Meet Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Javan Johnson, MFA, the theatre department’s technical director and resident set and lighting designer. Johnson joined the faculty last fall, moving to Spokane from San Antonio, Texas. In addition to designing lights and sets for our main-stage productions, he teaches classes on technical theatre and production management.
Q. What drew you to your academic discipline?
A. I was drawn to design for the theatre because it is a visual art that enhances storytelling. I’ve always loved the creation of a “living” space based on script analysis and how light can shape the emotional experience. These disciplines challenge both my creative instincts and my technical problem-solving skills, which is a balance I find endlessly rewarding.
Q. What advice would you give to a student who’s interested in studying your discipline at Whitworth?
A. You must have a love for art, creation and collaboration. You must be curious and have a desire to search for new ways to express your art.
Q. What’s something great about the Whitworth Theatre Department?
A. We just finished our second wonderful production for the 2025-26 school year. We have a dance production in April, and we have an amazing season lined up for next school year.
JUST FOR FUN…
Q. What’s the most interesting or unusual item in your office?
A. I have many interesting and unusual curiosities in my office. One such is my boxing nun named Sister Mary Ignatius (a character from a play).
Q. What’s your favorite spot on campus?
A. I’m not familiar with all the spots on campus yet, but for now, I’d have to say Cowles Auditorium because that is where the magic happens.
Q. Tell us about your pets.
A. I have two dogs: A Dane mix named Andy (pictured) – name given by the rescue society where we adopted him. A collie mix named Rosabella, because my children couldn’t choose between Rose and Bella, and a compromise was reached before things got heated. Three years later, we just call her Rosie.
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