"Don’t. Ever. Give. Up. EVER." - Chatting with Leonard Harris!

I think there are some performers who you meet and instantly know that they will touch your life in such a special way. Leonard Harris is truly one of those performers. Based out of Indiana, Leonard is a performer that when his name is on the bill, you know that you are in for a treat. Regional credits include Sebastian (The Little Mermaid), The Barber (Man of La Mancha), Pepper (Mamma Mia), Suitor (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), Sweaty Eddie (Sister Act), and Ensemble (Elf the Musical).

I first met Leonard when we performed together last summer in The Little Mermaid at Myers Dinner Theatre, and let me tell you, listening to him sing "Under the Sea" was truly a highlight of that entire experience! I am so happy to have the chance to feature this talented younger performer! 

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?

Well, I think I’d have to say as early as 4 years old. The first time I ever sang was for my preschool graduation. From there, I knew I wanted to be a singer, but I was also shy. I was teased a lot as a kid, so I couldn’t sing in front of people for a long time. Then, I got my first solo in middle school for some event and got so much praise the next day that I knew this was something I had to keep doing. By freshman year of high school, I got the opportunity to see The Lion King on Broadway, and I was sold!

Are there any teachers or mentors in your life who truly helped you become the fantastic artist you are today?

There are so many people in my life that have helped to mold me into what I am today, but one of the most notable has to be my high school choir teacher, Dr. Loneka Wilkinson Battiste. She took the position. when I was in 8th grade, saw something in me, and took me under her wing. She’s one of the best pianists and vocalists I’ve ever heard! She trained me, got me into choral singing, and taught classical techniques that I still use to this day.

Of course, there are college professors, mentors, friends, family, and many fellow performers that have also left their marks. From my grandmother to Debbie Allen herself (though she may not remember me now lol), I’ve been blessed by the best, and I try to continue to make them proud.

We are living in some unprecedented times in the world but are very fortunate right now to see a light at the end of the tunnel. For all artists (especially performers) it has definitely been a time of uncertainty. What has your everyday routine been like during Quarantine and what are some things you do to keep your spirits up?

Well, I can’t say life has been easy as I’m sure most people can’t right now. Trying to start a new life in the wake of a pandemic never sounds easy. I had just moved more than 650 miles from Louisiana to Indiana when the pandemic started at the beginning of the year. Transitioning to a new place is hard enough, adjusting to new things and the challenges that come day to day. A lot of my days were just trying to figure out the best ways of getting through the day and progressing. Making money, trying to find a place to live, self care, the list goes on.

Luckily, I was never alone through any of it. I have a beautiful partner who loves me and has been my absolute rock through everything. He always supports my dreams and believes in what I do 100%. I couldn’t have survived 2020 without his support and many others who helped me along the way. I think that’s the thing, just remembering that we are not alone. This pandemic has affected literally everyone in so many ways, but as long as we continue to help and support each other, we’ll definitely get through it every time.

Are there any musicals, shows, or performances that you have done in your career that will always be near and dear to your heart? 

OMG! So many!! For so many different reasons! Once on This Island, The Wiz, Sweeney Todd, The Color Purple, Man of La Mancha, The Little Mermaid, Hairspray, Rocky Horror, and the list goes on! Gosh, there are so many different shows and performances, either as a performer, a spectator, or behind-the-scenes, that have touched my soul to the deepest and fullest. Not really for my input, but more for the people I’m working with and for.

Seeing the finished product and being a part of something bigger than yourself and seeing people’s reactions and admiration for this thing that you and a group of amazing people put together are so special. That alone is why I love theatre and being an artist. Every show I’m blessed to be a part of always touches me and leaves something behind that’s remains there. It helps to keep the dream alive in such a weird place for our industry right now.

What advice would you give any young aspiring artists during these times?

Don’t. Ever. Give. Up. EVER. Not on your dreams, not on your goals, and not on yourself. Life is a story, the world is a stage, and you are the lead. Write your own plot line. Things in life are going to get hard and rough and shitty and awesome and terrible and fun and smelly and weird all at once, whenever it wants.

You’re going to be scared and sad and confused and angry and happily at bliss and have no idea what you're doing, and that’s okay. Feel it out. Remember it, and learn from it. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to make mistakes because you’re definitely going to. Breathe, get back up, and keep pushing towards the next step. Please, for all that is beautiful in the world, don't give up!

Check out a highlight video from Myers Dinner Theatre's Production of The Little Mermaid