Neil Patrick Harris Directing First Film, “Aaron & Sarah”

Neil Patrick Harris turns director on Aaron & Sarah.

The Hollywood Renaissance Man — whose resumes feature turns as a Tony Awards host, a leading role in the upcoming comedy The Smurfs, and an Emmy-winning run on the CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother — is taking a seat in the director’s chair after inking a deal to helm his first feature film.

NPH, as the star is affectionately called by fans, will direct Aaron & Sarah, an independent romantic comedy set to star Emma Roberts and Josh Hutcherson, The Hollywood Reporter said Wednesday. The story follows a geeky guy and a popular girl who become friends as freshmen in high school and see their unlikely relationship deepen through the years leading up to graduation.

The expectant dad got his feet wet directing The Hollywood Bowl production of Rent last summer.

Aaron & Sarah will begin production later this year.