Virginia Commonwealth University
Community School of the Performing Arts
1015 Grove Avenue
Richmond, VA 23284-2039
804-828-2772
(804-VCU-CSPA)

Professional 
Résumé

Una Harrison came to the USA from England and is equally known in both countries for her talent in the performing arts.  At the age of 15 she won a full scholarship to the College of Music and Dramatic Arts in Birmingham, England, where she studied with internationally known children’s theatre artists Brian Way and Peter Slade.  She continued her studies at the Royal Academy, after which she enjoyed an extensive acting career. 

Mrs. Harrison has been teaching Theatre With Children For Children since 1968, and has presented theatre workshops and seminars throughout the South.  She has established her reputation as an actress, singer, writer, director and teacher.  Author and director of more than 40 stage plays as well television productions, she was a nominee for Governor Robb’s “Award to the Arts” in 1985.  She is also known for her concerts and one-woman “British Cabaret” tours.

Una Harrison is listed in “Who's Who Among American Teachers, 2000.”

Appearances on the professional stage include:

• Lady Bracknell in Earnest in Love, Barksdale Theatre (Best Supporting Actress award)
• Duchess in Me and My Girl, Swift Creek Mill Playhouse
• Duchess of York in Richard III, Theatre Virginia
• Mrs. Anna in The King and I, London, England
• Portia in The Merchant of Venice, London, England

Mrs. Harrison is often asked why she added teaching children to her promising career as a professional actress.  Her reply is always the same, “Because there is such a need!  When I moved into this area I found there wasn’t an opportunity for children to be exposed to the performing arts; so I started the school.”
Una Harrison does much more than just teach acting to children.  She opens their mends to possibilities.  Rather than focus on a child’s supposed “limitations,” she sees the potential in every child and shows students how to turn dreams into reality.  She teaches lessons for life as well as for the stage.

AN OPEN LETTER FROM UNA HARRISON

Dear Friends

The other day one of my students was being interviewed for television concerning the Theatre School and all it entails.  She was asked, “Is it fun?”  Her reply was, “Yes, it’s fun, but very hard work, and I love it.”  I second that remark.
It is a joy to be with these young actors week after week, working to perfect skills; their little faces turned upwards, their minds like sponges, absorbing what is being said and their bodies and voices showing they have grasped the meaning.   Oh, yes, it’s hard work, but the joy, the laughter, the sharing, the love, the striving to “do it right,” and then the satisfaction, hearing applause for a job well done.  Yes, it makes it all worthwhile.

These classes teach not only “theatre,” but they teach life: how to work together; the disciplines; the responsibility not only to one’s self, but to others; the ability to give constructive criticism, and (best of all) to take it.

Even if these students do not pursue an acting career, their feeling of self-esteem gives them confidence to go forth in the knowledge that their contribution to life is an important one.

Our December (1998) production, Newest Little Angel,  was a triumphant success.  The special gala evening performance for VCU faculty and staff completed total run of 10 shows.  The young actors performed with their usual flair.  People marveled at their poise and knowledge of stage crafts.  That thrilled me; it proves what I am teaching is sinking in.

Yours lovingly
 

Una Harrison
Artistic and Teaching Director

PROFESSIONAL RÉSUMÉ
British Actress, Singer, Writer, Director, Teacher
Theatre, Television and Radio