Patdro Harris

Award-winning Director, Broadway Choreographer, Writer

Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

I am deeply honored and overjoyed to be a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. With this prestigious recognition I stand in awe of this gesture. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for bestowing this incredible honor upon me. To God be the glory.

I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey, as I could not have achieved this alone. If our lives have crossed in any capacity—in school, at band rehearsals, in a dance or music studio, on stage, backstage, in front of the camera, behind the scenes, in the audience, or even if you were simply sitting on your couch rooting for me—I shout, "Thank You." Your support and encouragement have been integral to my success, and you are all a part of this award.

I am forever grateful for your presence in my life and for the roles you have played in my journey. Thank you for believing in me and for being part of this incredible achievement.

Nationally and internationally recognized.

Respected by colleagues, critics, and fans.

The New York Times applauds his artistry as "praiseworthy." The Houston Chronicle says, “...excellent, energizing direction, and stunning choreography, makes the show an absolute joy to experience.” The Washington Post hails him as a "superb choreographer." And, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution enthusiastically commends his work as "dynamic... brilliant... solid season after season."

Summer The Donna Summer Musical. Directed and Choreographed by Patdro Harris. Courtesy of Aurora Theater. Photo credit Casey Gardner Ford.

Award-winning Director

Patdro Harris has directed at distinguished theaters, such as, The Alliance Theater, Sacramento Theatre Company, Round House Theatre, Liberty Theatre Cultural Center, San Diego Repertory Theatre Company, Penumbra Theatre, Tuskegee Repertory Theatre, Ensemble Theatre, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Syracuse Stage, Theatrical Outfit, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Howard University, Syracuse University, Florida A&M University, The University of Northern Colorado, Black Theatre Troop, Portland Playhouse, Florida State University, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina & Boston University.

Fly Directed by Patdro Harris courtesy of Theatrical Outfit

Broadway Choreographer

Patdro choreographed the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit, “A Raisin in the Sun” with director Kenny Leon featuring Audra McDonald and Phylicia Rashad. As well, Patdro has traveled the world as choreographer and lead dancer for the incomparable Stevie Wonder. He has worked with such artists as, Yolanda Adams, The SOS Band, TC Carson, Daryl Coley, and India Arie. His talents were also showcased as choreographer and movement specialist in Toni Morrison's world premiere opera, “Margaret Garner.”

Patdro also served as choreographer, artistic consultant, and movement director with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Kennedy Center, Studio Theatre D.C, City Theatre of Pittsburgh, Minneapolis Mixed Blood Theatre, Jomandi Productions, The National Black Theatre Festival, Guthrie Theatre, The National Black Arts Festival, Portland Center Stage, and Broadway's Royal Theatre.

The Royale Directed by Patdro Harris Courtesy of Theatrical Outfit

Awards

Mr. Harris attended Alabama State University. In his current home, Atlanta, Georgia, he has served on many arts committees including the Georgia Council for the Arts, and the Advisory Dance Panel for the Bureau of Cultural Affairs. He holds to his credit the 1996 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Choreography and has been honored with a nomination for the same award for Best Supporting Actor.

Mr. Harris was also nominated for an off-Broadway award, The AUDELCO for ensemble performance of the year 1998. He has received a 2009, 2010, 2011, & 2016 Giorgee Award for Best Director & Best Show of the Year. He served as the first choreographer on the popular reboot TV show Dynasty season 3 episode 4. In 2013 and 2019 he received Atlanta’s top theatre award, The Suzi Bass Award for Outstanding Director of a Play.