Javon Johnson
Javon Johnson's career as a writer, actor, director, and producer spans the screen, stage and writers' room. He is perhaps best well known for his work with Tyler Perry - particularly The Oval, where he played Richard Hallsen. Javon is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Actors Equity Association, and the Dramatists Guild.
He is a founding member and resident playwright of Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago. He received his MFA from the University of Pittsburgh. He regularly conducts artist development workshops and actors' bootcamps and intensives.
Saturday 19th August
MASTER CLASS: Freeing Your Creative Voice and Industry Talk
Instructor: Javon Johnson
Roosevelt
In this Master Class Javon Johnson will instruct on the following: Writing from an organic space; Writing for stage versus television/film; Seeking agent representation; Learning how to get from the page to production; Learning the development process (ie. drafting, revising, and editing); and the proper format and structure.
Saturday 19th August
PANEL DISCUSSION: Where the Money Resides: How to be a “Consistent” Working Actor
Jefferson/Adams
Inspiring Actors, Filmmakers and Writers want to be a part of the Entertainment Industry and they want to be recognized for their work. Winning an award such as an Oscar, an Emmy, a Golden Globe, a SAG Award or a Tony signify your peers acknowledge and appreciate your work. However, some never experience this kind of respect.
Industry professionals will pull back the curtain and help you peer through the lens—giving you a ‘behind the scenes skinny’ on how things really work in the worlds of Stage and Film. This is an interactive panel with Q &A between the audience and industry professionals.
Panelists:
Rhavynn Drummer, national casting director and producer
Rose Bianco, actress, stage, film and television
Javon Johnson, celebrity festival co-chair, actor, director, writer, and producer for stage, theatre and film
Lorey Hayes, Multi-award winning writer, director, Stage, Film, Television
Thursday 17th August
Festival Opening & Press Conference
Opening remarks/press conference in the Roosevelt Room.
Thursday 17th August
CELEBRITY CONVERSATION: Javon Johnson
Roosevelt
The festival is presenting a special session, Conversation with Stage, Film, and Television Actor Javon Johnson. This conversation will focus on the 2023 PNMC Festival Co-Chair Javon’s career and lived experience in the industry and ways artists of color can thrive in theatre and film. Javon currently co-stars in the television series Tyler Perry’s The Oval. The award-winning artist is also a writer, producer, and acting coach.
Moderator: Ken Boddie, Morning Anchor/Reporter KOIN TV
Thursday 17th August
CELEBRITY READING: The Hobo King
Jackson
Writer: Javon Johnson
A homeless man is slain by city police. Enraged, the homeless community attempts to govern themselves in order to protect themselves from the existing government.