“There is no art without joy.”
I create from joy — the kind that moves, surprises, and transforms.
As an actor, director, and teacher, I believe in theatre not just as craft, but as a living, breathing act of imagination. Inspired by Michael Chekhov’s vision of a “theatre of the future,” my work invites performers to train with depth, play with abandon, and reach for something larger than themselves.
John Smiley is a professional actor, director, and acting teacher with over 25 years of experience on international, national, and regional stages. He currently serves as Interim Head of Performance/Acting and Visiting Assistant Professor of Acting in the Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Memphis.
He holds a dual B.A. in Theatre and English Literature from SUNY Oswego and an M.F.A. in Acting from the University of Texas at Austin. His teaching background includes serving as Head of Acting and Director of Theatre at Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, TN, as well as adjunct faculty roles at the University of Memphis and Southwest Tennessee Community College.
Trained in Stanislavski- and Meisner-based methods, John’s expertise also spans psychophysical acting techniques, physical theatre, and actor movement. He is a Certified Teacher of the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique through both the Michael Chekhov Association and the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium. His training includes the Alexander Technique, Suzuki, Viewpoints, Grotowski, mask work (neutral, commedia, red nose/clown), and devised theatre. He is currently pursuing study in theatrical intimacy practices with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC) and Heartland Intimacy Design & Training.
John’s performance highlights include work with Fallsview Casino, TheatreworksUSA, Gretna Playhouse, Mill Mountain Theatre, Provincetown Theater, The Warehouse Theatre, Columbia Stages, Pig Iron Theatre Company, the Rude Mechs, ZACH Theatre, Playhouse on the Square, and Theatre Memphis. Off-Broadway credits in New York include Merchant of Venice at the Historic Gym at Judson Theater, Bum Phillips All-American Opera at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, and Welcome to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at 59E59 Theaters.
He is the founder of Michael Chekhov Memphis @ The Smiley Studio, a private acting studio dedicated to helping actors build vibrant, expressive, and sustainable practices. John is a former member of Actors’ Equity Association and is currently an active member of the National Alliance of Acting Teachers and the Society of American Fight Directors.
“John Smiley is deft and commanding. ”
“We see him taking chances and making bold decisions with the role that make him a wonder to behold.”
Representation
“Let us learn to appreciate there will be times when the trees will be bare, and look forward to the time when we may pick the fruit.”
― Anton Chekhov