John Smiley
Professor of Practice in Performance
Email: john.smiley@ndsu.edu
Office: Askanse Hall Room 135
Website: johnsmileyactor.com
Degrees:
- M.F.A., The University of Texas at Austin (Acting)
- B.A., State University of New York at Oswego (Theatre and English)
John Smiley is a professional actor, director, and educator with over 25 years of experience on international, national, and regional stages. This year, he joins North Dakota State University as Assistant Professor of Practice in Acting/Directing, bringing his passion for expressive, imaginative, and rigorous actor training to the next generation of theatre makers.
He previously served as Visiting Assistant Professor of Acting and Interim Head of Performance/Acting at the University of Memphis, where he guided BFA Performance and Musical Theatre majors through foundational and advanced training in acting, voice, movement, and classical and contemporary scene work. His teaching experience also includes appointments at Southwest Tennessee Community College and Christian Brothers High School.
John’s approach to actor training is rooted in Stanislavski and Meisner, with a strong emphasis on psychophysical and physical theatre techniques. He is a Certified Teacher of the Michael Chekhov Technique through both the Michael Chekhov Association and the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium. His broader training includes the Alexander Technique, Suzuki, Viewpoints, Grotowski, and mask work (neutral, commedia, red nose/clown), along with continuing study in theatrical intimacy through Intimacy Directors and Coordinators and Heartland Intimacy Design & Training.
His performance credits include Off-Broadway work in The Merchant of Venice at Judson Gym, Bum Phillips: All-American Opera at La MaMa ETC, and Welcome to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at 59E59 Theaters. Additional credits include TheatreworksUSA, Pig Iron Theatre Company, the Rude Mechs, ZACH Theatre, Fallsview Casino, Playhouse on the Square, Mill Mountain Theatre, and Columbia Stages.
In recognition of his artistic achievements and commitment to the performing arts, John was inducted into the Phoenix Central School District Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
He is also the founder of Michael Chekhov Memphis @ The Smiley Studio, a private training space for actors committed to curiosity, expressiveness, and sustainability. John is a former member of Actors’ Equity Association and an active member of the National Alliance of Acting Teachers and the Society of American Fight Directors.