John Johnson

John A Johnson is a Native Washingtonian and is the 2022 Artist in Residence at the Honfleur Art Gallery in Washington DC. He is the founder and creator of Verbal Gymnastics Theater Company and also moonlights as a Poet/Playwright. Mr. Johnson holds a B.A in theater form the University of the District of Columbia and uses his background in theater to create a unique interactive experience when writing and performing.

Mr. Johnson has worked as a drama therapist with a partnership with the Districts Youth Services Center. Some of Mr. Johnson's early career accolades include being a published author of a book of poetry called “Love for Her". He has written and produced six plays that reflect and celebrate the culture of his native city Washington DC. He has also been a three-time Artist Fellow of the DC Arts Commission. Other honors include participation in "Sounds of the Underground" DC HIP HOP Theatre festival one act plays. His most recent contribution is to a radio project at American University WAMU 88.5 in conjunction with the Association of Independent Radio called “Anacostia Unmapped” which captures the narratives of local residents in rapidly changing communities “East of the River” in Washington D.C.

Mr. Johnson has been recently exploring an innovative form of theatre/storytelling called Playback Theatre and is coming off of a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC where he uses his experience in theatre to explore the emotional impact of Sep 11th with improvisational storytelling. He plans on incorporating Playback Theatre into this current project to foster meaningful discussions about race, generational disparities, and economic challenges that come with development in Washington, DC with residents that live in the predominately African American neighborhoods.