Hello! I'm Jim Harris, and I am an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. I have been part of the ESU Theatre Program for over five years, where I teach a diverse range of performance, directing, and dramatic literature courses. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I serve as the Speech & Theatre Bachelor of Education Coordinator, helping to shape the next generation of theatre educators.
With over 30 years of professional acting and directing experience, I bring a practitioner’s perspective to the classroom, fostering both artistic growth and academic rigor. My passion lies in guiding students through the creative and analytical processes of theatre, whether it’s through performance, movement, script analysis, or stage combat.
Courses I Teach
Performance & Acting
Acting Methods
Acting Scriptwork
Auditioning for the Role
Movement for Actors
Stage Combat (Unarmed & Single Rapier)
Acting Scriptwork
Auditioning for the Role
Movement for Actors
Stage Combat (Unarmed & Single Rapier)
Directing & Production
Play Directing
Play Production
Senior Capstone
Play Production
Senior Capstone
Theatre Lit & Analysis
Modern Drama
A Survey of Dramatic Literature
Script Analysis
A Survey of Dramatic Literature
Script Analysis
Beyond the classroom, I am deeply engaged in directing and mentoring students in mainstage productions, staged readings, and new works, bringing professional-level theatrical experiences to campus.