Former Jaguar joins Broadway’s ‘Bring It On’

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Last year Dominique Johnson, a 2008 graduate of Spain Park High School, landed a role as “Cameron” in the Broadway musical “Bring It On” – a production which “tells the story of the challenges and unexpected bonds formed through the thrill of extreme competition – according to the official website. “Bring It On” was staged at the St. James Theatre, 246 West 44th Street, New York. It closed Dec. 30.

How did you land this role?

It was very non-conventional. A few years ago, I had just gotten off of the international tour of FAME in China, and I was spending some time at home in Hoover with my family. I was feeling like I needed to be doing something so I look around to see if there were any shows in Birmingham and Atlanta I could join. In my search, I saw that the Alliance theatre was doing the world premiere of “Bring It On: The Musical.” I felt so strongly about being able to do it. But, I wasn’t even in New York to audition. Through a turn of miraculous circumstances some may say, I was asked by the casting director to submit a video, and then she invited me to NYC for a final callback. Needless to say, I booked it. I’ve stayed with the production from Workshop, to Atlanta premiere, to National Tour, and Now BROADWAY!

Tell us about your character, about “Bring It On” and about the general flavor of working on a Broadway cast.

I play Cameron in the show. He is described by most as the sexy basketball player boyfriend of the “Queen B” of Jackson High School, Danielle. He is also very anti-cheerleading but gets persuaded by his girlfriend to join. I, by the way, never thought I’d use “me” and “sexy basketball player” in the same sentence, but that’s the beauty of being an actor. You get to do things you yourself would never do. I even rap in the show! Working on this show has been a dreamy unique experience. As the original Broadway cast we actual work hand in hand with the creators and also get to do cool stuff like record the album and perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.

What is your schedule like?

We perform eight shows a week (two of Wednesday and Saturday). Given the amount of athleticism in the show, I try my best to sleep when I’m not working. I have just now been able to become a little more social but it’s the price you pay. I’m very willing to sacrifice going out for my job though.

Was the love of the theatre what took you to NYC? How soon after your arrival there did you land a role on a Broadway cast?

Absolutely. I did theatre at Spain Park, and I knew pretty early on that Broadway was the goal. I had no idea it’d happen like in has. I moved to New York officially this year, but I’ve been coming back and forth for a three years. It took about a year for me to land this role though. Some people it takes more and others less.

How tough is Broadway? Any advice for up-and-coming theatre students?

Broadway started out as dream and now it’s my job. I do have a dreamy job but I didn’t factor in the stamina of doing eight shows a week, the rejection that’s inevitable, and the fact that this is the entertainment business! Business can be tricky when all you wanted to do was be an artist. I’d say to my fellow theatre students learn as much as you possibly can about the theatre world – on stage and off. Keep you family and friends close, and treat people like how you want to be treated in this world.

What are your career goals?

Acting is my goal always. I hope to continue to do more Broadway if that’s what God has planned, but I’m very interested in television and film next. I’ll go with the flow of the current. There’s someone bigger than me steering the boat; I’m just along for the ride.

For those intimidated about coming to NYC and navigating through the maze of Broadway shows and ticket brokers, what have you found to be the easiest way to get a good seat at a good show at a decent price?

That’s a tricky question being that I don’t really see many shows because I work every night. I know they’re are Rush Tickets available at some show and TKTS in Time Square has pretty good deals.

What was your time in Hoover City Schools like and how did it prepare you for your career?

The best thing I took from my time in high school is my friends. I still have them to this day. Whenever I’m home (which is rare), we visit each other. We stay connected over Facebook, and some even visit me in the city. We were a very close class. I have to thank Jesse Tilton, my theatre teacher at Spain Park, for being so great in allowing me to cultivate my creativity. Jeanie Boone was my computer teacher, and she was a gem as well.

Do you still have family in Hoover-Birmingham?

My entire family still lives in Hoover, and my two youngest brothers, Donaje and Devonta, attend Hoover High School. I still say GO JAGS!

What’s your schedule like outside of Broadway? Favorite things to do in NYC?

I love to go eat with my friends and shop at places for the first time. We all love to have little apartment parties. Sometimes we get all fancy and go to nice meals, but most of the time my free time consist of reading and sleeping.

Anything else you want to tell us?

To all of the teachers and students who may be reading this, just know that the child whose essay you’re holding, the person sitting next to you in English, or even the student who’s name you may not even know is special. Don’t discount anyone. Don’t judge anyone. If you give love, you give life. And who knows, maybe the person you’re loving is going to end up on Broadway one day. Thanks to all who loved me.