John A. Johnson

John A. Johnson is a Poet, Playwright and native Washingtonian. He is the founder and creator of Verbal Gymnastics Theater Company. Mr. Johnson served on the selection committee for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) RESILIENT TOGETHER initiative, a creative placemaking grant program designed to support local artist and small business partnerships to recover from the pandemic. Mr. Johnson holds a B.A in Theater Arts from The University of the District of Columbia. He has worked as a drama therapist in partnership with the District's Youth Services Center. Mr. Johnson is a published author, who has written and produced six plays that reflect and celebrate the culture of his native city Washington D.C. He is a three-time Artist Fellow of the DC Arts Commission. 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 D.C. communities “East of the River”. Mr. Johnson uses innovative forms of theater and storytelling to foster meaningful discussions about race, cultural preservation and the effects of economic development in Washington, D.C.