EDUCATION
The Theatre School at DePaul University Master of Fine Arts in Acting - 2010
Acting:
Stanislavski's Methode: Dexter Bullard Meisner: Trudie Kessler
Classical: Catherine Weidner Shurtleff: Jane Drake Brody
Voice:
Fitzmaurice: Phil Timberlake Linklater: Claudia Anderson
Lessac: Phyllis Griffin
Movement:
Feldenkrais/Mask: Patrice Egleston Viewpoints: Betsy Hamilton,
Movement to Music: John Jenkins Clown/Lecoq: Natalie Tuner-Jones
Commercial/Film Technique: Matt Miller
Directing Actors for Camera: Matt Irvine
Improvisation: Nick Johne, Susan Messing
Stage Combat: Nick Sandys Pullin
Dramatic History/ Criticism: Chris Jones
Voice Over: Kathy Bosco
Audition for Theatre: Linda Gillum
Yoga: Gabriel Halpern
Makeup: Nan Zabriskie
Devised Theatre: Patrice Egleston/Sharon Bridgeforth
Company Creation: Gregory S. Allen
Clark Atlanta University Bachelor of Arts/Mass Media Arts - 1992
Acting: J.W. Lewis, Garry Yates, Carol Mitchell-Leon
Directing for Film/Cinema Studies: Herbert Eichelberger
Speech Communication: A. Hawks, Carol Mitchell-Leon
Black Theatre Studies: J.W. Lewis, Carol Mitchell-Leon
Lighting Design: J.W Lewis
THEATER TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Assistant Professor of Theatre
Scene Study/Acting
Emerson College, Boston, MA
2023-Present
Professor of Scene Study and Advanced Acting to BFA Theatre and Performance and BFA Acting students. Stanislavsky driven and informed with an anti-racist and inclusive lens. Specializing in culturally responsive acting methods and acting within the Black Acting Aesthetic which supports diverse, equitable, accessible and socially just storytelling. Exploring race, gender, sexuality and class dynamics through Theatre and On-Camera Acting.
Assistant Professor of Theatre Performance
Acting, Voice & Movement
University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA
2020-2023
Professor of Theatre specializing in Stanislavski-based Acting, Voice and Movement I & II, Theatre Appreciation Front Facing & Online, Self-Staging and Oral Presentation, African American Theatre History, Acting for The Camera, Contemporary Scene Study, Character Development, Black Acting & Theatre Aesthetics, Anti-Racist Theatre pedagogy, Director of University Productions. Various department and university committee work.
Adjunct Professor
Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA
2015-2020
Division of Communication Arts Speech and Theatre; experienced instruction in Black Theatre History and Aesthetics, Acting 1 Stanislavski based, Acting 2 Classical text, Contemporary Theatre, Voice and Diction, Oral Interpretation, Theatre Appreciation, Speech for Radio, TV and Film. Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Devised Theatre, Directing and Script Analysis. Also responsible for academic advisement, professional attitude/environment development, coaching acting styles for stage and camera; Director of University productions.
Theatre Arts Instructor
South Fulton Arts Center, Atlanta, GA
Summer 2016
Taught adolescents basic theatre skills such as acting, improvisation, script development, oral communication and presentation, Black Theatre Aesthetics, time management, and stage directions. Director of student devised final production.
Theatre 7 Instructor
High Jump Chicago, Chicago, IL
2012-2015, Summer 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021
Created and implemented an introduction to acting and theatre curriculum for middle school students. Employed improvisation, drama techniques, movement, clown and theatre history. Facilitated writing of personal narrative monologues and director of end-of-session devised showcase performances.
Teaching Artist
The Creative Arts Team at NYU/CUNY, New York, NY
1996-2000 and 2002-2005
Employed and designed improvisational theatre techniques, theatre history, and creative development for students, with a focus on building critical analytical skills for K-12 students and adults to process drama using Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed methodology.
Co-Director
Atlanta Street Theatre, Atlanta, GA
1992-1994
Conducted acting workshops for youth that involved adolescent health issues such as substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, peer/parental relationships, and conflict resolution. Instructed students in developing coping skills through acting, writing, improvisation and physical awareness.
Co-Director
Morris Brown College Upward Bound Program, Atlanta, GA
January – August 1993
Explored various teaching techniques in improvisational theatre, theatre history and produced vignettes related to adolescent development. Managed and supervised the casting of student actors and crew. Facilitated small group discussions to provide personal/social needs.
ADDITIONAL TEACHING
The Theatrical Jazz Institute, Chicago, IL. Sharon Bridgforth: January 2011 - May 2011
The Negro Ensemble Company/Acting Apprentice Program, New York, NY. Susan Watson-Turner, Carol Khan-White: 1995-1997
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts/Summer Intensive, New York, NY. Ray Yates, Jim Demonic: 1995
Alliance Theatre Company, Scene Study, Atlanta, GA: 1993-1994
RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Tri-Master’s Sports Initiative, Conditioning Coach
Summers 2007 - 2009, Chicago, IL
Developed and implemented student strength, conditioning, and cardiovascular training.
Facilitated students in leadership techniques and mentorship.
Innervision, Youth Counselor
2006-2007, Chicago, IL
Led workshops on character education and engaged students through motivational speaking for maximum academic success.
Created a trusting atmosphere through sensitivity to students’ strengths, weaknesses, and personal learning styles with the Matteson School District middle school students.
Bally Total Fitness, Certified Personal Trainer (AFAA)
2003-2010, NY, NY/ Chicago, IL
Designed workouts and diet plans to motivate and assist members with health and fitness goals, involving cardiovascular, resistance, and plyometric training.
Maintain valid CPR certification and attend various continuing education courses in fitness training.
Los Angeles Youth Network, Youth Counselor
2000-2001, Los Angeles, CA
Provided basic acting workshops, tutoring, social outings, and recreational activities for court-mandated youth.
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
Screen Actors Guild, Since 1996
Actors Equity Association, Since 1996
Golden Key International Honour Society, Since 2010
AFTRA, Since 2011
Academic Advisor Tri-State Club CAU, 2018-2019
Adult Mental Health First Aider, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 2022
PROFESSIONAL ACTING EXPERIENCE
NEW YORK THEATRE
Plenty of Time Corey Inneract Productions
American King Umps King umps The Hadley Players
Becoming Something: Canada Lee Canada Lee The Kraine Theater
Blues for an Alabama Sky Sam NYU Gallatin School
Boy X Man Will Negro Ensemble Company
Choices Chief Negro Ensemble Company
Major Decisions Captain Negro Ensemble Company
The Winter’s Tale Antigonous Grove Street Playhouse
The Odd Couple Oscar Madison African American Showcase Theatre
The Mighty Gents Frankie African American Showcase Theatre
The Offering Martin Charles Weldon Productions
Stalking the Nightmare Billy Kinetta West End Theatre
Down the Road Dan Rabbit in the Moon
REGIONAL THEATRE
Knives in Hens Gilbert Horn The Vineyard Playhouse
North Folk Michael Cody New Jersey Repertory Company
Ends Kingsley New Jersey Repertory Company
Servant of the People Big Man Jomandi Productions
Julius Caesar Mettalus Cimber Jomandi Productions
CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Sister Rabbit Takes Harlem Christopher Cat Negro Ensemble Company
Robin Hood Prince John Grove Street Playhouse
A Cuckoo Christmas Carol Ebenezer Scrooge Grove Street Playhouse
Bud, Not Buddy Herman E. Calloway Merle Reskin Theater
THEATRE SCHOOL AT DEPAUL
Thieves Like Us Dee Mobley Merle Reskin Theater
Iphigenia 2.0 Menelaus The Greenhouse Space
A Streetcar Named Desire Stanley Kowalski Merle Reskin Theater
Aloha, Says the Pretty Girls Martin Studio
CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY
Zooman and the Sign Emmett CAU Players
Spell#7 Eli CAU Players
Epiphany Man CAU Players
The Mojo and the Sayso Acts CAU Players
SOLO PERFORMANCE
Superman, Black Man, Me! Chicago International Fringe Festival
FILM
Unexpected Mr. Hope Student Teacher LLC
The Drone Dr. Malone DePaul University Digital Cinema
Ice Grill Twain Bogart Vix Films
Clockin’ Green Vernon Bold RM Harris Productions
Nursing Tuskegee William RM Harris Productions
TELEVISION
Crisis Security Agent Twentieth Century Fox Films Corp.
Chicago Fire Security Guard Wolf Films/NBC Universal Television
Chasing the Dragon Street Dealer AKA Productions/ABC Capitol Cities
INTERNET
Stop and Kiss Cory Clark The Onion
COMMERCIAL
Available upon request
SPECIAL SKILLS
Basic movement, stage combat (rapier, dagger, and hand to hand), Black Theatre Aesthetics, dialects (Brooklyn, Southern American, and West & South African), certified personal trainer, driver’s license, U.S. Passport
WRITTEN WORKS
Superman, Black Man, Me! A Stage Essay. A Solo Performance piece that juxtaposes the mythology of the great white American superhero to the struggles, history and culture of the everyday African American male.
Wrap Hollywood Wrap. A Satirical screenplay about two unemployed, frustrated actors who pose as Rap Artists to make headway in the film industry.
The Beat Goes On: Using Hip-Hop and Breakbeat Poetry to Boost Creativity and Inclusivity in the Classroom Southern Theatre; Volume LXll Number 2 Spring-Summer 2021
DIRECTING
First Look Play Fest; Horizon Theatre Company
UNIVERSITY DIRECTING
Late Bus To Mecca by Pearl Cleage; Clark Atlanta University
Yellowman by Dael Orlandersmith; Clark Atlanta University
The Inside; Devised Hip-Hop Theatre by Jonathan Kitt & CAU Players; Clark Atlanta University
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf by Ntozake Shange; Clark Atlanta University
4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane; Clark Atlanta University
In Real Life by Charlayne Woodard; Clark Atlanta University
NAKED Devised by Jonathan Kitt & CAU Players; Clark Atlanta University
Songs For A New World by Jason Robert Brown; University of West Georgia
Gee’s Bend by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder; University of West Georgia
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play by Jocelyn Bioh; University of West Georgia
Holly Down In Heaven by Kara Lee Corthron; University of West Georgia
Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson; University of Georgia (UGA)
Save The Drama for The Stage (Short Film) University of West Georgia, Theatre Recruitment
In the Continuum by Danai Gurira and Nikkole Salter; University of West Georgia
AWARDS/NOMINATIONS
Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region IV Excellence in Directing 2021 School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region lV Excellence in Directing 2020 Songs For A New World
The National Society of Leadership and Success Excellence in Teaching Award 2019
Clark Atlanta University Certificate of Excellence Best Director 2016, 2017
Clark Atlanta University Certificate of Excellence Best Production 2016, 2017
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region IV Recommendation, 2017
AUDELCO Award Nominee Best Lead Actor, 2002 and 2004
SERVICE ACTIVITIES AND WORKSHOPS
Carrollton Teen Theatre: Diversity in the Arts, Arts Advocacy and Audition Technique.
South Eastern Theatre Conference (SETC): Student Audition Screening.
College Audition Project (CAP United): Lead Adjudicator 2020 & 2021.
South Eastern Theatre Conference Panel: Decolonizing the Syllabus.
Alabama Conference of Theatres (ACT) College Fair: Workshop Trumbauer Speaker.
5AA Literary Competition-Oral Interpretation: Competition Judge.
7AAAA Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Literary Competition-Oral Interpretation Competition Judge.
Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Region lV: Respondent -Berry College.
Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF): Acting Coach - Region lV Finalists Derrick Robertson 2017 & Rahsaan Parham 2021.
Georgia ThesCon Tier 2 Guest Artist – Building a Character Workshops.
Professional Development
Building Classroom Norms (Course Design Spa) Dr. Tuseda Roberts, Emerson College, Spring 2024.
Critical Race Theory Syllabus Analysis (Course Design Spa) Samantha Ivery, Emerson College, Spring 2024.
THEATRICAL REVIEWS
“Boy X Man” The Negro Ensemble Company
“Mr. Kitt’s solid, entrancing performance is the heart of the play. To watch him listen to a Negro Leagues game on the radio is to be jolted by the intensity of life’s simple pleasures.” Anita Gates - The New York Times
“Johnny Kitt’s moving performance as Will gives the play heart.” Girard Dubois - The New Yorker
“Will played wonderfully by Johnny Kitt.” Jonathan Mandell – Newsday
“Ends” New Jersey Repertory Company
“Johnny Kitt plays Kingsley in a dignified and erudite manner.” Peter Filichia – Star Ledger
“Johnny Kitt gives a remarkable performance as a recluse…Kitt has a cunning knack with nuance and gives this man multiple layers for the audience to encounter.” Nick Montesano – TriCity News
“Kitt brings a wonderful sense of naivete to his noble character…” Gretchen C. Van Benthuysen – Asbury Park Press
“North Folk” New Jersey Repertory Company
“Johnny embraces quiet moments as he seizes all the enraged ones, in one of the plays two first-rate performances.” Alvin Klein – The New York Times
“Johnny Kitt, especially effective as Mike, victimizer and victim in one, lends new significance to the cliché ‘less is more’.” Philip Dorian – Scene On Stage
“His great sensitivity for this role ameliorates any apprehension of racial stereotyping.” Gretchen C. Van Benthuysen – Asbury Park Press
“Knives in Hens” The Vineyard Playhouse
“Johnny Kitt is the star actor in the play, he is a skilled actor with quiet power.” Mark Alan Lovewell – Vineyard Gazette
“Becoming Something: Canada Lee” The Kraine Theatre
“The company is exemplary, with Johnny Kitt anchoring the play powerfully as the all-too-human Lee, at once heroic and fatally flawed.” Martin Denton – NY Theatre.com review
References available upon request