Meet Jonna Johnson of COACHED By Jonna Johnson in MidTown Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonna Johnson.

Jonna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It started back in 2006 when my love for the arts led to studies of Theatre and Film Concentrations when I attended college (MTSU). I always had the interest and passion but grew up with minimal resources as a young child. In 2008, competing and winning the title of Tennessee’s Top Model as the underdog in multiple ways, lead to a burning desire and will to keep pushing through the challenges, seemingly “dead ends” to persevere through it all, recognizing that the hardship and challenges were the greatest gifts of growth and empowerment ever to receive for the journey ahead!

Moving to Atlanta GA in 2009, I began my journey to speak out to adults and youth, with motivating tactic to overcome circumstances they face, with my platform, while continuing the education of Film/Television at Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff and Clayton State University. Adapting to coaching fellow castmates and often being requested to coach on a set of productions I was apart of by the Directors/Producers. Leading to my passion of coaching, I fell deeply intrigued by my favorite actor’s book “The Power of the Actor” in 2009 which was introduced to me by my instructor at the time of Alliance Theatre Film Department. Ivana Chubbuck’s method stuck deep within the depths of my craft as it painted clearly the map I had been already trying to read. Placing together the truths and history that I spoke on, as a public figure. The book itself was more than an acting guide but allowed me to develop a versatile way to invest in every caliber of student I coached from there and break down the details of life for all ages! Becoming one of the Southeast most sought out acting coaches across the board!

Currently being recommended by Top Agents, Casting Directors and other industry professionals nationwide, this was recognized in Los Angeles and I was invited to train directly under Ivana Chubbuck summer of 2017. Completing the test and training of Ivana Chubbuck, growing a lasting relationship with my #1 idol of the industry and becoming the protege of Ivana Chubbuck for the East side of America, continuing to empower through the arts has become and even stronger journey than ever before. As a member of Black Women Film Network and contributing to many non-profit organizations, the will and desire to inspire, encourage and continue to uplift actors through the journey of the industry with truth and genuine love for the arts, I strive to continue to grow with my students and my 2 working actor children, as their success stories are what fuel my passion even more!

Ivana Chubbuck currently directs talent with me personally from all over to study, so being able to interpret a successful method via online classes have been a highlight of my instructing! Interpreting the technique to ages 7-adult is a one of a kind skill that I’ve been granted by Ivana Chubbuck.

Currently, the lead documented Chubbuck Instructor for GA, IL, NC, SC and FL states!

Has it been a smooth road?
The road so far has been nothing but rocky and untamable, but of course, it’s not for the weak or undedicated.

Many struggles have occurred from small circumstances of financial strain, the continued donation of time, money and service and the expectations of being in multiple places at once with no support or help. I’ve learned from these minor experiences to do “self-checks” often, take care of yourself 1st or no one can benefit from an unhealthy, unhappy spirit. Prioritize and know that sometimes you have to decline things that aren’t going to help the ones who need you the most. Volunteer for the sake of smiles and a good days conversation with those who have no one else to listen. Realize the greatest fans/supporters are the ones who aren’t at the fancy parties, networking events or on camera, but instead the passerby’s, the youth who we all once were or the neighborhood sidewalker. The rocky road has led me to be more aware of the sharp terrain and instead appreciate the course and obstacles because the finish line victory isn’t going anywhere, will stay put, but I must continue in order to experience it.

Big struggles range from the continued amount of effort industry “competitors’ try to compete with my coaching skills. There is no competition when it comes to what I do and I often refer many other coaches, schools, workshops to my students, but the same is not understood by those same companies. So, that is tough to swallow, when the open loyalty and dedication to the craft as a whole isn’t welcomed by past coaching relationships, but again, what I learned from this very circumstance is that when you monopolize your skills and talents, you simply outgrow certain groups and I can’t expect anyone to be happy about that. The passion and fuel of persistence will keep those around you who are not toxic to your journey.

As a Certified Life Coach, it was a personal struggle for me to realize that you can’t win everyone because everyone isn’t out to root you on as you accomplish your dream/purpose, especially when they can’t see their own. YOU are your biggest supporter, no one as strong as you. I continue to use the fuel of naysayers and sideliners to pour back into my students and my craft, so the obstacle of saying ‘Thank You” to them is slowly becoming an easier mission for me!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the COACHED By Jonna Johnson story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m the accredited instructor of The Chubbuck Technique by Ivana Chubbuck for the East!

Granted multiple territories to instruct the Los Angeles Times Bestseller “The Power Of the Actor” and technique of the greats!

This technique has preferred a choice of actors such as Halle Berry, Brad Pitt, Sylvester Stalone, Jessica Biel, Charlize Theron and many, many more!

As a coach, I’m known for successful studies and ability to work with the versatility of actors of all ages. Often recommended by top industry professionals as the “Go To Coach” for high caliber productions and auditions. Nearly a decade of coaching, many students have grown their entire careers solely with my coaching, so I have seemed students grow from kids to teens or teens now married, working adults.

What sets me apart from others is the genuine loyalty and dedication I have for my students to understand the process, the business of the industry along with their talent and skills. This is a lifestyle, not a hobby, so I do keep it honest, upfront and realistic for my students, while guiding them through the journey with patience and passion to see them succeed in their journey.

As a member of the Certified Coaching Alliance and the International Coaching Federation, I often seek new ways to expand my niche as a conversationalist, learning new ways to help my students communicate in their own way!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Huge changes and growth for the southeast as the film/television industry grows to being the top in the nation for film locations. I see the talent of the Southeast getting their opportunities to be successful with the efforts they put in with training and growing their individual craft!

Pricing:

• Intro of the Tools Workshops are $150 – next workshop is April 28th
• Advanced Classes $215/Month
• Skype Private Coaching for Out of State talent Only – $50/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: www.COACHEDByJonnaJohnson.com
• Email: JohnsonCastings@gmail.com
• Instagram: @jonnajohnson1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonnajohnson17/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonnajohnson1

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.