Interview with Renè Harder

Renè Harder, Professor of Acting, with a focus on scene study and project development, at Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, in an interview.

In a brief introductory series, we would like to present our lecturers in the field of acting, who now also teach in the new degree programs perfomART and Business & Acting. Applications for these degree programs, unique nationwide, are possible at any time. Secure your place in the degree program now!

Interview with our Professor of Acting, Prof. René Harder.

How did your artistic career develop up to Alanus University? 

Even my years of study were eventful: I studied acting in St. Petersburg (Russia) and Berlin, studied Drama, Theatre and Media in Gießen, and directing in Hamburg. What shaped my artistic career very strongly was that I already had two children while I was a student. So it was not only about financing the growing family, but also about finding work that allowed me to spend time at home. As a result, I only occasionally directed texts by other authors; instead, I increasingly—and later exclusively—created theatre productions and later also art-house documentary films, for which I was also the writer. Developing my own projects from the initial idea to the premiere is a wonderful activity, one that can also be done a great deal in between caring for children at home, but it also requires a lot of time and it is unpredictable what will work and what will not. So I was very happy that, as an actor in early-evening TV series and commercials, I was able to earn a significant part of the rent.

Since when have you been teaching at Alanus University, and what do you teach?

I have been Professor of Acting and Project Development since 2008, which already describes my teaching content quite well. In addition to the subject of “Independent Production,” in which I coach students in developing their own projects from the initial idea to the premiere, for many years I prepared the graduating class for the so-called artistic directors’ audition, and I have also repeatedly led Shakespeare projects; on one occasion I wrote a play for and with students in cooperation with Theater Bonn. I also give seminars in media-specific acting, so-called camera acting.

What has been your favorite project you have worked on so far, and why?

Every project has fascinating and exhausting aspects. As a rule, the next project is my favorite project, because you are fully immersed in the impulse and can take all your experience with you. What particularly inspires me about my work at Alanus University is that here, over long periods of time, you can pursue and realize impulses and ideas. As a complete “project person,” I therefore also see my work here, even though it has already lasted more than 13 years, as a project. The new degree programs: truly great and long-term projects!