Anna Johnson: Bringing Humor and Heart to
Short Attention Span Theatre
Playwright Anna Johnson photographed by Jana Miles.
Pensacola Little Theatre's Short Attention Span Theatre (SAST) is known for showcasing dynamic one-act plays, and this year, audiences will enjoy two standout pieces by playwright Anna Johnson: Ah-ha! and DD Diaries. Johnson's knack for blending humor with relatable storytelling makes her work perfect for SAST.
From College to the Stage: Anna Johnson's Writing Origins
Johnson's journey as a playwright began in college eight years ago. What started as a casual love for writing quickly evolved into a passion for creating theatre.
"My college produced a 10-minute play festival every year," Johnson recalls. "After hearing my director friends struggle to find well-written plays they liked, I thought it might be fun to connect my love of writing with theatre."
Her first attempt—a script drafted over winter break—was enthusiastically received by friends and later used as a directing project. Over the next three years, ten of Johnson's 10-minute plays were produced at the festival. Her talent also extends to full-length scripts, with her play Love Isn't Real earning the BroadwayWorld Birmingham Original Script of the Decade award.
Anna Johnson as Ophelia Frump in PLT’s production of The Addams Family. Photographed by Ashley McGlothren.
The Road to SAST
When asked what inspired her to submit her work to SAST, Johnson explained her deep connection to 10-minute plays.
"These short scripts are my playwriting roots," she says.
The opportunity arose during a Scripteasers meeting, PLT's monthly script reading group, where the group was reviewing potential scripts for SAST. Johnson mentioned her extensive portfolio of short plays, and with support from fellow playwright KG Uslan, she submitted several scripts to the committee. Two of them, Ah-ha! and DD Diaries, were selected for this year's lineup.
Fun and Lighthearted: The Magic of Ah-ha! and DD Diaries
Johnson's selected plays highlight her ability to infuse humor into unique scenarios.
Anna Johnson in PLT’s production of The Cat’s Meow. Photographed by Jana Miles.
"Ah-ha!" is a playful take on the classic murder mystery finale. "It's full of dramatic accusations and confessions," Johnson shares. "I had so much fun with the melodrama and references to other mysteries."
"DD Diaries," on the other hand, draws inspiration from a lighthearted comparison: babysitting a toddler and being a designated driver for a drunk friend. "It was super silly and fun to write," Johnson says. "It's a meet-cute between two designated drivers and their respective wards."
While both plays lean toward comedy, they serve a deeper purpose. "The world can already be very heavy and serious," Johnson reflects. "Taking a moment to laugh can be so healing and important."
Experience Anna Johnson's Work at SAST
Audiences won't want to miss Johnson's contributions to this year's SAST, running January 24 to February 2, 2025.