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Johnny Steiner is a performer.

Johnny singing on bended knee

He began singing and performing very early on, and it was evident by high school that Johnny would make his career in front of an audience.

In high school, Johnny seized every possible musical opportunity - from choir to show choir to musicals. He was awarded the National School Choral Award from his alma mater, Elgin High School in 1992. Johnny was also actively involved at church, and was a cantor at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Marion, Ohio from 1989-1992.

When it came to college, Johnny chose Otterbein - a small liberal arts school in Westerville Ohio. Majoring in voice, Johnny's college days saw him involved in five different choirs, performer in dozens of concerts, organizer and performer of two AIDS benefit concerts - No One Is Alone in 1995, and The Human Heart in 1996 - soloist in numerous light opera scenes and workshops, and numerous other projects surrounding the vocal music program. In 1995, Johnny was awarded the music department's Presser Scholarship in recognition of "outstanding achievement as a music-major at Otterbein College."

Johnny in Will Rogers

Johnny has had a wondrous experience in the world of musical theater. Among the many roles he has performed, his favorites include "Billy" in Carousel, "Ike" in Sweet Betsy from Pike, and "Curly" in Oklahoma!. Johnny received the best reviews of his career in 2005 when he hit the stage as the legendary 'Will Rogers' in The Will Rogers Follies. Here's a list of Johnny's musical theater, light opera, and oratorio credits:

Johnny singing on bended knee

In addition to musical theater, Johnny maintains a rigorous performing schedule all year long. Along with his virtual 'jazz trio,' Johnny creates hour-long revues with creative themes and songs for area retirement communities, community groups, and local organizations. In his own small way, Johnny does his best to keep the 'great American songbook' alive. Here's a list of Johnny's shows from the past several years:

Johnny as Bill in Carousel

Johnny has appeared in concert on stage so many times. He performs a wide array of musical styles from classical to jazz to theater to pop. In May of 1995 he appeared on stage with the legendary Barry Manilow, joining on Manilow's classics "I Write the Songs," "Mandy," and "It's A Miracle." In February of 1996, he sang on stage with Tony Award winning theater actor Ron Richardson. Johnny has also sung on stage with Pulitzer Prize winner Marvin Hamlisch and celebrated comedian Bob Newhart.

Johnny can be seen on stage all around Ohio - sometimes with orchestras, sometimes with bands, and sometimes with his 'jazz trio.' Johnny has performed at countless weddings and receptions. Johnny sometimes performs with local big bands - particularly Wally Richardson's Classic Swing. Johnny enjoys his active involvement at North Community Lutheran Church in both the contemporary and traditional worship services.

Each August, Johnny performs a concert open to the public. These concerts have become somewhat of a tradition. Accompanied by the incredible pianist Eileen Huston, Johnny's Otterbein shows (some people call them his 'birthday shows') are fun, upbeat, and entertaining for all involved - both on stage and off. Here's a list of Johnny's August concerts:

Over the years, much has been said and written about Johnny the performer. Here are a few favorites he selected:

Poster for Little Movies Johnny on the grass

I can not begin to express what it is like to perform for a living. There is nothing I'd rather do than stand on a stage and sing. I feel the most alive when I am singing, and consider myself so very fortunate to do what I do.

I view being a performer as a constant evolution. I persistently strive to become a better singer and performer. Composer Richard Rodgers wrote "the sweetest sounds I'll ever hear are still inside my head" - and that's sort of always been my philosophy as an artist. Never settle. Never get too complacent. Never take your talent for granted. Always try and out-do last night's show. Respect your audience. Respect the literature. Respect yourself.

I am never 100% satisfied with performances I do. I am always thinking of a note that I could have sung better, a gesture that could have been clearer, a line of dialogue I could have pronounced more vividly, and so on. It is a constant struggle to be better. I suppose I'll never ever know when I've given my finest performance. This all may sound a little odd, but if you yourself are an artist, I'm confident you understand.

I am lucky to have had the performer-influences I have had in my life - Tanyce Addison, Max Griffith, David DeVenney, Craig Johnson, Clare Cooke, George Schram, Stephen Monroe, Jocelyn McDonald, and the ever-influential David Price. I am forever grateful to all of you, and I hope I make you proud.

Thanks to all of you out there for letting me do what I love for a living.

Johnny S

Photo Albums

Click on the poster to visit the album for that performance
If I Only Had a Brain(NEW!)
 The Wizard of Oz (NEW!)
Carousel Little Movies Anything's Possible State Fair
I'm Hip Oklahoma! The Will Rogers Follies Cheek to Cheek
Coast to Coast Encore With Friends
Past Headshots Various concerts and appearances Various theater performances