Brian Johnson (He/Him/His)
Storyteller. Theater-Maker. Teacher. Director. Student.
Director/Producer
Over 200 productions in the last 18 years
Co-Artistic Director The Electric Company Theatre
Co-Director Fullerton Children’s Repertory Theater
Artistic Director La Habra Theater Guild
Director Biola Youth Theater
Awards
2017 Orange County Teacher of the Year Nominee
2016 District Teacher of the Year
2009 JRAY Best Director
2013 Stage Directions Magazine Top High School Theater Program in the Nation
Degrees/Certificates
MA Theater Studies Production and Design - Southern Oregon University
BA Communications - BIOLA University
Single Subject Clear Credential (CSET English)
CLAD Credential
Professional Quality, Exciting, Broadway-style Musicals
With large casts, touring sets and costumes, inventive choreography, and popular productions that are accessible to all, I have directed over 100 musicals in the 18 years. I love to collaborate with a team of designers and creators to tell large-scale productions. The gallery below features some shots from my previous productions (video can be presented upon request).
Inventive, Site-sympathetic, Immersive Productions
I enjoy the challenge of seeing theater presented outside of the traditional theatrical space. I love watching audiences be transported and transformed in a space they least expected to have that kind of experience. I love teaching students that you do not need to have access to a fancy theater to tell an engaging and immersive story. I have produced theatrical productions on a golf course, in a pop-up bakery, in cars, in a school library, and numerous traveling, immersive productions. The gallery below features some shots from my previous productions (video can be presented upon request).
Connected to the Community & Causes
I have helped raise over $40K through fundraising improv shows for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (65 Roses Show). I have brought a touring production of Aladdin JR. to 14 local elementary schools and special education programs. I created a “Drama Buddies” program with a local Moderate/Severe Special Education class where we co-created stories from children’s books. I have made special, school-day field trip performances of our large musicals accessible to local schools. These matinee performances often featured pre-show demonstrations (scene changes, costume quick-changes, or large-group dance lessons) and always had the company (cast & crew) go out after the show for a meet-and-greet with the young audience members. The gallery below features some of these experiences:
Creating Unique Experiences for My Students
I have planned four, affordable NYC trips for my students (5 days, 4 nights, college visits, workshops, 4/5 Broadway shows). I have connected my students with industry professionals (both in their workplace and on the campus). I have helped students get into premiere colleges around the country (to study theater and to become exceptional individuals in other fields. My students have won countless awards (CAPPIES, JRAYs, MACYs, Spotlight, etc.) and I have had 5 students selected to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmys). The gallery below features some of these experiences:
