Arden Harrison
Librettist, Playwright, Composer, Lyricist
Associate member of The Dramatists Guild, member Playwrights' Center, member ASCAP

One of the toughest jobs I’ve ever had was “getting my life back” after being injured by a drunk driver. My promising career as a songwriter and dreams of writing for musical theater were brought to a sudden halt. This, just months after my now-husband/arranger, Bob Bushnell, and I performed a debut concert at the Ordway Studio Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota as the songwriting duo “Harrison & Bushnell”.

Aside from the debut concert, during that time, another artistic milestone for me was becoming a proud member of The Dramatists Guild and ASCAP. A most memorable Dramatists Guild event was when I met Mary Rodgers and James Kirkwood, both encouraging me to never give up on writing musicals. With that having being said, after decades of needing help, including physical/occupational therapy, speech therapy and neurosurgery, I am reinventing my life.

During this long, difficult journey, when I could play piano, play guitar and sing again, I would also write down musical and text notes for prospective new musicals. Meanwhile, I turned to developing a technique of creating fiber art. It was “therapy” as I envisioned scenery and characters and brought them “to life” with mostly silk, beads and thread. Although I loved creating the art and several pieces won fine art awards and are installed in worthy places, it was not my true passion. Writing musicals and songwriting will always be my true passion.

It is with steadfast earnest and determination that I wish to be a part of making a difference in the realm of musical theater. I strive to do so with compassion, empathy and hope. The same kind of hope that has given me strength, because I truly believe the “gift” of musical theater makes the world a better place.

Arden Harrison
5036 Woodgate Court,
Minnetonka, MN 55345
952-470-9548
arden@ardenharrison.com