FOR JIM JOHNSON, WITH OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE

Dr. Jim Johnson’s retirement as the artistic director of the Gallo Center Repertory Company at the end of last season concluded one of the more amazing chapters in the Gallo Center’s history.

The story begins in late 2009, when the Center’s then-chief executive officer, Lynn Dickerson, determined that the organization’s still-fledgling arts education department needed the wisdom and guidance of an experienced education professional.

Lynn turned to Jim, who had retired from Modesto Junior College in 2008 after a long and distinguished career, ending his time there as an emeritus Professor of Communication & Theatre/Dean of the Arts, Humanities & Communications Division/Interim Vice President of Instruction. In January 2010, Jim signed on as the Center’s Arts Education Coordinator. In that role, Jim helped vet and select appropriate productions for the Student Matinee Series that over the Center’s 16-year history has introduced hundreds of thousands of students to the wonders of the performing arts. In addition, Jim supervised the Center’s annual program of taking plays that dealt with social issues affecting students—chief among these, bullying— directly to schools.

By 2011, Jim and Lynn recognized another opportunity, and so began collaborations with other arts organizations; namely, Prospect Theater Project, the Theatre Department at Modesto Junior College, and the Drama Department at California State University-Stanislaus.

The first of these co-presentations, with Prospect Theater Project, was To Kill a Mockingbird in 2011. The production, directed by Jim, was a rousing success—artistically, critically and financially— and it established a benchmark for quality and accomplishment that still exists today.

Out of the ‘Mockingbird’ experience came another milestone. In 2012, four African American actors in its cast were inspired to launch Sankofa Theatre Company. Jim would go on to serve as a mentor to the company for several years thereafter, as Sankofa partnered with the Center to shine a spotlight on Black history, life and culture through the performing and visual arts.

Based on the success of its co-presentations with other organizations, the Gallo Center decided to launch its repertory company in 2016. With Jim as the artistic director, the ensuing seven years would see GCRC present a virtual catalog of classic and contemporary works. Every production became a showcase of performers and creative teams from across the San Joaquin Valley coming together to create unique theatre experiences.

And what helped make this chapter in Gallo Center history amazing? Jim did it all—for 13 years—as a volunteer.

THANKS,

JIM! Here are just some of the productions

Jim had a hand in—producing, directing, acting in or advising:

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE - THE RADIO PLAY

THE GRAPES OF WRATH

CHILDREN OF THE DUST BOWL

THE PIANO LESSON

TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY

THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNER

PYGMALION

OUR TOWN

LOOKING OVER THE PRESIDENT’S SHOULDER

A CHRISTMAS MEMORY

MARIACHI GIRL

INHERIT THE WIND

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?

SANGRE DE UN ANGEL

TOO MANY TAMALES

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK

THE EXONERATED RUMORS

MANZI

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

THE MIRACLE WORKER

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE

A RAISIN IN THE SUN

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

STAND & DELIVER

LITTLE WOMEN

YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS

THE ODD COUPLE

CHILDREN OF THE DUST BOWL

GOOD TROUBLE: A TRIBUTE TO JOHN LEWIS & THE FREEDOM RIDERS

ON GOLDEN POND

HOLES

ALL IS CALM

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER

TWISTED TALES OF POE

A CHRISTMAS STORY OF MICE AND MEN