EDUCATION
The Liberation Academy was conceived to restore the intellectual scholarship, spiritual wisdom and creative richness which resides historically in Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color collective oral and underground traditions. Liberation Academy 2.0 is a FREE series of workshops and intensive training to uplift BIPOC dancers and additional mentorship for dance makers of Afro-descent dedicated to freedom. The Liberation Academy is made possible by support from the SF Arts Commission and Dream Keepers Initiative.
Directed and curated by Sarah Crowell, Kara Mack and Bongo Sidibe - Dance Faculty: Rennie Harris, Susana Arenas Pedroso, Adia Whitaker, Kanukai Chigamba, Antwan Davis, Alhassane Da Camara, - Design Faculty: Stephanie Anne Johnson, Chi Chi Okonmah
Directed and curated by Sarah Crowell, Kara Mack and Bongo Sidibe - Dance Faculty: Rennie Harris, Susana Arenas Pedroso, Adia Whitaker, Kanukai Chigamba, Antwan Davis, Alhassane Da Camara, - Design Faculty: Stephanie Anne Johnson, Chi Chi Okonmah
Quotes from Liberation Academy 2023-24
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Responses to Stephanie Anne Johnson's
Lighting Mentorship: Thank you for the light on this crazy journey. Magic & Expertise. Shine, shine, shine." You are such a gift and I am so grateful for your willingness to give and share your phenomenal talent." |
Thank you, Stephanie, for all your support, knowledge & wisdom. Your knowledge and gift made a positive impact on our performance." I really enjoyed your classes. Thank you for your support with the lights and for your sweet presence." If you ain't lit, you ain't shit. I loved your room demo." |
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AMERICAN THEATRE MAGAZINE - Winter 2024
"Passing the Torch" A Special Issue on Theatre Training: THE PIPELINE - "All Set to Succeed" "People should think it's their duty, and not just the duty of Black people, to train people of color." The diversification of theatre design starts, but doesn't end, with training - by Crystal Paul See The Article> Dr. Stephanie Anne Johnson is celebrating almost 50 years as a lighting designer. She credits Black women and a few white allies with helping her find her footing in the industry at a time when she was often the only person of color on the production crew. |
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LIGHTING DESIGN WORKSHOP
Dance Brigade's Dance Mission and Afro Urban Society prepped for another round of Lighting Design & Tech Fellowship Series for people of African descent. They kicked it off with an amazing lecture/demo with the master artist Stephanie Anne Johnson on Sunday, August 4th, 2019 at The Ubuntu Theatre Project in Oakland. Dr. Johnson will continue to work with the Fellows in this year long training program. |
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Comments from workshop participants
Thoughtful lighting has the ability to add dimension to a piece of work on a visceral level. I am also always willing to show up in spaces where a person of my skin tone and gender are not expected.” |
My joy was compounded by having the opportunity to collaborate fearlessly with and draw creative confidence from other Black women.” |
I recently performed as an emerging artist in this year's QCC Queer Arts Festival Program. One of the trainings we had access to was lighting design with Stephanie Johnson, it was amazing.” |
