Seasoned Theatre Director Lisa Harris to make POW WOW musical program sing for the 2018-19 school year – joined by longtime Brave Kendra Thomas who will lead high school plays…
This fall, a star returns, and a longtime middle school theatre director is cast for a new role.
The Indian Hill Exempted Village School District is thrilled to welcome back to the prestigious Indian Hill High School (IHHS) Theatre Program POW WOW Director Lisa Harris. Harris – who served Indian Hill students as the POW WOW and theatre director from 2009 to 2014 – will be joined by longtime Brave Kendra Thomas, who currently works as the IHHS media aide, and has also served students as the theatrical director at Indian Hill Middle School (IHMS). In addition to supporting Harris with POW WOW – the IHHS annual musical, Thomas will also be directing the IHHS fall and spring plays.
“This is a dream team for our student-performers to have the opportunity to learn from,” said Indian Hill High School Principal Jeff Damadeo. “It is an excellent opportunity for the district to advance our arts program, which Mrs. Thomas has played a significant role in creating. We are incredibly excited to welcome Ms. Harris back to Indian Hill; her creative energy will certainly help light up the stage.”
During her tenure at Indian Hill Schools, Harris created the Cincinnati Academy of Performing Arts, a nonprofit after-school enrichment program serving 400 students in five communities, including Indian Hill. She also created a complementary summer camp experience for students. In addition to leading POW WOW, Harris served the district as an IHHS public speaking teacher. Harris has worked as a senior account executive with WLWT, Hearst Broadcasting, since 2014. She has a bachelor’s degree in theatre studies from Wright State University.
Thomas began serving Indian Hill students in 2011 as the IHMS theatre director, and has rich professional resume in the arts. She worked at the Cincinnati Museum Center as a visitation enhancement specialist and exhibit specialist (2012-2016), and she is a director with the Fairfield Summer Community Theatre (2008-present). Thomas earned her bachelor’s degree in theatre with a focus in directing and education from Miami University.
Harris and Thomas replace Katie Arber who left the district to accept a full-time director position with Milford City Schools.