John Paul first took the stage in the living room of his childhood home in Dallas, Texas, but quickly made his way to the neighbors…they had a piano. His love for story telling has been passed down from his mom - she was exceptional at bedtime stories and filling the time by coming up with entire universes around the people standing next to her in line or sitting one table over. Wonder for the unknown drives his practice in all his projects as an actor, director, writer, and producer.

John Paul is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s drama program. He enjoyed playing a wide range of characters during his time there, including a lonely map store owner (Lonely Planet, 2024), a precariously mischievous fly (Myths and Hymns, 2023), and a first-rate first-class steward (Titanic, 2025). In addition to performing in main stage productions, he directed and wrote several pieces that were produced through various festivals and research grants while in Pittsburgh.

John Paul is inspired by the plants he cares for, his morning tea, his friends’ company, and of course, the music of Stevie Nicks and Dolly Parton. For JP, we are merely the universe reflecting itself, and his work is a celebration of that beautiful experience. His stand-up comedy skit would probably involve superstitions and quantum mechanics.