Joined the Entrepreneurship Team in 2018

Johanna Smith is a Professor of Theatre Education, Improvisation, Puppetry and Entrepreneurship at CSU-San Bernardino. Her research and practice includes explorations of improvisation as a tool to build entrepreneurial mindsets, methodologies of teaching with puppetry, directing professional Theatre for Young Audiences, and promoting arts entrepreneurship. She has served as a puppetry artist for Broadway-bound extravaganzas to museums to colleges to preschools, and often directs tours for CSUSB. She is an active artist internationally and has developed partnerships and projects around the world. She has received competitive grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and TCG. She is a proud graduate of the Second City sketch comedy writing program (LA) and is constantly training in and developing new improv techniques. She serves as the chair of the Puppetry in Education and Therapy committee (PIET) of the Puppeteers of America, and is a professional member of the Applied Improv Network. She believes in the power of laughter and creative re-use to inspire a love of learning. She recently had a dream come true and is featured in an improv scene with Wayne Brady on his reality show Wayne Brady: Family Remix on Hulu (episode 7).

Most Admired Entrepreneur:

My favorite entrepreneur is a tough one, because it's a toss up between Shari Lewis (and Lambchop) and Jim and Jane Henson (the Muppets). Both took their puppetry talents and created strong businesses! Jane Henson isn't often given full credit for her contribution to the business side of the Muppets, but it was a true "Mom and Pop" operation at first!