Zane Harris
Summary
Knowledgeable and engaging Professor of Theatre with an extensive background in academia, contributing to curriculum development and enhancement, as well as student mentorship. Recognized for fostering collaborative environments and driving student success through innovative, student-centered teaching methods. Reliable team player, adaptable to evolving academic requirements with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre
Utah Tech University
St. George, UT
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Acting I
- Acting II
- Voice and Dialects
- Script Analysis
- Senior Project
- Integrated Art
- Directed Main Stage Production "John Proctor is the Villain"-Kimberly Belfower
- Worked in accordance with women's protective services (DOVE Center)) that illuminated the real world themes of the play
- Incorporated various elements of film into production of the John Proctor is the Villain
- Collaborated with colleagues in designing interdisciplinary, cross department curriculum integrating multiple subject production areas for a well-rounded educational experience
- Actor in student film "Vicarious Sin" to demonstrate commitment to collaboration, students artistic pursuits, and the university
- Co-choreographer/creator for the Dance department concert "Innovations" that is now touring nationally
- Utilized multimedia tools such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, podcasts, and online resources to supplement traditional lecture format for increased content retention among students
- Planned, evaluated, and revised curriculum, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction
- Actively participated in faculty meetings, contributing valuable insights into teaching strategies and best practices for improved learning outcomes
- Provided constructive feedback on student assignments, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and growth and supported students at all times with regular office hours
- Work cross-departmentally with various other departments-Dance, English, Broadcast Journalism. & Film
Adjunct Professor Dance and Theatre
University of North Texas
Denton, TX
08.2019 - 05.2023
- Realism
- Acting for the Camera
- Movement I
- Acting Fundamentals
- Theatre Aesthetics
- Remote teaching during COVID-19 pandemic
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accordance with stated course objectives
- Evaluated student performance through various assessment methods, providing regular feedback to support their ongoing progress
- Maintained accurate records of student performance and attendance, promptly addressing any discrepancies or concerns to ensure all students remained on track for success
- Improved course curriculum by collaborating with fellow faculty members to identify areas for development and implement necessary changes. Attended faculty meetings and presentations
- Incorporated instructional technologies in course delivery for both in class and online instruction
- Met with students to dispense study and career advice and provide guidance and potential opportunities within chosen field. Support of UNT students at all times with regular office hours
- Assessed students progress and provided feedback to enhance learning
- Coordinated with other faculty members to align course objectives across curriculum, ensuring cohesive and comprehensive educational journey for students
- Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi
- Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment
Professor of Theatre
KD Acting Conservatory
Dallas, TX
08.2018 - 12.2020
- Enhanced student understanding by designing interactive and engaging lectures
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students
- Initiated, facilitated, and moderated classroom discussions
- Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation
- Improved student retention rates through proactive communication and support
- Direction of various plays
- Enhanced student engagement and critical thinking skills by implementing interactive learning strategies and technology in classroom
- Teaching children and adults of all ages
Actor Coach
Private Lessons
01.2008 - 02.2020
- Rehearsed independently and collaboratively to prepare for performances
- Participated in table reads and rehearsals ensuring a thorough understanding of script analysis and character motivation
- Developed strong memorization skills for quick mastery of scripts enabling efficient preparation for auditions and performances
- Coached students in the New York, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta markets
Teaching Assistant
Savannah College of Arts & Design
Savannah, GA
09.2016 - 12.2016
- T.A. for the notable actor D.W. Mofffett in a Directing the Actor undergraduate course at SCAD-Savannah
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success
- Offered constructive feedback on student performances
- Assisting direction of actors for film and television
- Contributed to positive learning environment by addressing individual student needs, promoting equity and inclusion
Music Teacher
Barbara Gordon Montessori School
Fort Worth, TX
09.2007 - 12.2008
- Showcase students work that was self written, produced and performed by the students
- Organized successful concerts and recitals, showcasing students talents and hard work
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords
- Incorporated creative activities into lessons to engage students and spark interest in music
- Enhanced students understanding of music theory through engaging activities and exercises
Education
M.F.A. Performing Arts - Performance For Stage And Screen
Savannah College of Art & Design
Savannah, GAB.A. Communication Studies -
University of North Texas
Denton, TexasMaster of Arts - Acting
The New School For Drama
New York, NYSkills
- Cross-departmental Collaboration
- Recruitment and Retention
- Professional Development
- Community Engagement
- Student Advising
- Multicultural Inclusivity
- Certified Proficient in Canvas
- Remote Teaching
- Team Building
- Public Speaking
- Stage Combat
- Intimacy Coordination
- Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework, lectures & handouts
- Student Assessments
Websites
Curriculum Vitae
Dedicated Theatrical Teaching Artist with over Seven Years as a
Higher Education Professor
"Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Career Success"
Academic Appointments
- Utah Tech University-Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre, St. George, UT
- University of North Texas-Adjunct Professor of Theatre, Denton, TX
- KD Acting Conservatory-Professor of Theatre, Dallas,TX
- Savannah College of Art & Design-Teaching Assistant, Savannah, GA
- Barbara Gordon Montessori School-Music Teacher, Fort Worth, TX
Training
- Acting - Cotter Smith, D.W. Moffett, Andra Reeve-Rabb, Kathryn Rossetter, Pippin Parker, Mark Tymchyshyn, Casey Biggs, Sharon Ott, Craig Anton, Michael Walnstein, David Stork, Mark Polish
- Acting Master Classes - Ethan Hawke, David Harbor, John Malkovich, Wallace Shawn, Jeff Perry, Matthew Lillard, Topher Grace, Christina Ricci, Sheila Jaffe, C.S.A., Linda Lowry, C.S.A., Alpha Tyler, C.S.A.
- Voice/Movement - Vivian Majkowski, Alba Quezada, Teva Bjerken
- Directing- Majorie Hays, Kathryn Rossetter, Eric Amburg, Sharon Ott, Michael Weinstein
- Writing - Avery Stork, Andrew Harris, David Parr, Craig Anton
Teaching Interest & Proficencies
- Acting
- Acting Methodologies: Stanislavski, Adler, Strasberg, Hagen, Michael Chekhov
- Meisner Technique Repetition Exercise, Emotional Preparation, Independent Activity, Relationship Exercise, Finding the Truth
New School for Drama
Kathryn Rossetter, Pippin Parker, Peter Jay Fernandez
- Acting I, Acting II, Realism, Acting for Classical and Period Text, Acting for the Camera, T.Y.A., Improvisation, Auditioning Techniques & Preparation
- Movement Alexander, Laban
- Voice Linklater, Fitzmaurice, Rodenberg
- Directing Composition, Picturization, Movement, Rhythm, Dramatization
- Playwriting
- Script Analysis
- Theatre History & Aesthetics
- Devised Theatre
Acting - selected
- Television & Film
T.V. The Buzz (SCADTV) South Korea Olympics (National Comcast Commercial) Valor (CW).
Film In Search of Liberty (ISOLP) El Cheapo (SCAD) 2:46 a.m. (SCAD) One Way Single (SCAD) Dahlia (Skull Globe Pearson Industrial (Pearson, Inc.) Eleanor (Boundless Production) Newbies (FSUF) Videotape (SCIF) Savage Love (SCTF) You Too (NSFDF) Vicarious Sin (UTU)
- Off Broadway-New York City Mimi at the 44th Parallel! (Ect, Ect, Theatre) Online Fighting (People's Improv Theatre) Happily Ever After (New York City Fringe) Eleanor Rigby Is Waiting (Boundless Theatre) Birdbath (NSFD Theatre)
- International The Half Moon Couple (Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, IE)
- Regional The Lady Revealed (ABH Productions) Carmen (The Dallas Opera) Shrew! (Premiere Reading, ATL) A Most Happy Stella (Water Tower Theatre) The Great White Way (Water Tower Theatre) A Clockwork Orange (Sundown Theatre) Savage in Limbo (Theatre Fusion), Women, Horses, and a Shot Straight from the Bottle (Echo Theatre, Premiere Performance)
Directing - selected
- Utah Tech Theatre
John Proctor is the Villain - Kimberly Belflower
- Sundown Collaborative Theatre
True West/Fool for Love - Sam Shepard
- Texas Women's University
American Roulette - Zane Harris
- Savannah College of Arts & Design-Savannah
Rachel/Rachael - Zane Harris
- Various Schools in Metro Atlanta
Various TYA Plays ages 5-18
Writing- selected
- "American Roulette"
- "High Stakes High"
- "LY2"
- 'Watch My Six"
Affiliations
- Screen Actors Guild (2013-present)
- Actors Equity Association (2013-present)
- Association for Theatre in High Education (2018-present)
Classroom Guest Artists
Utah Tech
Heidi Schreck (actor & writer) "What the Constitution Means to Me"
Zoe Aja Moore (director)
University of North Texas
Allison Tolman (actor, "Fargo")
Kevin Moriarty (former director-Dallas Theater Center)
Terry Martin (actor, professor)
Alpha Tyler (casting agent in Atlanta)
Haven Burton (Broadway actor and dancer)
Craig Anton (actor & professor)
Olivia DeGuzman (actor, vocalist & professor)
Jeff Burleson (actor & vocalist)
Certification
Stage Combat-Society of American Fight Directors (SFAD) - in progress
Intimacy Coordinator-Intimacy Professionals Association (IPA) - in progress
Timeline
Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre
Utah Tech University
08.2024 - 06.2025
Adjunct Professor Dance and Theatre
University of North Texas
08.2019 - 05.2023
Professor of Theatre
KD Acting Conservatory
08.2018 - 12.2020
Teaching Assistant
Savannah College of Arts & Design
09.2016 - 12.2016
Actor Coach
Private Lessons
01.2008 - 02.2020
Music Teacher
Barbara Gordon Montessori School
09.2007 - 12.2008
M.F.A. Performing Arts - Performance For Stage And Screen
Savannah College of Art & Design
B.A. Communication Studies -
University of North Texas
Master of Arts - Acting
The New School For Drama