Testimonials

  • “I was a participant in one of John's national workshops for playwriting and was overwhelmed by his gentle, hands-on input and feedback recommended to improve my craft. It must have worked...as the play I developed during the workshop under John's guidance was picked up by an international playwright conference. John's investment in me was well worth the investment I made in his workshop.”

    – Tom David Barna, Playwright/Lyricist/Author

  • “John Perovich is wonderful to work with. Kind, professional and he truly listens. He’s my favorite dramaturg. Thorough and sensitive. I’ve always come out of my theatre experiences with him feeling like, ‘This is what theatre is. Inclusive and creative.’”

    — Angelica Howland, Writer/Performer

  • “I have collaborated with John for the past six years. His contributions to my developing scripts as a workshop director, dramaturg, director, and actor have been outstanding. John's approach to theatre is always innovative and surprising, yet his style is elegant and "old school," giving his work a timeless quality. I am always amazed by the surprises he brings, no matter which hat he's wearing. John's presence elevates any project he's involved with. He is a true mensch, and I am honored to call him a colleague and a friend.”

    — Jeanmarie Simpson, Actress/Director/Playwright/Peace Activist

  • “I first met John when he was assigned to me (a playwright) as a dramaturg at The Phoenix Theatre Company during a new play festival. His support, advice, and meaningful reflection made such an impact on me that I considered him to be an exceptionally valuable colleague and collaborator ever since. His approach is gentle, his competency robust. He is a prolific and curious writer whose plays always charm me. Generous is the word that comes immediately to mind when I reflect on the impact he's had on the Phoenix theatre scene. I admire him greatly as an artist and art facilitator.”

    – Kim Porter, Writer/Performer/Writing Coach

  • “Perhaps I'm biased when I talk about the genius and creative force that is John Perovich. I have been honored to be a collaborator in multiple capacities with him for almost a decade. I can say this with absolute assurance: John makes theatre happen because he cares so much. As an educator, he is constantly asking students and colleagues to push the envelope and open up their narrative brain spaces. He wants the foundations in which we have built Western Theater to become more than a standard, but also the next step. John values one's voice and their absolute courage to put that voice to paper. As a producer, John settles for nothing less than the best imaginable.  Whether it is finding the perfect sound cue for a moment of comic relief or tension, or going over a line of dialogue over and over to get it right — John does not settle for what is as the ends of it. As a collaborator, John is intelligent, giving, adaptable, and supportive beyond words. He loves his actors and respects his directors. Each step John takes on his journey to be a commanding voice in the world of theatre is done with passion, intrigue, and sheer creative will. He gets this is all a process: a means to a dramatic end.  He takes on that journey fearlessly and with a dashing mix of humility and fortitude. He is the best collaborator I can ask for and I am forever grateful for the impact he makes not only in his work, but in my life and the dramatic lives of so many others.”

    — Cody Goulder, Director/Playwright/Performer

  • “As an author, he has a vivid and fertile imagination, and his characters are a ton of fun. B3 Theater put on his WATER FOR BREAKFAST, and it was one of the most inventive plays — but solidly based in consistent character choices — that I’ve worked on as a director. The strange metaphysical elements perfectly complimented the relatable relationship issues between the main characters. MY LOVE | MY LUMBERJACK was a dark, moody fairytale that would remind audience members of the work of David Lynch. As a teacher, John is thoughtful and generous beyond measure. His criticism is straight to the point, but never brutal. I feel I have learned more from his tutelage than any other writer I’ve known. I worked with John through Brelby’s Write Club for a couple of years, and as a workshop leader, he was always a positive force for every playwright, even ones who only visited once or twice. He knew how to communicate with each writer in a way that made sense to them, staying on-message, but tailoring his critiques to their individual sensibilities. Without fail, John has been excellent to collaborate with. He is willing to show up, be fully present, and play in every meeting you will have with him. I would particularly recommend him for creators who need a little push to challenge themselves or encouragement to grow. John is never satisfied with the easy answer, and will work a problem until a new and brilliant answer appears. Don’t miss your opportunity to work with this truly creative artist.”

    — Ilana Lydia, Director/Playwright/Performer/Producer