Saniah Johnson
Saniah Marie Johnson is a Chicago-based actor and musical theatre performer who brings bold energy, sharp humor, and undeniable heart to the stage. Whether she’s commanding the room as Joanne in RENT or diving into fast-paced comedy in POTUS and Legally Blonde, she’s drawn to characters with bite, complexity, and something real to say. An alto/mezzo with a love for blending music and storytelling, Saniah is trained through Loyola University Chicago and the Open Jar Institute’s Broadway Intensive, where she developed a strong, versatile foundation in acting, voice, and movement. She’s also a collaborative, curious artist who isn’t afraid to take risks and make big, specific choices. At her core, Saniah is a storyteller, one who leads with instinct, truth, and a genuine love for the work.
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Videos
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Theater
RENT • Joanne Jefferson • Loyola University Chicago • Deron S. Williams
Student Led-10-Minute Directing Scenes Festival • Loyola University Chicago
The Cake • Macy • Sara Segneri
POTUS • Margaret • Grace Herman
Sweat • Cynthia • Tierrania Gilmore
Noises Off • Belinda/Flavia • Greta Peterson
Proof • Claire • Kalyna Krueger
Neo-Futurism • Myself • Loyola University Chicago • Corin Friese
POTUS • Margaret • Loyola University Chicago • Alice Da Cunha
Legally Blonde • Kate/Judge • Loyola University Chicago • Cristin Carole
Student Led-10-Minute Directing Scenes Festival • Loyola University Chicago
The American Dream • Mrs. Barker • Angeline Oremus Theater • Craig Rosen
Percy Jackson • Sally Jackson • Dorothy Menker Theater • Craig Rosen
Chicago: The Musical • June/Squish • Henry L. Hertz Auditorium • Ann Whitting
She Kills Monsters (Virtual Play) • Vera • Online • Ann Whitting
Education
Loyola University Chicago • BS in Data Science, Minor in Theater
Open Jar Institute • 2024 Summer Broadway Intensive
Award
Open Jar Institute • Scholarships
National Theatre School of Ireland/Gaiety School of Acting • Scholarships
Eugene Dizon Theater Scholarship • Scholarships
National Theater Institute at Eugene O'Neill Theater Center • Scholarships
Eugene Dizon Theater Scholarship • Scholarships
Open Jar Institute • Scholarships
National Theater Institute at Eugene O'Neill Theater Center • Scholarships