Performing Artist, Coach

Leann Holliman Johnson is a professional Portland-based improviser, storyteller, host and improv coach.  Her first foray into comedy began at age 12 when as a loyal fan of Carol Burnett, she performed a sketch imitating comedian John Byner imitating naturalist Euell Gibbons for her sixth-grade class.  While her classmates responded with laughter, some to the point of tears, Leann went on a thirty-year hiatus before taking on comedic roles in a variety of community theater productions. 

Leann is experienced in both short and long form improvisational theater. She started her training in short form at ComedySportz Portland where she plays on the Pro Team.  She recently represented Portland at the 2018 ComedySportz World Championship in Los Angeles. Leann has trained in long form Sound Improv techniques at Deep End Theater and is a member of the ensemble, performing in The Fifth Dimension, Mothers and Two Houses. She also performs with the Mystery Science Tribute Show, Score! and with a group of “older-timers” named Been There.

When not onstage Leann is the Director of the Equity and Inclusion Division for the Oregon Health Authority and an Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology Practitioner. Her onstage and off-stage worlds converge in storytelling as the host of The Blackontuers, a show of black storytellers who perform at The Northwest Black Comedy Festival and at Deep End Theater. Her coaching focuses strength-based techniques derived from the I/O Psychology discipline.