Santa Clarita Valley International School, a public, tuition-free charter school, proudly welcomes veteran educator and critically acclaimed actor Ian Johnston to direct iLEAD’s International Baccalaureate theatre program.

iLEAD is also announcing a partnership with the International Schools Theatre Association, which Johnston will oversee.

Johnston, who has taught the IB theatre syllabus and programs in 30 countries, said he will give Learners the opportunity to experience immersive theatre and create their own ensemble productions, including everything from Japanese mask dramas to Rio festivals.

Ian Johnston, SCVi

“We’re looking at how drama works through different cultures,” said Johnston, whose classes at SCVi don’t require any prerequisites or past theatre experience. “As long as you’re enthusiastic and participate, those are the only things I require. We create art as an ensemble — and that’s one of the best feelings in the world.”

This month, Johnston is leading a trip to New York with several Learners, who will work directly with theatre masters and see Broadway productions before returning to SCVi and sharing their knowledge with others.

“There are no words to adequately describe our excitement about Ian joining the iLEAD family,” said Amber Raskin, co-founder and CEO of iLEAD Schools.

“He’s a brilliant and innovative educator with a depth of global experience that is simply unparalleled,” Raskin said. “It’s truly an honor to have someone of his caliber running our IB Theatre syllabus and guiding our arts programs.”

Johnston is married and has three children, all of whom attend SCVi.

He has visited 52 countries and lived in seven of them, and he has West-End and Off-Broadway credits as part of his outstanding resume.