Vision of a Dreamer
Inspiring Vision for the Arts in Youth
By Susan Slater
Have you ever met a gentle, giving soul that grabs your heart strings?Michael Johnson is that person. He had a passion for theateryoung. Artis Parsons was the first teacher to see his talent and spark his journey.
In high school he had more opportunities with chorus teacher, Fremont Hogle. Hogle taught him foundation techniques andhe would assist Hogle with productions.
After graduation, Johnson landed a part in The Lion King Festival from 2003-2005. While in Orlando he attended Valencia College for musical theater. Johnson’s dreams come from his childhood and his notebooks. “I can literally make it up in my head,” he says. “I get the feeling and I can put a scene together.”
“It was always my dream to come back and start building here,” said Johnson. “to give opportunities that I did not have as a kid.” My godmother, Alga Hall, one of his biggest supporters, encouraged him to share his gift with kids who have the same dreams. He started Vision of the Arts, Inc. funded by his business Vision of a Dreamer Academy of Arts.
Financial support is granted to those less fortunate with little opportunity to excel in their dreams. Vision of the Arts, Inc. has no cost workshops and has given two $500 scholarships to high school students for the first time this year.
Kids are evaluated for their passion, songs they like, favorite artist, where they want to go and what they want from workshops. He teaches what they want to learn.
Sierra Johnsonhas three grandchildren learning from Michael about 5-6 years. Zara, Zian and Ariya started with gospel and learn techniques and fundamentals from Michael.
“He is walking in his purpose,” said Sierra. “The kids get so excited about workshops. He is very professional and knows his craft.”
When a kid ‘messes up’ they are not pressured. They are encouraged, given an understanding that words speak and encourage others. Teaching a kid who is not passionate will show in their performance. This approach fosters their passions. The kids are taught to read music to build their foundation for interviews when given music.
Michael enhances his dreams and teaching with different opportunities. He judged Lake County Thespian Festival andwill judge Florida State and Junior Thespian Festivals. He is also a member of the Florida Fellowship Super Choir that travels and was recently in Miami.
“Anyone who has access to and can learn from Michael has access to a gem,” says Sierra. “He brings much to the community and I believe will be a household name one day, sought after for his talents.”
Micheal has been accepted to Berkeley College of Music in Boston, a very prestigious college for music. Any kid lucky enough to attend workshops in Michael’s nonprofit will get the opportunity of a lifetime.
This year hewill be assistingwith the Zephyrhills High’s first musical production, Footloose. He hopes to someday do his own productions in thetheater downtown Zephyrhills, another dream.
Some of his biggest influences are the McKenzie sisters, Daryl Cooley, and the Clark Sisters.Michael also pays tributeshis parents, siblings, family and close friends for their continued support and most of all, believing in him.
You can follow Michael Johnson on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Thevisionsacademy and on Instagram thevisionsacademy.
