Photo taken by Darnell Bennett Logan Johnson is set to graduate this May with a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Point Park University.

Once a passion for something is found, the strive to make it your life’s work becomes a story for the ages.

That is exactly how Logan Johnson, a 2022 Warren High School graduate, has been spending his time for the past four years at Point Park University, where he realized that he began his career before he really knew it.

By being involved locally in the ARTE (Allegheny Regional Theatre Experience) SLT Academy under Sue Spencer and Jennifer Check, Johnson’s first show, “The King and I” with the role of Louis Leonowens, is when theatre quickly became an exciting, accepting, and deeply creative space throughout his childhood and adolescence. Through the guidance of Eric Morelli, Johnson took over the very same program to direct junior musicals and teach various summer camps over the years at Struther’s Library Theatre. Favorite roles in Warren include Sky in “Mamma Mia,” Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and Ren in “Footloose.”

Johnson has had the privilege to perform in seven mainstage shows; “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” “The Winter’s Tale,” “Steel Pier,” “Boo’s Halloween House Party,” “Urinetown,” and “Legally Blonde” (as Emmett Forrest). About to open his last mainstage show, “Little Shop of Horrors,” at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, Johnson will be playing the sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello, along with some other surprise cameos. “Little Shop of Horrors” was one of the first movie musical DVDs that Johnson said he remembers renting with his father from the old Family Video Store in Warren.

“Ending my college career here at Point Park with it seems only fitting,” Johnson said.

Outside of Pittsburgh, last summer Johnson was fortunate to get to travel for his first out of state contract, working at Cedar Summerstock Theatre in Osage, Iowa, with performances in “Big Fish,” “The Buddy Holly Story,” and “Cinderella” (Prince Topher). “I felt right at home in this small town not unlike Warren – even down to the post show meet and greets in costume with local children.” Johnson said it felt similar to The Enchanted Fairytale Troupe of Warren that he was part of in high school.

On March 9, Johnson performed in Point Park University’s Acting and Musical Theatre showcase at The Jerry Orbach Theatre (The Theater Center) in New York City. The showcases are a common culmination of curriculum at top B.F.A. (Bachelors of Fine Arts) programs across the country, for those in hopes to be seen by agents, management, and casting offices. He performed a cut of “Look to the Stars” from the musical “October Sky;” a musical funny enough based on the same movie/book that his eighth grade rocket day at Beaty Middle School was based around. Post showcase, Johnson is excited to share that he is now signed and represented by Hudson Artist’s Agency in NYC.

“I’m extremely grateful to be working with this talent agency, and excited to continue auditioning and making connections in the city,” Johnson said. “As for this summer, I’ll be spending May through August out at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre in Grand Lake, Colorado, performing in “Shrek,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” and “Urinetown.” Come September, a move into New York City seems imminent.”

Beyond that, Johnson shared that he’d like to continue traveling perhaps by joining a national tour or cruise. TV and film acting is something he would like to branch out into as well.

“Eventually originating an original role on Broadway and working on a cast recording would be exciting,” Johnson said.

Advice for students back home, Johnson said, “Experience all the arts you can! Live shows, listen to cast albums, find the material that you love and connect to. I was so lucky growing up to watch the touring Broadway shows in Buffalo and Pittsburgh that sparked my love early. Taking any classes you can is a great idea too!”

Johnson grew up in Warren and his sister, Sydney, is currently a freshman at Point Park this year for mortuary science. A competitive swimmer for both the YMCA and WAHS team for nine years, Johnson also took on lifeguarding and taught swim lessons. He not only worked at Struthers Library Theater, but managed to be an active member of many clubs in high school like National Honor Society and Key Club. Proud parents, who both grew up in Sheffield; Larry Johnson was active in basketball while Shelly was involved with band and choir.

Johnson said, “If you would have asked senior year high school Logan who didn’t think was good enough to pursue Musical Theatre, he wouldn’t believe where he’s at right now. “Llife has had a lot of funny little coincidences to prove I’m on the right track. My past four years here in Pittsburgh have pushed me greatly in my technique, artistry, and professionalism.”

Thrilled to see what opportunities life surprises him with next, Johnson recalled a Barbara Streisand quote that’s really stuck: “At the moment of commitment, the universe aspires to assist you.”

Johnson said that he has learned that anyone can have talent, but being fearless in chasing it is something entirely different.