Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Regan Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Regan, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
The first time I knew I was meant to be an entertainer was when I received a standing ovation for the leading role in my high school production “Anne of Green Gables”. I had always loved singing and dancing since I was a young girl, playing “dress-up” was always a favorite pastime for me and anytime I had a chance to perform on stage in a talent show, or to show -off for my family, I took it! Throughout middle school and high school, I performed as a percussionist in marching band, dance and reveled in every opportunity to act in the “One-Act” plays, church plays, you name it!
Performing was a huge thrill for me, I daydreamt about auditioning for shows like American Idol. and belted out Alanis Morissette hits until my throat went raw; however, I never saw myself as the Leading Lady type, or thought I had any real potential to be a great artist on stage or film until my senior year when my drama coach asked me to audition for the leading role in “Anne of Green Gables”. I had honestly never heard of the books or films at this point, but all I knew was, I was being called to act, and the lead at that! So, I dug in deep to prepare.
I had always had low self-esteem as a kid, and still struggle with it to this day, as all creatives do. Let me tell you; when I saw my name at the top of that call sheet, it felt like I was flying! I was proud of myself for the first time in my life, and I was determined to be the best “Anne” that there ever was! I did not want this moment to slip from my grasp, like so many others had before when I failed to sing the right note, or choke on a line that inevitably forced me into an understudy position or supporting role. I spent the next several months deep diving into the films, studying Megan Follows and running lines morning, noon and night as if my life depended on it.
I wish I could say my fellow cast members were as dedicated as I was. It ticked me off immensely at the time that they weren’t taking the production as serious as I was. I still believe to this day, you bring your passion and commitment to everything you do, from a self- tape to a feature film! It’s really about the small stuff adding up with this craft. This is a serious business, and you’d better be serious about it if you expect to get anywhere in your career!
My mother was very generous with her time as well. She took great pride in costuming the rest of the students and I for the production. She always had a passion for antiques this was her moment to shine. It meant a lot to her to dress me in her period hats she had spent most of her life collecting. I’ll always remember that.
There I was, opening night! I was nervous and excited. This was it! For the first time in my life, I felt at home. Here I go, opening line,
” My name is Anne, Anne of Green Gables…”
I don’t remember any other lines now, I couldn’t repeat back much, if any of the book now, I just remember the thrill of hearing the audience gasping and laughing at just the right moments. It felt like when you turn the key in a lock and the pins turn, tickling the senses. Everything about the opening night had gone well. It was electric, motivating, and when I approached my final monologue, I felt it all come full circle. The audience was silent, they were awaiting the conclusion and here I come,
” My name is Anne, Anne of Green Gables… God is in his Heaven… and all is right with the world!”
Instant electricity! An uproar of cheers and jubilation filled the room as I saw the masses of faceless bodies jump into the hair clapping extatically, for me! Me? I remember tears streaming down my face, burning against the warmth of my cheeks and goosebumps running from my toes to my neck, grinning from ear to ear as I covered my ears with the echos of whoops, and bravas that filled the auditorium.
I had done it! I had brought a believable and memorable performance, joy and pain to the audience, I was responsible for their emotion, and I felt remarkable!
All of my hard work had paid off, and I was on a high, I could hardly breath! This was me.
Regan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Alongside my acting, I have created a YouTube Channel “Reading with Regan”, where I provide light-hearted readings of classic children’s stories accompanied by soft music. This channel has moved to YouTube Kids because one of my passions is protecting children of any age from harmful experiences. My husband and I donate regularly to Operation Underground Railroad, an independent organization that rescues and helps rehabilitate victims of exploitation. When I became a mother, I was determined to contribute goodness into the world as I worked as a photographer for fifteen years. I was determined to bring as much joy and comfort as I could into the lives of the young spirits I come into contact with.
I know not every child is safe where they are either emotionally or physically, something that was unfortunately a reality for me at a very dark moment in my young life. Watching PBS and Disney was a great escape for me, and this is what I hope to show with my channel. To reinforce the love and comfort I felt as a child watching PBS with Reading Rainbow and Mr. Rogers. The channel also gives me the opportunity to practice my VO talent and feeds my imagination for storytelling.
This leads me to the second piece of my entertainment repertoire as a theatrical and commercial actor I have the opportunity every day to explore new parts of my personality as I dig down into my feelings and memories to provide a deep and honest interpretations of the scripts I am asked to read. It is like being a detective, of my mind, and analyzing the mind of the writer who created the work, the characters and why they interact, or what they want from each other.
My job is the ultimate “playtime” for me. And working with some of the most dedicated and talented people coming up through the ranks recently has been incredibly exciting for me.
And lastly, I am proud to say I am always learning. Learning and reading books about technique such as Meisner Method, to on Camera techniques of Micheal Caine, or relaxing listening to the comedic quips of Mel Brooks in “All About Me”. I don’t just read about the craft of acting, I live it as well, whether I am in class working on repetition exercises, or working on set with Amber Blake, owner of Pix N Clips. I am learning about camera, light placement, sound as well as editing.
My own company R&S Productions was born, ironically on my birthday this year when I finished editing and publishing my first short film called “Moving Forward”. A film with challenges as the team was required to work completely remotely. It was a baptism by fire to complete the editing by my school’s film festival deadline, but working through the night alongside my mentors Amber Blake and Sean Perez gave me the inspiration I needed to learn a new skill, which was daunting, but exciting and fulfilling! This will not be my last production.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In May of 2023 my husband was deployed overseas. I wanted to get back into acting. I had always had a passion for it, but my life took turns that avoided that path for several years. I was a flight student, a photographer, cashier and finally an Uber delivery person. I stumbled across the bold and amazing Wendy Alane Wright-Hollywood Winners Circle Academy and enrolled immediately. HWC has been teaching actors about the business of acting and in some cases the coaches quite literally hold your hand through the amazing process of building your packages and compiling work that YOU create to showcase and present yourself as a contender in this industry. I’ve met some of the most passionate, talented and kind people I’ve ever known in my life.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
When I entered the acting industry, I was a military spouse and a mom to three amazing kids. My main goal is to be a great example of dedication and success for them and anyone with a bold dream and high obstacles. I want to make my own films and television shows, and while those are being written, I want to work on set with other creatives and learn the industry. I never want to stop creating and learning.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reganlynise/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081025165352
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regan-johnson-2a16a9302/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIeE7a3k1c1UP-9tYdRfvMg
- Other: LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/reganmccIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9971815/
READING WITH REGAN YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://tr.ee/15QQFiEwt2
CONTACT ME: https://tr.ee/sXvevUKhT7
