Edgar Allan Poe was the first American writer to attempt to support himself solely on writing alone. He wrote the first modern detective story, the first modern science fiction story, and founded the modern horror genre. His famous, tragic love for his wife, Virginia, helped to inspire his landmark poem, The Raven. Speculation over the cause of his mysterious death in 1849 continues to this day. His writings still speak to us more than 160 years later and have inspired countless stage and film adaptations.

This great writer is brought to life for your school, library, or literary organization by Campbell "Lou" Harmon in dramatic readings, historical biography, and direct audience interaction.

Upcoming Performances

Upcoming: 2012 February 10, Babcock Library Ashford, CT

Upcoming: 2012 February 14, East Shore Middle School, Milford, CT.

Booking

Please email edgar@thepoeactor.com for booking and honorarium information. Bear in mind that October is the most popular month for Poe performances. Check the calendar on the right to see upcoming performances as well as closed dates for October. Performances in other months are more flexible for scheduling. Reserve your performance date as early as possible.

Lou Harmon

Contact: edgar@thepoeactor.com

Phone: 203-710-8486

Location: Connecticut and New England area

Education: Yale Divinity School, Masters of Arts and Religion, 2004

Past Performances

2011 October 7-11, Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Big Read!, Albuquerque, NM.

2011 October 13, 6:30pm, Torrington Public Library, Torrington, CT.

2010 October 20, 7pm, Cromwell Public Library, Cromwell CT. Article from the Middletown Press.

2010 October 27, 6:30pm, Rocky Hill Public Library, Rocky Hill, CT.

2010 June 14, Northwestern Regional High School, Winsted, CT

2009 October 31, Boo! at the Bushnell, Bushnell Theater, Hartford, CT

2009 October, tour of 13 libraries in Connecticut for the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read program

2009 Sept 1, Page 1 television with Zita Christian

From the audience

"Re: The Big Read events.

My family and I were able to attend a library event, the Dead Poets Slam, and Boo at the Bushnell. All were excellent. Our daughter is a big horror fan and has loved Mr. Poe since fifth grade. These events gave her an opportunity to learn more about a genre she loves and some insight into what goes into the creation of these art forms.

Lou's Poe improved with each performance. I was deeply touched by Poe's difficult life and his heroic struggles to create art and support his chosen family. I was also grateful to Lou for the tact and sensitivity he displayed in handling what could have been some tricky questions regarding Mr. Poe's personal life, given the ages of some of the audience members.

My daughter asked him about the role of alcohol and drugs in the enhancement of the creative process. He was clear and emphatic that substance abuse hampered Mr. Poe's efforts, which I later learned was really the answer she was looking for. " --November 4, 2009

"I just wanted to let you know that at lunches today, the students came in and began checking out the books on our Poe display. They had questions about The Raven, they wanted to read The Tell-Tale Heart; it has been very "Poe-like" around here today. Our class set of books is out in Mr. Torres' classroom and the school is abuzz with talk of Poe. Never underestimate the power of an actual performance to begin many dialogs about literacy, even in middle school. It is a beautiful thing to witness and I thank you." -- October 10, 2011

"We received a lot of positive feedback from your performance... people are still talking about it – so again many thanks.  We are not known for having people come to our programs and you certainly packed them in!" --November 24, 2009

"People in Rocky Hill are still talking about the Bushnell’s Edgar Allan Poe night at the Library – so thank you again!" --November 5, 2009

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