John Bonanni Appointed Associate Professor of Theatre, Production Management/Stage Management
Shenandoah Conservatory announces the appointment of John Bonanni, M.F.A., as associate professor of theatre, production management/stage management beginning August 2024.
“Artistic expression is no less than an act of civilization when it serves the community with reflection, understanding, and purpose,” said Bonanni. “Shenandoah Conservatory delivers those qualities with craft competency, real-world functionality, and cultivating skills in social engagement for both the student and the instructor. These are the defining reasons for my interest in SU. I am eager to inspire our students about a craft that has given me much joy as a professional and promises to provide new appreciation for me and for every student I am privileged to teach.”
Bonanni’s management career includes Broadway, MSG Entertainment, Goodspeed Opera House and national tours. After seven Broadway productions, he served as production manager/stage manager at Radio City Music Hall for over 3,000 concerts and events including the Grammys, the Tonys, Daytime Emmy Awards, Bill Clinton’s 50th birthday, The Dalai Lama Anniversary, Tony Bennett and Elton John concerts and the MTV Video Music Awards. He was the production stage Manager for the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” for eight years before assuming the role of executive producer, during which he produced the 75th anniversary production. He produced “Under Fire” for the New York Music Theatre Festival and “Moolah” at 777 Stages. In Colorado, he produced “Hands on a Hot Pick Up” at BDT Stage.
“What a joy to have John join SU,” said Director of Theatre Design & Production and Associate Professor of Scenic Design R. Eric Stone, M.F.A. “Through each step of the search process, it was evident that John’s experience, analytical ability, humility, and passion for teaching the next generation of theater professionals made him the perfect fit. We are thrilled to have John start in August.”
Bonanni’s articles have appeared in Adelaide Magazine, Poor Yorick Journal, the San Antonio Review and the Raven’s Perch. His backstage memoir, “Just Off, Stage Right,” was released in paperback in 2021.
“We are thrilled to welcome Broadway veteran John Bonanni to our theatre faculty at Shenandoah,” said Director of Musical Theatre, Coordinator of Recruitment for Musical Theatre and Associate Professor of Theatre Kevin Covert, B.F.A. “An incredibly well respected stage and production manager, John brings with him a depth of knowledge and experiences that will benefit students and faculty alike. It’s an exciting era for the theatre department at the Shenandoah Conservatory.”
He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative and Professional Writing from Western Connecticut State University.
