Today we’d like to introduce you to Briona Johnson.
Hi Briona, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started as an actor. My professor, while I was pursuing my undergraduate degree and Theatre told me I should go out for this teaching artist internship at Arena Stage, a prominent regional theater in Southwest Washington DC. I landed the internship and that was my first time teaching theater it was amazing however, I felt like I was too young to pursue teaching so I continued on with acting in LA then I came back to Atlanta which is home for me, landed an agent, and started working as an actor again. I was seeking more stability so I went into teaching I started off as a high school theater teacher and it was every bit of what you would think the high school theater experience is however, with the close age gap high school wasn’t the right fit for me at the time so then I went on to teach theatre at a few charter schools from kindergarten through eighth grade as well as an acting coach on the weekends for a nearby television and film Acting studio after a few years of being a performing arts teacher for film television commercial and theaters and private schools charter schools public schools theater spaces and studios I had a wealth of knowledge that made my training and coaching all-inclusive. It was then that I realized I needed to form my own company that provided training in all areas for actors that’s when Theatre Academy Of Georgia was born with my company, I have gone onto executive produce and direct several short films provide creative direction for play productions musicals as I partner with elementary schools to provide after-school theatre enrich as well as small group and individual coaching for public speakers and poets and of course actors of all ages.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey in entertainment entrepreneurship has been no crystal stair. I started Theatre Academy of Georgia in 2019 and right as I’m getting my business of the ground the pandemic hit. My vision was to bring theatre enrichment to pre-schools and elementary schools and all of a sudden, the schools shut down. I felt defeated. Where I was knowing that I was called to execute my business on a large scale and after making close to one hundred phone calls not one school could host my program. That’s when I had to make a pivot on my initial plan. I started offering virtual coaching services and teaching online. I preserved through the setback knowing the vision may be delayed but not denied.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I want readers to know the importance of performance training whether you are a student of adult an actor or non-actor. Performance: Performance coaching leads to quick and creative thinking, stronger communication skills, the power to assert yourself and lead with self-confidence. As well as acknowledging the statistics that: A student involved in the arts is four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. Researchers found that sustained learning in music and theatre correlates strongly with higher achievement in both math and reading. 72 percent of business leaders say that creativity is the number one skill they are seeking when hiring. Even with these statistics: 96 percent of elementary schools nationwide don’t offer theatre.
I am known for my holistic approach student’s success, I lead with sincere love for my all of my clients and I’m passionate about aiding them in achieving their performance goals, whether that’s with memorization techniques, character development, navigating The Business, or mindset and/or lifestyle coaching.
My clients’ success is my success. My students include: actors, spoken word artists, and educators. Most of whom land top agents and booked work with top industry professionals like Steven Spielberg, Tyler Perry and Viola Davis (to name a few).
I am excited to roll out my series of online courses late 2022. I interviewed the top industry professionals in film and theatre to develop trainings to take every actor’s work to the next level. I am super excited. This courses will have so many gems that are priceless to performers.
Theatre Academy of Georgia is partnering with C. Elise School of Music to provide the Intensive Musical Program with the collimating production being: Annie Jr. This is open to kids ages 10-15 with the additional internship program for rising juniors and seniors.
I offer virtual private performance coaching for actors, poets, and public speakers on my website: www.theatreacademyofgeorgia.com
You can also find my on Instagram @actingcoachbriona where I post additional performance tips and connect with my community.
I am looking forward to more after-school partnerships with elementary school to bring in theatre production enrichment.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My confidence to pursue entertainment professionally was embedded in me by my former college theatre professor, Mical Whitaker. He saw the light in me a freshman at Georgia Southern University. He took me under his wing, I felt like I was his daughter. He coached me through my acting competitions. He knew I would be a theatre major (I was studying journalism- theatre minor) and I would go on to make an impact in theatre. He cast me in his shows and that led to him bringing me on as a casting director and later an assistant director for his future shows. Ending with him asking to perform in the first show I directed (can you say FULL CIRCLE). He enhanced the trajectory of my professional career and I am forever grateful Mical Whitaker.
My mom, Shoner Johnson. Ooh chile, she’s my right hand, she’s my go-to. She gives me the best business advice. She advocates for my company and my expansion. She is more excited about my success than anyone I know. She knows me better than anyone and She has the best discernment. It could be because she’s a life coach or because she’s my mom, but either way she makes sure that I win!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@theatreacademyofgeorgia.com
- Website: www.theatreacademyofgeorgia.com
- Instagram: @actingcoachbriona @theatreacademyofgeorgia
