JuCoby Johnson has been seen onstage at The Guthrie Theater, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Jungle Theater, Theater Latté Da, Theater Mu, Ten Thousand Things Theatre Company, and many more. His plays include How It's Gon Be (Echo Theater, 2023; Underdog Theater, 2019), ...but you could've held my hand (CATCO, 2022; O'Neill NPC Summer Season, 2022), 5 (Jungle Theater, 2023; O'Neill NPC Summer Season, 2022; Seven Devils Finalist), I'll Be Seeing You Again (Jungle Serial Audio Series, 2021) and Revelations (Playing On Air, 2021). He was a 2021-2022 McKnight Fellow in Playwriting, an official selection for the 2022 Sony Pictures Television Diverse Writers Program, and is currently an Artistic Associate at The Jungle Theater.
Rachel Ellicott
rellicott@paradigmagency.com
(845)568-7775
Plays
Best friends Jay and Evan run a convenience store in a rapidly changing neighborhood. When a real estate developer stops by with an offer to buy the place, their deep-rooted connection is tested. As the choice to sell weighs on Evan’s shoulders, their community is ripped apart and the very foundation of the world around them begins to rumble and quake. An intimate play that races towards apocalyptic ends, 5 examines a friendship tested by money, race, and family secrets come to light.
Four ten-year olds meet at a wedding. Little do they know, they will become the center of each other's lives for decades to come. Jumping through time, the play uses dance, music, and poetry to explore sexuality, gender, race, and love. You know, the big stuff. Life stuff.
With adulthood looming in the distance, Jahaan and his friends enjoy the last precious moments of Summer vacation. When Jahaan’s father returns after a year away, the world stops spinning for a moment and lines are drawn in the sand. A poetic exploration of missed connections and feelings too great to speak aloud.
Fusing traditional Black gospel hymns and punk rock, Heritage takes place in the world of a small storefront church in a rapidly changing neighborhood facing the threat of demolishment after their beloved Pastor/Patriarch dies suddenly. After being away for many years, Mahalia (the Preacher’s daughter) returns, reopening old wounds and asking a timeless question: “Can you ever really escape your past?”
In the midst of civil unrest surrounding the death of George Floyd and the attack on Iyana Dior, a Father and Daughter reunite in front their burned down family store.
Successes
JuCoby's play, Heritage, will be a part of the International Black Theater Festival at NC Black Rep in Winston-Salem, NC. The show runs from July 31st-August 3rd.
In the fall, JuCoby will be a first-year playwright in the Juilliard School’s Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program.
JuCoby's play, ...but you could've held my hand, will be performed at UT Austin October 6-16th, 2022
JuCoby's play, 5, will be a part of The Jungle Theater and Trademark Theater's 2022-2023 seasons.
JuCoby Johnson's play, 5, will be a part of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's National Play Conference 2022 Summer Season.