David P. Johnson

Biography

David P. Johnson (SAG-AFTRA/AEA) is an actor, composer, playwright, and director whose creative work spans theatre, film, and television in New York and Los Angeles. In 2025, he premiered his original musical (Book, Music and Lyrics) Sally Spectre the Musical at New York’s 30th Street Theater, serving co-director/producer. The haunting, dark-comic production builds on Johnson’s long-developed vision for the piece, blending classical theatricality with a modern gothic sensibility. On screen, Johnson recently starred in the web series This is Laura (News of Spite Productions). His film work includes leading roles in Ganymede Pan, Borderclash, Play Doll, and Fangagra, as well as an appearance in the science-fiction thriller Pandorum opposite Dennis Quaid. Johnson has contributed to major studio productions including work as a body double for Johnny Depp, and has appeared in television productions such as America’s Court and multiple episodes of 1000 Ways to Die. A long-time member of Theatre West and Storybook Theatre, Johnson has portrayed roles ranging from Prince Charming in Cinderella to Sergeant Toomey in Biloxi Blues and Shep Henderson in Bell, Book and Candle. He originated the role of Archimedes in Sally Spectre the Musical and has directed multiple productions including Stuck in Neutral, Plaza Suite, Sleeping Beauty, The Princess and the Frog, and A Dose of Family. A classically-trained performer and multi-instrumentalist, Johnson continues to build original theatre and film projects grounded in imagination, emotional depth, and a touch of the whimsical and macabre.

As a professional guitarist, David also performs as Joe Perry with the tribute band Sweet Emotionz, and he hosts On Six Strings, a new YouTube channel exploring guitar, tone, and creativity. He also brings deep post-production leadership experience (former Executive Director at Blu Digital).

Career Highlights

General

Award-winning director creating accessible, high-craft theatre for young audiences.
Mentored performers with an emphasis on helping develop young singers.
Technical Director at Theatre West.
Former senior leadership at Theatre West.
Advanced knowledge and understanding of Digital Media workflows, tools, and processes.
Advanced knowledge and understanding of Live Theatre applications and needs including lighting - (EOS/ETC), QLab, projections and digital rendering.
Creator of Ganymede Pan, (Supernova 45). A short-lived science fiction series starring David P. Johnson as Ganymede Pan and Guerin Piercy as Phoebe.

Selected Productions

Snow White — Valley Theatre Award - Best Director of a musical for young audiences 2018
Sally Spectre the Musical — Finalist for the Richard Rodgers Award 2012
Sally Spectre the Musical — Grand Prize Winner - Hurricane Season Playwriting Competition
Bump? What Bump? — Second Place Winner - Ellen Idelson Playwriting Competition
Oregon Film Festival — Finalist, Writer Ganymede Pan (aka Supernova 45)
Alaska Film Festival — Finalist, Writer Ganymede Pan (aka Supernova 45)