Johanna Smith (founder, pictured below at the California Entrepreneurship Educator’s Conference, onstage with Wayne Brady, and teaching Entrepreneurship students at CSUSB) is an Award-winning professor, author, and practitioner at the intersection of creative entrepreneurship, improvisation, and applied performance. With a joint appointment in Theatre Arts and the Randall W. Lewis School of Entrepreneurship at CSUSB, she designs and teaches transformative experiences that develop entrepreneurial thinking, creative confidence, and collaborative capacity.
Her work bridges the academy and professional practice: from keynoting in Germany and presenting in Prague, to appearing on improv and puppetry stages and screens, to producing educational media in Kenya. She brings a practitioner's edge to entrepreneurship education — one grounded in decades of research, performance, and innovation. Her extensive improv training includes the Second City, The Groundlings, Theatresports LA/Impro, Improv Olympic West, and many more.



CUSTOMERS SAY…
"I have to admit – I was skeptical that my staff of nearly-all PhDs would benefit from a workshop focused on improv skills. But, I was wrong! Every single one of them commented on how the skills they developed in Johanna’s workshop would help them in their field-facing outreach – which is good professional development. But, more importantly, participating in Johanna’s activities helped us bond as a team and realize how closely-knit we already were. What a gift these activities were! We are a team of introverts. And I suspect other introverts are leery of committing to these activities. I can readily attest to the activities being fun and fruitful!" - Cathy Brigham, College Board
"The genuine impact on the students is evident by the responses I have received from several attendees. Many thanks for your super power with influencing these students in a positive, profound way. The students were very impacted by the Improv workshop and their enthusiasm was clearly evident." - Teri Jones, regional director, Virtual Enterprises International
"WOW! You were terrific! You really made a difference with how the students work with one another and the importance of showing energy. I don't think the kids realize what an impact your exercises had. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule and sharing your expertise… thanks a million!" - Victoria Seitz, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Marketing CSUSB
Student responses to TA 5141: Entrepreneurial Improvisation and Creativity:
“The overall quality of instruction for this course was excellent. It has been one of the most fun and engaging courses I have taken and Professor Smith made learning so easy while having a great time in class. More professors should learn to teach important concepts in a fun way as Professor Smith does.”
“What a great class for our new program MSEI. At, first I was totally confused about why I was signed up for this class. However, after the first week, I was sold! Prof Smith is an excellent Professor and I would highly recommend her class to everyone to take. The approach was unique and so relevant to everyday life and most importantly the future as a student and prospective employee and or employer such as myself.”
“I would take this class again down the road if possible because I believe strongly in this class.”
“What was amazing is this class helped me tap my creative side that has been a little quiet for some time.”
"I'm confident I fulfilled at least half of my initial goals in being more confident, outspoken, creative, and open minded. I've learned to listen more to my partner's ideas and collaborate instantly no questions asked. I've learned how to be more open to conversations and reciprocating with interest and understanding. I can also now embrace a "little crazy", the dual acceptance allows for dynamic communication between people on a personal level and on stage. This class has also taught me real-time how people who choose to be less self-aware and focus on elevating the other person's ideas and performance can be very pleasant to collaborate with."
“She has brought so many people out of their shell and challenged them do go out of their comfort zone and is just such an incredible supportive teacher that truly wants the best for all her students.”
“I have learned the value of how improv can help in a myriad of situations. Professor Smith is a true delight, and this is the first time in a while that I can actually leave class knowing that I have learned and applied what I've learned to my real-world life. Thank you, Professor Smith!! You're awesome!”