David Harrell
Art Form(s):Artist Statement
The goal of my work is to use my story to encourage audiences to recognize the universality of our shared experience and be a catalyst for discussion about broader themes of diversity and inclusion. I relish the opportunity to show that disability is not a heroic obstacle to overcome but a unique aspect of one’s life. Through my work I entertain, enlighten, and educate children to not be defined by limitation, and I help them learn the valuable lessons of acceptance and how to not let circumstances peel away the core of who they are as human beings.
Artist Bio
David Harrell is an international award–winning actor, speaker, and disability advocate residing in New York City. Most recently he performed Off- Broadway in the New York Times Critic’s Pick The Healing by Samuel D. Hunter. His short film Lefty & Loosey won Best Film in the 2016 Disability Film Challenge and Best International Actor in the 2016 Focus on Ability Film Festival in Sydney, Australia.
His award-winning solo plays have entertained audiences around the world. He holds a BFA from the University of Southern Mississippi and a MFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in theatre performance.
Testimonials
I cannot even begin to gush enough. I have just come back from watching both of David's performances, and I am completely blown away. To say he knocked it out of the park is not even close to how well it went. I was near tears myself, the kids were attentive, thoughtful, reactive, watchful, smiling, rapt throughout the whole performance, both age groups. The questions afterward from the kids proved that they paid attention, and were considering all he brought to their attention. He reinforced the character education that currently is on going in the school, and highlighted to the staff with the comments and questions they presented that we are making headway in opening the minds of their generation. I had teachers all turn to me to exclaim how wonderful they thought he was. I actually had a teacher seek me out on my way out of the building, so she could share with me how she is just so touched, that she has no words to describe how much it meant to her. I cannot thank you enough for having David in your repertoire of performances. You have always had high quality, and David is a shining star.
PTO Representative, Paradise Knoll Elementary
Wow!! I’ve loved every show that we have booked through you. This one topped them all. David’s performance was amazing. The whole school was buzzing all day about the show. Teachers, Parents, students and district administration were equally impressed. He dreamed of being a hero when he was young, today he definitely proved himself as one to our children. Thank you for providing an amazing opportunity for our school.
PTO Representative, Makefield Elementary
David performed an amazing assembly for the fourth and fifth graders at our school. Not only was his performance great..., but he inspired so many of our students. After the assembly, our students were so moved/touched, that we paused our curriculum learning to hold "circles" within our classroom to talk more in depth about the assembly, what was learned (lessons, etc), and how it made us feel about treating others with respect. I would love to see him come back to perform again next year, and would highly recommend other schools to have him perform there as well!
Teacher, Tuscan Elementary
I just want to let you know that it was wonderful to have David join us to do his solo plays for our PK–2 & 3–5 students. The students not only enjoyed the show, but his message was so powerful. I am sure that many of our students will remember his performance. I even had some teachers welling up with tears, especially during his performance of A Little Potato & Hard to Peel. As I looked into the faces of our students during the conclusion of his performances, I could see the impact of his message was hitting home for many. This was certainly reinforced by the questions asked during the Q&A part after the performance. I am impressed as to how David has taken his life story and turned it into different performances that not only provide entertainment, but that also bring a powerful message to the audience in the end. Thank you so much!
School Counselor, Memorial Middle School
You engaged students who are not easily engaged.
Principal, Somerville Elementary
We just had a discussion on empathy in my class and your show was a perfect reminder to my students.
Teacher, Willard Elementary
David really connected with our children. We infuse Character Education into our daily lessons. He reinforced Respect, Individual Differences, and The Golden Rule. David did a great job of explaining that we all have challenges in life to overcome. This really made a strong impression on our children.
Health & Physical Education Teacher, Ashbrook School
Thank you so much for your inspiring and enthusiastic performance earlier this week at Wilbur Watts. Our students were drawn in by your story and found new meaning in the concepts of perseverance, integrity, and indomitable spirit. We were happy to have hosted you and we hope your experience here at Wilbur Watts was a positive one. Thank you once again for helping to inspire our students to better themselves inside and outside of the classroom.
Music Teacher, Wilbur Watts Intermediate
David Harrell was engaging with both his content and entertainment. The students were hanging on every word of his story. Thank you.
Acting Asst. Principal, Whiton Elementary
