Harris III

Harris “the Third” has spent the majority of his young life dazzling audiences. His classically trained performances have been featured on thousands of stages throughout the United States, and his magic-with-a-message has captured the spotlight in over 15 countries on 5 continents. With such a resume, it’s little wonder that ‘Harris III’ is becoming one of America’s most sough-after performers and event speakers.

Harris IIIMore than a magician, this master of misdirection knows how to attract an audience and hold its attention. From spot-lit stages throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and even the Middle East, to the exclusive, members-only club of Manhattan’s Soho House, Harris’ illusions have captivated spectators in an unusually wide variety of venues.

Though only in his twenties, Harris has been called upon by Elvis Presley Enterprises to create custom presentations for Graceland, asked to deliver creative messages at fundraising events at venues like the Southwest Airlines Corporate Headquarters, and has been hired to entertain and inspire the staffs and leadership of organizations like North Point Community Church, Focus on the Family, and the Southern Baptist Executive Committee. He has graced stages at some of the largest events and conferences in the country, performing for teenagers at BigStuf camps, young girls on the Revolve Tour, married couples at Lifeway Marriage Conferences and Retreats, to arena-sized experiences like Women of Faith, and three separate, repeat appearances on the main stage at the Catalyst Conference.

Having mastered the tricks of his trade, Harris has become, by any definition, World Class. In fact, he may be the only illusionist on the planet with out-of-this-world testimonials from NASA.

Given these many accomplishments, it is ironic that Harris’ career of misdirection began with an unintended trick…played on him.

When he was just a nine-year old sports fan, the only thing the Tennessee boy dreamed of was a baseball glove. But on Christmas day, after tearing through a mound of colorful paper, he found nothing to catch his falling hopes. However, at his grandparents’ house, Harris’ prospects improved when his grandmother revealed a box resembling the very dimension of his dream. But raising the lid, his expectations fell again; for the container did not hold a magic mitt for his hand, but rather a collection of magic tricks, for practicing sleight-of-hand.

It took some time, but the disheartened boy eventually warmed up to ‘Grandmother’s Gift’, and by the age of 11, Harris had turned its contents into a sport of his own.

Rather than just fooling his friends with a few card tricks, the boy immersed himself in his newly discovered performance art. Enlisting the help of Mr. McMichael, (an illusionist he first saw perform in the unlikely venue of a small country church), Harris spent hours, every day, rehearsing. Like a diligent athlete, he practiced the rudiments of prestidigitation and explored the science of misdirection. He polished his presentation and shined up his showmanship until this once disillusioned boy mastered the Art of Illusion, itself.

“…We trust our senses…we live our lives by them.” Harris explains. “But the art of illusion has taught me that things are not always what they seem. Far too often our focus gets shifted to matters that ultimately don’t matter. We get misdirected from the Truth…”

The instructions Harris received from the mentor he first saw perform “in church”, opened his eyes; but not to the magical or the mystical, but rather to matters that truly matter – the spiritual.

Combining McMichael’s example with the unintentional lessons of his ninth Christmas, Harris decided to use all he had learned to teach others intentional, positive lessons. And wielding that mandate like a magic wand, the Tennessee teen’s metamorphosis into ‘Harris III’ was complete.

“…Every moment of misdirection I create on stage has a purpose; every illusion is intentionally tied together to enlighten, to inspire others to see the deception around them, to learn the truth about lies…and discover their own purpose.”

This rare brand of magic-with-a-message has raised theatre curtains around the world and opened doors in the most unlikely of places. And for these efforts, Harris is not only recognized by a growing audience, but also by his peers. Though only in the second decade of his career, this small town boy has already received multiple awards for his sleight-of-hand skills from the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He’s been welcomed into the membership of Hollywood’s famed and prestigious Magic Castle, and recognized by the Fellowship of Christian Magicians for his outstanding excellence and professionalism. And in an unprecedented show of respect for such a young performer, Harris is the only illusionist to be featured on the cover of the FCM’s international trade magazine twice within the same decade.

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