Native Tennessean, Jonna Johnson grew up in the small town of Lebanon TN and then later Memphis TN. In fighting for her passion of Performing Arts she left Tennessee for Atlanta Ga where she attended Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff School of Performing Arts. Completing all studies in Film Concentration, Commercial, & Voice Over she had the determination to continue to use her talents to Mentor Young People Nationwide by being able to relate and motivate them to go for their Dreams and Passions in life. As a Certified Motivational/Presentation Speaker (by Clayton State University) she travels all over to reach out to troubled teens/adults with husband (retired NFL Player) Thomas Johnson, where together they share their struggling stories to relate and motivate future generations. Now, Coach Jonna Johnson not only is a Professional Working Actress, Casting Director, Award Winning Philanthropist, she is also an Instructor of Performing Arts, Lifestyle Coach to many business Professional throughout the Southeast. She has achieved her Certification from the International Coach Federation and Also the Certified Coaching Alliance! She is Globally recognized for her Expertise as a Life Coach Practitioner.
How would you describe your coaching
An infusion of Acting, Life & Presentational techniques in each session. My methodology is to break into the layers of your inner artist, be comfortable with yourself & present your artistry in a very confident, self assuring manner.
How did you get into coaching
The opportunity was opened to me from a connection with The Actors Scene! I was promoting (As Spokeswoman of Atlanta’s International Fashion Week) I attended a networking event in Atlanta called ‘The Get Connected’ founded by Autumn Bailey and I met or connected with another coach at the event who gave me the lead of new coaches needed. The rest is history!
Did you study coaching or acting
I studied and received my diploma from the Certified Coaching Alliance & International Coaching Federation. I am globally certified.
What a Hit! Locked in new dates for the next showings!! Coming Soon! #Theatre #Actress #Atlanta pic.twitter.com/hJzgAZNIQy
— Jonna Johnson (@jonnajohnson1) April 27, 2016
Do you operate on instincts when coaching or acting
Observation is key to developing a clear understanding of talent. Not only instinct, but experience and expertise from being in that state of being or mind is key, in order to relate and genuinely coach for a breakthrough. In order help set the goals of my students so that their action plan is ‘a journey’ vs. ‘a moment’, I must have some experience or knowledge about each and every situation that is brought to me. This is what I instinctively navigate through with my students.
What coach or acting technique do you use
I use quite a few but my favorite and mostly utilized is Ivana Chubbuck
What wrong impressions do actors have about acting
That because you have a “good Look” you are in…. Because your friend or family member knows someone you’re In… not the case at all.
How often should actors take courses in acting to increase their craft
As often as they can stay enrolled in something. The more time you focus on your passion the more passionate you become and choose to fill your day with what makes you happy, dedicated and joyful.
What books do you read
Any book that I feel like reading for the way my mood is…
How do you keep in shape as a coach
Its difficult, My roles really motivate me to stay in shape.
What physical exercises can help an actor to keep in shape
Cardio, and walking creates great blood flow throughout, promotes great heart health and keeps you sweating toxins out and in with some new by water intake.
How do you approach a new student
I utilize Chubbuck technique
How to you teach actors to live a character
Patience and open mindedness. With both, successful playing can occur and magic is more likely to occur
How can an actor remain fresh on a production
Utilize the warm ups (in my coaching classes)
Do you still act
Yes
Describe your experience as a coach
Coach everyday some kind of way, whether its via Skype, Email, Text, Social Media or in Person…. I can not go a day without coaching! It is a lifestyle that requires the full attention of my student that are active or reaching goals as time permits… with 100’s of students I’m constantly enhancing someone’s day.
What is the most memorable screen character that you have played
Role of Shonda, Mind Over Mindy, 2014
What do you want from an actor during class or production
Genuine interest in tapping into their own unique inner artist. To let go of the physical perks that are involved and fall in love with the craft!
How do you prefer to work with an actor during production
I love to use a handful of techniques that works best with different actors chemistry. My favorite is the Ivana Chubbuck 12 step technique that allows you to fully develop your surrounding, connection & goals associated with you current state of being.
Do you get coaching offers from film industries like Hollywood, Bollywood or Nollywood
I do have many coaching offers all over, never NollyWood but I do coach a 1st Generation Nigerian family here in Atlanta. I ’ve work on many film productions from Documentaries, In House Business or Professional training videos and on set of films!
What do you think an actor can do to get into the film industry
Network properly, and genuinely. Stay in consistent training (i.e. workshops, classes, events) to stay up to date with the latest area happenings. Extra work is a great way to network with other actors, trying to reach the next level and a perk is you get paid while doing it (Most of the time)!
Who is your favourite actor, coach or director
Actress: Meryl Streep; Such a versatile actress! Director and coach is Leonardo DiCaprio, a fantastic, intelligent mind and example behind his coaching and productions.
What advice would you give to amateur actors
Find your specific passion for acting, do not try to get into the industry just to get on TV or have the goal of being famous, it will only leave you dry, at a dead end and frustrated because this industry is just not that easy. You may get lucky once or twice but eventually your lack of work, knowledge on set and clueless notion of lingo will be seen, caught and discarded. Casting directors talk and share in a given region, you can not get away with not being for real about your craft & putting the work in.
With all my Co-Host of @FashionologyATL #2016 pic.twitter.com/0OOJINeUHh
— Jonna Johnson (@jonnajohnson1) April 29, 2016
Briefly write about your career
I have done many productions from Theater to Film to TV! I’ve also Cast or
Assisted in many productions for film & TV…Played a wide range of characters and ages, with more currently on the way! Hosted many high profile events, such as the 1st Black Women in Jazz & Fine Arts 2014, & coming up April 23rd 2016, I’m booked as the Host of Mercedes Benz Fashionology here in Atlanta! The list is endless!
