Tuning in with Johanna Allen

Alumna Johanna Allen is one of Australia’s most versatile performers. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music Performance (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts (Drama Performance and Direction), she won a scholarship to study the Daniel Ferro Voice Program at The Juilliard School in New York. She's  collected many accolades including becoming a 2018 Adelaide Festival Centre Walk of Fame recipient.

Something you are grateful for?
That that ASQ invited me to be part of their project ‘ASQ LIVE AT UKARIA’. I was able to use entirely different creative skills and collaborate on something I was very proud of. I was also acutely aware that most in my industry felt bleak and sad, and I was working, so grateful for that.

If I could go back to my University days I would…
Not get as many parking fines or late slips from the Performing Arts Library!

What are your hobbies?
I find that I don’t have hobbies as such? Because this life and passion intertwine. But I am trying to find space to learn tango, French, Yiddish and improve my Polish!

Favourite place to eat in Adelaide?
Somewhere in Henley Square. I grew up in Henley Beach and that area is precious to me.

Most prized possession?
Right now – he’s not a possession but my iso addition puppy Alfie is making me smile.

I can’t get enough of…
Good coffee, Trinny Woodall and Dan Levy on Instagram, and good words!

Something that makes you smile?
The people I have in my life – my tribe of friends and my family.

If I could pursue a different career I would…
I don’t think I could have …

The most valuable lesson I have learned?
Kindness comes back. Hard work will outweigh other things in the end. I hope!

I cannot get through the day without…
There’s only one coffee but that one coffee does everything!

Three words your closest friends would use to describe you?
Empathetic, warm, can’t find her sunglasses?

Your definition of success?
To make work that is joyous, creatively of purpose and allows you to live the life you wish. In all I approach within musical and theatrical projects, my mandate is ‘Make them laugh. Make them cry. Make them think.’

My mother taught me…
Compassion and resilience.

Your career path in two sentences or less?
Versatility is key, and so is having the ability to articulate your viewpoint well.

Biggest career highlight?
I try not to do that. I have had moments I’m really proud of – Green Room Award winner for Charlotte in A Little Night Music, Adelaide Festival Centre Walk of Fame winner. But you can’t look back – keep looking forward!

2020 is the year I…
Let go of what I thought it looked like.

How I relax?
Silence is golden.

When I get home the first thing I do is…
Take off any uncomfortable items of clothing – high heels be gone!

The biggest risk I have taken?
Investing in a career as a singer and actor, which has also led to working as a writer, director, producer, presenter, curator, and educator. It’s not an easy path but I wouldn’t have chosen anything else.

A misconception about you?
Sadly I wish I was enigmatic enough to have misconceptions! I think I’m too much of an open book!