We recently connected with Briona Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Briona thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
After teaching in public schools, charter schools, after-school programs, private schools, acting studios, and theaters I became well-versed in teaching children of all ages, and backgrounds. Within those teaching experiences I’ve held the titles of department chair, teacher of distinction, and lead drama teacher. All of these different roles in diverse performing mediums have worked together to shape my dynamic, nurturing, and results-driven teaching style and overall approach to performance education. I found a need. Most elementary schools do not have theatre education, which is unfortunate. Researchers found that sustained learning in music and theatre correlates strongly with higher achievement in both math and reading. A student involved in the arts is four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. It is important that students learn the transferable skills of: Communicating more effectively, thinking creatively, increasing self-esteem, speaking to public audiences and, working successfully with others as early as possible. With that being mentioned, I created my after-school program: Theatre Academy of Georgia. We partner with elementary schools as an after-school vendor to provide theatre enrichment. I am proud to state, my kindergarten students are performing monologues to large audiences within the first year of training with: Theatre Academy of Georgia.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
In kindergarten or first grade, I played and elderly woman. I loved getting into costume with my grey wig and aging makeup and my walker. That school play sparked my interest in the performing arts. I went on to take acting classes in middle and high school and participating in anything I could that involved performing from: colorguard to cheering to band to the school news and of course the school plays. However, it wasn’t until I went to college that I truly understood and the mechanics of theatre. I remember my first blocking rehearsal my freshman year at Georgia Southern University. It was for the school: Intimate Apparel Directed by: Mical Whitaker. Professor Whitaker said, “Mayme (my character’s name) I want you to cross downstage right.” I froze like a statue. I had no idea where to go and was absolutely embarrassed. It was that moment where I felt cheated of all the prior theatre training that I completed. Now, I make sure, no matter how young my students are that they know everything I didn’t going into college. And guess what, they do! One thing I know for sure is – students will rise to wherever you place the bar. With that, my program has produced: Short films, musicals, plays, and monologue showcases featuring students with little to no prior performing experience. I am passionate about all of my students’ growth and creating a joy factor that makes learning fun! I look forward to expanding this experience. I believe every child will benefit, holistically, from theatre education.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Mmmm that’s so good! Wow, the first lesson that came to mind – how to process feedback. This concept can and should be applied in one’s personal and professional life. Growing up I always felt the need to explain my choices and responses. I was in a scene-study or movement class at Georgia Southern. My professor was giving me feedback on my acting choices and I responded with why it made sense to me. I laugh looking back at that moment and the moments before knowing what I know now. Which is, when receiving feedback, take what you need and dismiss from your mind what you don’t. That’s all. Receiving feedback is powerful in our growth and a true gift in a world where so many things cost time or money to learn and grow. It also provides a space where people will offer more feedback knowing you are capable to receive.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I established my company. I knew for sure it would be easy to attract business because of the value of my offerings. Wow, I never before heard ‘no’ in so many different ways. I contacted over one hundred different programs and schools in-person, over the phone, social media, email, you name it. I had my marketing material and my pitch. I did my research – all of that. It was still a no, after a no, after another no. But, I knew, that I knew, that I knew this is part of my life’s calling. So, I stayed the course. After almost a year of pivots. I landed my first school partnership, which led to more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theatreacademyofgeorgia.com
- Instagram: @theatreacademyofgeorgia @brionajohnsonofficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briona-johnson-0732925a/
- Twitter: @theatreAOG