In 2004, Johnny co-founded Oberlin College’s student circus with Naomi Altman. During hir tenure at Oberlin, Johnny directed three large-scale productions and one smaller cabaret-style show. The latter was titled Hotel Bermuda, and featured smaller acts that incorporated adult-themed material, such as burlesque acrobalance and dildo juggling. Johnny served as artistic director for OCircus!, as well as performing in each show.
Part of Johnny’s mission with OCircus! was to help Oberlin College students connect with their broader community in the town of Oberlin. During hir final semesters, Johnny connected Oberlin students with sixth graders at the local middle school, running a week of circus arts instruction in their physical education class, and included local seniors in OCircus!’s spring show, as part of a Lawn Chair Precision Drill Team. OCircus! continues to thrive at Oberlin, and has recently expanded to include a Saturday circus school for local kids.
In June of 2007, Johnny took OCircus! on the road. The small ensemble circus drew upon vaudevillian traditions as well as theatrical storytelling to create a dark and sexy narrative with a cabaret feel. The dedicated and talented cast and crew wowed audiences in Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, New York, DC, Richmond, and Boston. They were featured in “Unusual Attractions” on WETA, Washington D.C.’s public television station, and received mention in the Boston Metro’s “T Time”. http://www.weta.org/tv/local/wetaguide/unusual#watch
