and ensure clear communication of each play''s intended message.
  • Evaluated scripts to identify creative strategies and resource needs.
  • Mentored aspiring actors and provided constructive feedback, fostering strong performance skills for future roles.
  • Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
  • Continuously evaluated performance metrics and audience feedback to inform future programming decisions, ensuring continued success and growth for the theatre company.
  • Facilitated post-show talkbacks that deepened audience understanding of themes explored within each production while fostering meaningful dialogue between artists and patrons alike.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Writer

  • Played instrumental role in creative planning and review sessions, working with resourceful team to elevate quality of content and designs.
  • Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
  • Prepared and submitted professional proposals to select publishers to outline works, promotional skills and literary experience.
  • Wrote and edited high-quality content and visually impactful programs under deadline pressure with exciting, captivating, and authentic approach.
  • Delved into unique themes and subjects with each work to enhance artistic growth and skill.
  • Instructed more than [Number] students per year in principles and techniques of creative writing at workshops and training courses.
  • Offered live performances of written works at public gatherings and special events.
  • Expanded industry knowledge by attending workshops and networking events, staying current with market trends and best practices.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.

Professor

  • Secured external funding for research initiatives, contributing to the growth of both individual projects and overall department resources.
  • Boosted overall department performance by mentoring junior faculty members and sharing best practices.
  • Identified research opportunities for students, assisting with gathering data and drawing conclusions for projects.
  • Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
  • Evaluated student performance through regular examinations, quizzes, assignments, providing constructive feedback for improvement where necessary.
  • Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
  • Led workshops seminars focused specific skills techniques relevant discipline, enhancing overall quality education provided institution.
  • Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
  • Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
  • Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
  • Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
  • Provided students with constructive, encouraging and corrective feedback.

Founder

Firsthand Films
  • Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
  • Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
  • Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
  • Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
  • Participated in meetings with producers and production crew to keep program in step with creative vision.
  • Established strong working relationships with collaborators, resulting in successful project outcomes.
  • Coordinated with production team, producer and director to pinpoint creative vision, determine technical needs, and devise shooting schedule.
  • Directed actors and crews to create vision for films and bring scripts to life.

Education

MFA - Acting & Playwriting

The Actors Studio Drama School, The New School
01.1998

Master of Arts - Theatre

Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois
01.1995

BA - French

Knox College
01.1990

Skills

  • Director
  • Writer
  • Professor
  • Founder Firsthand Films
  • Performance Evaluations

Testimonials

  • AL PACINO, Kymberly's work is done in a way that so far should be a shining example. So brilliantly done and (her] concept was more than memorable. It's an innovation - so new. so fresh. so alive. It's heartfelt and beautiful. This is work of real passion and it's personal and I love it.
  • BRITT LOWER, Kymberly gave me the tools I needed to be an artist both on stage and off, and I am deeply grateful for the confidence I gained while in her classes
  • SHEA BUCKNER, working with Kymberly has been immensely transformative in my career.Highlighted by the empathy. love. and vast knowledge she brings to the work. Kymberly's unique ability to connect with the actor enabled me to experience the work in a much freer and authenticway.

Representation

GRAVITY MANAGEMENT, Joe RIiey, 310.694.3800, jriley@zerogravitymanagement.com

References

  • Alvin Goldfarb, President Emeritus, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
  • Margaret Marr Maggie Marr Legal
  • Susan Batson, Susan Batson Studios, NYC

Accomplishments

REPRESENTATION:

JOE RILEY, ZERO GRAVITY MANAGEMENT, 310.694.3800, jriley@zerogravitymanagement.com

LAW OFFICES OF ELSA RAMO, 310 284 3494


OBJECTIVE:


To facilitate character driven performances in truthful and deeply felt stories. Whatever the world of the story may be, examines the relationships and considers the psychology of each character with a deep understanding of the writer's intention.


THEATRE (SELECTED):


THE EFFECT by Lucy Prebble, LA Premiere Marilyn Monroe Theatre, Los Angeles


FOOL FOR LOVE by Sam Shepard Theatre for the New City, NYC


SEMINAR by Teresa Rebeck Marilyn Monroe Theatre, Los Angeles


BALLAD OF THE BARBACK, A Solo Show

by Andrew Dits, Pacific Resident Theatre, Los Angeles


OTIS by Shanti Reinhardt Pacific Resident Theatre, Los Angeles


MOVING ON by Keith Stevenson Rogue Machine Theatre, Los Angeles


TRAGICTORY by Mary Porster Pacific Resident Theatre, Los Angeles


LAUGHING WILD by Christopher Durang The Actors Company, Los Angeles


NOT FADE AWAY by Vince Melocchi Rogue Machine Theatre, Los Angeles


FOR COLORED GIRLS by Ntozange Shange Hamilton High Academy


SPINNING INTO BUTTER by Rebecca Gilman Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts


THINGIFICATION, A solo show, by Duriel E. Harris TheatresCool, Bloomington, IL

SPLITTING IMAGES by Kymberly Harris TheatresCool, Bloomington, IL


THE METAL CHILDREN by Adam Rapp TheatresCool, Bloomington, IL


FAITH by Kymberly Harris TheatresCool, Bloomington, IL



D I R E C T O R - F I L M

( S E L E C T E D )

LIST OF AWARDS AND STREAMING LINKS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST


I HEARD SARAH

W I N N E R R O B E R T R O D R I G U E Z A W A R D

D I S T R I B U T E D BY G O O D D E E D E N T E R T A I N M E N T ,

2 0 2 3 S T R E A M I N G


NOW AND NEVER

W I N N E R R I S I N G S T A R A W A R D P A R A M O U N T P I C T UR E S

C I N E G E A R E X P O L A 2 0 2 3


FAITH

W I N N E R N Y C I F F , 2 0 1 8


ROSE'S TURN

S E L E C T E D A T C A N N E S

2 0 1 7 M U L T I A W A R D W I N NE R


A R T I S T I C D I R E C T O R:


THEATRESCOOL (2007 - 2015)

Founded acting school and directed contemporary and original plays with grants from Illinois Arts Council, McLean County Arts Center, and Bravo Television.


FRESH BREAD PRODUCTIONS ( 2003 - 2007)

Produced plays in NYC at The Public Theatre, Cherry Lane Theatre, and others, with grants from Bravo Television


“Kymberly's work is done in a way that so far should be a shining example. So brilliantly done and [her] concept was more than memorable. It's an innovation - so new, so fresh, so alive. It's heartfelt and beautiful. This is work of real passion and it's personal and I love it.”

- AL PACINO


“Kymberly's a person of integrity and passion for story, who is knowledgeable about the craft of creating character in conjunction with the writer's vision. She brings positive energy to any room she's in, as well as a safe environment to both express my creativity and guide efficient preparation… I'm sure you will find her a joy to work with, a true collaborator, and with an ability to deliver.”

- LAVERNE COX ·


“Kymberly gave me the tools I needed to be an artist both on stage and off, and I am deeply grateful for the confidence I gained while in her classes”

- BRITT LOWER


“Kymberly's understanding of the text, her specific interpretation, and her mastery of the art and discipline of working with actors to evoke brilliant performances, are the bedrock of her talent.”

- CASEY SILVER, Producer


“Working with Kymberly has been immensely transformative in my career. Highlighted by the empathy, love,and vast knowledge she brings to the work. Kymberly's unique ability to connect with the actor enabled me to experience the work in a much freer and authentic way.”

- SHEA BUCKNER ·


Affiliations

  • SAG-AFTRA
  • The Dramatist's Guild

Languages

French
Limited Working

Timeline

Director

Writer

Professor

Founder

Firsthand Films

MFA - Acting & Playwriting

The Actors Studio Drama School, The New School

Master of Arts - Theatre

Illinois State University

BA - French

Knox College
Kymberly Harris