Meet Mandisa Johnson, M.S., M.F.A.

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mandisa Johnson, M.S., M.F.A.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mandisa , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

From a very young age, I realized my love for the arts. I enjoyed writing plays and producing theatrical productions for my friends, family, and neighbors. When I was six years old, I co-wrote a play with my neighbor, and we invited our neighbors to watch our production. During the holiday season, I served as the director and producer for our Christmas production for my family. It was then that I realized that writing, directing, and producing were things I enjoyed and could see myself doing in the long run. As a teenager, I began to enjoy watching the news and always aspired to become a television news anchor. In undergrad, initially I pursued a degree in theater, until I realized how time-consuming it would be. So, I began pursuing a degree in communication, which allowed me to continue writing, directing, and producing.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am an artist and creative professional with a diverse background in theater, film, directing, writing, and journalism. I discovered my passion for the arts at a young age and continually pursue it throughout my life.

My artistic journey began with writing and performing my first play at six-years-old. I further developed my skills by writing and directing various productions for family and friends during the holiday season. In high school, I interned as an actor with a junior theater troupe, gaining experience and traveled to different schools in Columbus, Ohio. I also interned with the Ohio State University Theater Department, and The Columbus Children’s Theater further immersing myself in the world of theater.

After graduating from high school in 1995, I enrolled at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where I pursued a degree in Communication Studies/Broadcast Journalism, graduating in 2000. My on-camera acting career began in 2006 when I worked as a background actor in the film Stomp The Yard. I later portrayed Gloria Bridges in the TV show It’s Supernatural with Sid Roth in 2014 and 2019. Additionally, I appeared in a Kimball International Furniture commercial and lent my voice to the audiobook version of Nationalism Without Compassion, where I portrayed Bernice King.

In 2014, I wrote and directed a commercial titled “I’ll Never Do Church Again” for Extraordinary Church in Conyers, Georgia. I also directed Five YouTube podcast episodes for the National Network of Young Adults, and cast children for music videos by Grammy-Nominated Children’s DJ, DJ Willy WOW!, including “My Hoodie” and “Shirley Temple.” This past June, I taught a summer camp drama class to 6-8th graders at Sutton Middle School in Atlanta.

My educational journey includes, obtaining a Master of Science Degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University in May 2013, where I received a Course Director’s Award in Project and Team Management. In February 2017, I completed a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing from Full Sail University, receiving a Course Director’s Award in Film Screenwriting.

In 2015, I along with my business partner, Rashaad King, hosted an actors seminar featuring Talent Agent Tay Smith and Casting Director Brandon McCray as panelists. In May 2021, I became a member of the Atlanta Writers Society and currently I serve as an Atlanta Entertainment Business Expert for Atlanta Film and TV, where we host workshops, networking events, post informative blogs, interview industry professionals for our Conversations with Atlanta’s Movers and Shakers series, and consult with those looking to pursue a career in film and tv in Atlanta.

Outside of my professional pursuits, I am married to Eddie L. Johnson III, and we have three children named Myles, Madison, and Milan. My passion for the arts has shaped me into a multi-talented and dedicated creative professional.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that are impactful in my journey is to remain consistent. Consistency has helped to legitimize our platform and has allowed us to build trustworthiness with our audience. Second, always have integrity by keeping your word. Lastly, be confident in who you are. Confidence brings a feeling of safety to your audience.

A piece of advice I have for those early in their journey is to remain humble, and be willing and open to learn. Though I have a plethora of industry expertise and knowledge, I still remain a student of my craft. I also find the more you are open to learning new information, the easier you will be to work with.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to allow me to flow in my creativity. When I was in the first grade, I would oftentimes, come home from school and mimic what I learned in my school’s drama class. My mother would allow me to perform for her. Also, I would use my writing skills to write and produce theatrical plays and stories for my family during the Christmas season. I would not only perform for family and friends, but also my neighbors.

Contact Info:

 

Image Credits
Tracy Page

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