Braxton O. Johnson
I first saw the phenomenal Braxton O. Johnson in a brief comedic role in Dallas Theater Center’s Clue. I knew right away that Braxton was a force on stage. Braxton is blessed with a voice that commands attention and that undefinable quality that gives him presence and poise when performing. Braxton is already an award-winning Shakespearean actor and has a passion for Shakespeare’s works. Currently, Braxton is performing as the arrogant Steward in DTC’s Into the Woods. In contrast to the arrogant Steward, the true Braxton O. Johnson is a kind, caring, intelligent young man who is dedicated to perfecting his craft. Take a few moments to read about the journey of this star on the rise.
When was your first time on stage?
The first “stage” I ever stepped on was the pulpit of St. Paul Baptist church in Dallas Texas at 3 years old. Like many people of color, I didn’t have exposure to formal theatre growing up. My performance outlets were church plays for Easter, Christmas, and Black History Month celebrations. It wasn’t until my freshmen year of high school that I was cast in my first musical You’re a Good man Charlie Brown at Pleasant Grove High School in Texarkana Texas that I stepped foot on an actual theater stage.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
After winning my first oratory contest in first grade I noticed my talent for invoking emotions in others whether it be happiness, sadness, etc. with my words. I didn’t necessarily see it as “acting” at the time, but I instantly knew it’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Growing up, my talent for performing took on many different faces. I was a debater and orator through college. I was on the path to pursuing a law degree and use my talent for language and harnessing emotion in litigation. And at one point I even thought I’d become a pastor. But it was all theatre masked as something else for me. It has always been since I was 6.
Who is your greatest mentor?
I’m a huge advocate for using all the different parts of your life outside of the theatre to influence your work as an actor. So, When I think of mentors that have had a great impact on my journey a few come to mind. Chad Bradford at Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre really invoked a passion within me for not only performing Shakespeare but making it (and all forms of theatre) accessible to marginalized communities that wouldn’t normally come to the theater. Stephanie Gray from the University of Central Arkansas debate team taught me so much about how to wield my wit and words with both lethal and graceful precision. Broadway’s Curtis Wiley, with whom I did my very first DFW show, has shown me the importance of kindness as a leader, and how major talent comes with major accountability. My first Music Director outside of education and my first vocal coach Mark Binns. And most importantly, someone who I think of every time I enter a music rehearsal or have a sitzprobe. My high school band director Arnie Lawson, who inspired a deep work ethic and passion for music that I’ve carried with me to this day.
What role have you enjoyed most in your career so far?
The role I’ve enjoyed the most is Lord Capulet in Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre’s production of Romeo and Juliet directed by Tommy Novak. It was the first time I’d been entrusted with a role of that weight. It seemed to be the perfect mixture of everything, I got to showcase my full range as an actor, which is rare. In this adaptation there were musical elements where I got to sing as well (I also won a Best Leading Actor Broadway World Award for it).
Do you have a dream role?
I’d love to play Caliban in The Tempest, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Enoch Snow in Carousel, and Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
What person would you like to be on stage with?
There’s honestly no dream list of people I’d want to share the stage with. I’m always down to experience new people, especially in this career.
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
I implore everyone to go watch the Scene from August Wilson’s King Hedley ll at the 2001 Tony awards (back when they showcased plays as well) starring a young Viola Davis and Brian Stokes Mitchell. They are some of the most gripping 3 minutes of theatre you’ll ever watch. She would go on to win her first Tony award that night. Lastly A young Patrick Stewart in John Barton’s “Playing Shakespeare” video series from (I believe) the 1970’s? Patrick does a monologue from The Winter’s Tale in the series that’s absolutely beautiful. These two videos are what I go back to when I need a bit of inspiration to “do the work”.
What are your career goals?
I know Broadway isn’t the end all be all, but I’d absolutely love to do a few Broadway shows one day. I’d also love to perform as much Shakespeare as I can, maybe even in Europe. When I’m older, I’d like to be a kooky tenured professor and teach a course on the political influences and themes in major writers of theatre such as Shakespeare, and hammer into young minds how all theatre is inherently political.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
People would be surprised to know I’m extremely shy and have severe social anxiety. I tend to be a bit of an outspoken social butterfly to offset the fact I’m terrified of any social interaction, and any attention at all. Who would have thought, eh?
