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Johanna Smith

CSUSB’s Department of Theatre Arts will host the production, "Mariposa/Butterfly,” from Dec. 6-8 at the university’s Ronald E. Barnes Theatre.
November 27, 2024

CSUSB’s Department of Theatre Arts will host the production, "Mariposa/Butterfly,” from Dec. 6-8 at the university’s Ronald E. Barnes Theatre. Tickets are available now.

Led by Bibiana Diaz, associate professor of Spanish, and Johanna Smith, professor of theatre arts, 18 CSUSB students, alumni, faculty and staff immersed themselves in the rich culture and history of Peru and the Incan Empire in the spring of 2024.
November 20, 2024

From March 30-April 8, a group of 18 CSUSB students, alumni, faculty and staff immersed themselves in the rich culture and history of Peru. For those considering a study abroad program, participant and alumna, Melissa Osorio, advised, "Give yourself the opportunity to travel. It’s life-changing. Don’t worry if you’ve never traveled or if perhaps you don’t know anyone, you will be surrounded by kindhearted and friendly people. We all help each other out.”

CSUSB’s Theatre Arts Department performed Mariposa/Butterfly for a captivated young audience from the on-campus Children’s Center.
October 18, 2024

The play "Mariposa / Butterfly," performed by CSUSB’s Department of Theatre Arts on Oct. 10 for the university's Children's Center, uses vibrant storytelling to teach children the importance of connection beyond language and borders. Directed by Johanna Smith, the production will be touring local elementary schools this fall and inspiring young audiences, continuing a legacy of children’s theater that began at CSUSB in 1965.

The musical, Pippin, was performed by CSUSB student actors and took place on campus in April 2024.
August 26, 2024

The CSUSB Department of Theatre Arts announces its 2024-25 season, featuring a blend of classic and contemporary productions, and prepares for the grand opening of the new Performing Arts Center in spring 2025.

Art sculpture, Faculty in the News
January 9, 2024

Johanna Smith (theatre arts) will present “Puppets in the Mara” this weekend at CSUSB, Megan Carroll (sociology) was interviewed about new research on asexuality, Barbara Sirotnik (information and decision sciences) discussed the state of the region’s economy, and various news media interviewed Brian Levin (criminal justice, emeritus) on topics related to the latest hate crime statistics.

“Puppets in the Mara” will be performed at the Ronald E. Barnes Theatre on Jan. 12, 13 and 14. Admission is free.
January 8, 2024

CSUSB Department of Theatre Arts presents “Puppets in the Mara,” which includes a retelling of “The Legend of Ngong The Giant,” a Maasai Tale, by Neil McLeod and Sue Hooper-Lawrie, adapted by Johanna Smith, CSUSB professor of theatre arts.

Johanna Smith with her puppets
April 14, 2022

Johanna Smith’s book has been selected for the Nancy Straub Award for Excellence in Publication on the Art of Puppetry, which honors works that are exemplary contributions that forward the field of puppetry.

Professor Johanna Smith with her puppets
October 21, 2021

The 2021-2022 Season of Light will have a little something for everyone: a romantic comedy written by a 17th century nun, a uniquely stylized puppet show, a modern adaptation of a Shakespearean comedy, and more.