Je'Caryous Johnson, a Spring resident and an Acres Homes native, has a variety of plays, acting classes, movies and books under his belt. Photo by Jerry Baker

By VALERIE SWEETEN
CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT

Je’Caryous Johnson, a Spring resident, embraced his passion for theater at Nimitz High School and has never looked back.

Johnson’s company, I’m Ready Productions, where he is executive producer and CEO, is growing in leaps and bounds with acting classes, movies and plays adapted from novels.

Two of his stage productions, Three Ways to Get a Husband and Whatever She Wants, were released on DVD on Feb. 2.

His play, It’s Cheaper to Keep Her, with actors Brian McKnight and Vivica Fox, will be presented March 23 to 28 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts after dates in Charlotte, North Carolina and Washington D.C.

Johnson’s talent as an author also is growing.

His novel, Men, Money & Gold Diggers, has received good reviews, and his nonfiction debut, I’m A Good Man, You’re A Good Woman: So Why Can’t We Find Each Other? will be released this month.

Gary Guidry, Johnson’s uncle and business partner with I’m Ready Productions, said his nephew is “living his dream.”

“He works very hard. This is what he loves to do. You can see him in the creative process. The light bulbs go off and the words on a page come to light. He just smiles when he produces his work,” Guidry said.

Johnson is an Acres Homes native and oldest child of four children to mother Manon Johnson. He began his artistic endeavors when he was labeled as a troublesome student.

Nimitz High School teachers Norris Burs and Eugene McDaniel helped Johnson join the History Fair and he went from remedial to honors classes, where he excelled in acting, writing, and theater.

“The people that encouraged me inspired me,” Johnson said. “When you feel different about yourself, you do differently.

“Before, I couldn’t see a way out, but I did a 360 and found my passion in life.”

Johnson graduated from Nimitz High School in 1995 and studied theater at Prairie View A&M and then University of Houston at 4800 Calhoun.

During a 14-year period, Johnson trained with theater masters Edward Albee, Jose Quintero and Sir Peter Hall.

Johnson has directed actors Billy Dee Williams, Richard Roundtree and Grammy Award winner Brian McKnight in several of his plays.

In 2007, Johnson received the NAACP Trailblazer of the Year award.

His acting school, located at TBH Center at 333 South Jenson, opened six months ago catering to youths and adults.

Sheryl D. Brice, a Humble resident, has taken several acting classes with Johnson after seeing his play, Whatever She Wants, in 2007.

She said he is making great strides in the theater industry.

“I love the way he thinks and the vision of his whole program,” Brice said.

“The initial class I took had a family atmosphere. He’s brought in guest teachers that opened and shared industry knowledge. He’s just ingenious and always there for us. He’s very hands-on. I’ll be part of his classes in April.”

Johnson’s overall goal in business is to encourage people.

“I want them to be inspired and move forward,” Johnson said.

“I want them to get the best out of life. All my products are inspirational. I’m looking for avenues how to live better. I’m blessed to have wise council and be involved with great people.”