Tartan Spotlight: Isaac Harris Bringing Theater to Life

Sinclair’s Music, Theatre & Dance Department is excited to welcome Isaac Harris as its new Theatre Manager and Technical Director. Harris brings a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to the program. In an engaging interview, he shared insights into his journey, aspirations, and the dynamic world of theatre management. 

Harris’s path to theatre began in high school, where he initially planned to pursue film. However, he explored theatre instead, as no film program was available at his school. This decision led him to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design & Production from Shenandoah University. “I fell in love with it and have been stuck with theatre ever since,” Harris said. 

His journey at Sinclair began in mid-September last year after being contracted to assist with the set construction for “Alice by Heart.” he later returned to take down the show’s set and help set up the Christmas production, “TWAS.” “While doing that, they encouraged me to apply for the position. I officially started in December, and while it’s been busy, I’ve enjoyed every minute,” Harris said.

 Reflecting on his most memorable experiences in theatre, Harris spoke fondly of his time at Scenic Solutions, which is also based in Dayton. “They would get contracts for us to build scenery; sometimes, we’d travel with the set to install it. They sent me to Australia and Singapore. Last year, I spent two weeks in France working on the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and our contract got extended a little bit, so I sailed back across the Atlantic for another two weeks,” Harris said.

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 He also mentioned his work on “The Nutcracker” for the Milwaukee Ballet, where he built a sizeable ornate fireplace. His time at The Human Race Theatre Company was equally memorable, primarily working on “Airness,” where he collaborated with an excellent designer, Dick Block, whom he had worked with before. His work at Shenandoah University also stands out, with productions like “Cabaret”; “Blue Stockings,” and “Peter and the Starcatcher” leaving a lasting impression on the audiences. 

As the Theatre Manager and Technical Director at Sinclair, Harris’s primary role is leading student employees in building scenery for productions. 

“I also handle concert setups, including transporting equipment between the Dayton and Centerville campuses, and serve as an educator to the students here,” Harris said. He emphasized that while passion for the job is essential, working smarter, not harder, is the key to success. “When faced with a heavy workload and limited information, I’ve learned to advocate for what I need to get things done,” Harris said. 

The transition into his new role has been smooth, thanks to the support of his colleagues. “The people I’ve been working with have been endlessly helpful,” he said. “They’ve been amazing to work with.” 

When asked about the department’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, Harris highlighted these as vital aspects of its mission: Speaking about including American Sign Language (ASL) in productions, he explained, “‘TWAS, our Christmas show, was written into the script to include ASL interpreting and also educated audiences about different cultures during the holidays.‘The department has also adjusted theatre seating to accommodate mobility-impaired individuals.

 When asked about his vision for the theatre program, Harris wanted to educate the next generation of theatre technicians and builders. 

“I’m excited to see what they achieve after leaving Sinclair and want to support them by listening to what they have to say, figuring out what exactly works for them, and doing my best to incorporate their needs.” He is particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” which opens on March 28th and is finalizing next year’s season.

 Challenges have not been absent in his new role. “Balancing theatre and music events that overlap has been challenging,” he admitted. “Getting all the necessary information to coordinate these events has also been tricky, but I’m navigating these challenges well.” 

When asked how he stays creative and motivated in such a demanding field, Harris shared that there is always something new and exciting to tackle.

“Building a show for theatre, every day is always different. Right now, we are building a giant ruined prison for The Tempest. I’ve done a show where I had to make a giant hairspray can that rotates, and someone could sit inside. I’ve also built two cars and a three-story tall castle from Beauty and the Beast,” Harris said. 

He advises students interested in theatre or technical direction to be patient. The job can be amusing and demanding, and the hours can be challenging, so perseverance is key. Looking at the broader community, Harris views Sinclair’s theatre program as a place where everyone can enjoy inspiring stories and feel welcome. 

Harris shared his hopes for his legacy: “I hope to be a good source of education and experience. Creating a safe space for everyone is my priority. One day, I’d love for students to return and send me off when I retire.” 

With such dedication and passion, Sinclair Community College’s theatre program is in excellent hands. Under Harris’s leadership, the department has been ready to inspire students and audiences for years. 

Koena Lizza, Intern