Alumni
Proud Destinations of His Graduates
Stories
From Alumni & Colleagues
"CJ fosters an environment that allows his students the comfort and support to grow as students, performers, and most importantly, people. One of his mottos is to "improve each day by building off the previous". This mindset promotes personal growth, and is something! continue to bring to my work no matter the circumstances."
Ian Underhill
Professional Actor
"CJ fosters an environment that allows his students the comfort and support to grow as students, performers, and most importantly, people. One of his mottos is to "improve each day by building off the previous". This mindset promotes personal growth, and is something! continue to bring to my work no matter the circumstances."
Ian Underhill
Professional Actor
"CJ fosters an environment that allows his students the comfort and support to grow as students, performers, and most importantly, people. One of his mottos is to "improve each day by building off the previous". This mindset promotes personal growth, and is something! continue to bring to my work no matter the circumstances."
Ian Underhill
Professional Actor
"Tony has demonstrated an excellent understanding of the art of theatre, directing a high school theatre program, and especially the process of arts administration. . . [his] dedication to theatre administration is demonstrated by the book that he completed during a special topics course he took during his graduate work. The book will serve as a resource to emerging high school theatre teachers on how to create and grow a successful high school theatre program. The skills he exhibits in the book . . . would easily translate to leading any non-profit theatre organization."
Lee Crouse
Arts Administrator
"Tony has demonstrated an excellent understanding of the art of theatre, directing a high school theatre program, and especially the process of arts administration. . . [his] dedication to theatre administration is demonstrated by the book that he completed during a special topics course he took during his graduate work. The book will serve as a resource to emerging high school theatre teachers on how to create and grow a successful high school theatre program. The skills he exhibits in the book . . . would easily translate to leading any non-profit theatre organization."
Lee Crouse
Arts Administrator
"Tony has demonstrated an excellent understanding of the art of theatre, directing a high school theatre program, and especially the process of arts administration. . . [his] dedication to theatre administration is demonstrated by the book that he completed during a special topics course he took during his graduate work. The book will serve as a resource to emerging high school theatre teachers on how to create and grow a successful high school theatre program. The skills he exhibits in the book . . . would easily translate to leading any non-profit theatre organization."
Lee Crouse
Arts Administrator
"Positive Professionalism is how Mr. CJ sets high standards for all of his students. This translates into our performance and technical work. Most importantly, it reflects in how we present ourselves as individuals and as a company. Mr. CJ sets a high social standard for us, meaning he expects all of us to be kind and respect our peers."
Hailey Brunson
Theatre Professional
"Positive Professionalism is how Mr. CJ sets high standards for all of his students. This translates into our performance and technical work. Most importantly, it reflects in how we present ourselves as individuals and as a company. Mr. CJ sets a high social standard for us, meaning he expects all of us to be kind and respect our peers."
Hailey Brunson
Theatre Professional
"Positive Professionalism is how Mr. CJ sets high standards for all of his students. This translates into our performance and technical work. Most importantly, it reflects in how we present ourselves as individuals and as a company. Mr. CJ sets a high social standard for us, meaning he expects all of us to be kind and respect our peers."
Hailey Brunson
Theatre Professional
"Mr. CJ is the definition of empowering. During my four years at Rock Ridge, he taught me the importance of theatre and how to bring a story to life on stage. Whether in the classroom or on stage, he gives 110% to his students and their success."
Abbey Helfen
Professional Stage Manger
"Mr. CJ is the definition of empowering. During my four years at Rock Ridge, he taught me the importance of theatre and how to bring a story to life on stage. Whether in the classroom or on stage, he gives 110% to his students and their success."
Abbey Helfen
Professional Stage Manger
"Mr. CJ is the definition of empowering. During my four years at Rock Ridge, he taught me the importance of theatre and how to bring a story to life on stage. Whether in the classroom or on stage, he gives 110% to his students and their success."
Abbey Helfen
Professional Stage Manger
"CJ has completely changed my life. He has helped me discover my passion for theatre and given me an advanced education that has exceeded my expectations. I feel confident going into the world with the knowledge I’ve gained from him and can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Mr. CJ."
Ann Devine
Theatre Educator
"CJ has completely changed my life. He has helped me discover my passion for theatre and given me an advanced education that has exceeded my expectations. I feel confident going into the world with the knowledge I’ve gained from him and can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Mr. CJ."
Ann Devine
Theatre Educator
"CJ has completely changed my life. He has helped me discover my passion for theatre and given me an advanced education that has exceeded my expectations. I feel confident going into the world with the knowledge I’ve gained from him and can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Mr. CJ."
Ann Devine
Theatre Educator
"Tony’s resilience, mentorship, and relentless dedication to his students has redefined high school theatre, elevating it to a level of respect and professionalism that resonates far beyond his community. His impact is immeasurable, inspiring all those around him and shaping the arts education landscape. I am endlessly grateful for the profound ways he has changed lives, strengthened communities, and elevated educational theatre."
Noam Denenberg
Designer & Creative Innovator
"Tony’s resilience, mentorship, and relentless dedication to his students has redefined high school theatre, elevating it to a level of respect and professionalism that resonates far beyond his community. His impact is immeasurable, inspiring all those around him and shaping the arts education landscape. I am endlessly grateful for the profound ways he has changed lives, strengthened communities, and elevated educational theatre."
Noam Denenberg
Designer & Creative Innovator
"Tony’s resilience, mentorship, and relentless dedication to his students has redefined high school theatre, elevating it to a level of respect and professionalism that resonates far beyond his community. His impact is immeasurable, inspiring all those around him and shaping the arts education landscape. I am endlessly grateful for the profound ways he has changed lives, strengthened communities, and elevated educational theatre."
Noam Denenberg
Designer & Creative Innovator
"CJ's work ethic and incredible arts administration skills taught me lessons that I still carry into my businesses today. From leading a team with empathy, to making strategic growth decisions; CJ does it all."
Jason Stacks
Theatre Marketing Professional
"CJ's work ethic and incredible arts administration skills taught me lessons that I still carry into my businesses today. From leading a team with empathy, to making strategic growth decisions; CJ does it all."
Jason Stacks
Theatre Marketing Professional
"CJ's work ethic and incredible arts administration skills taught me lessons that I still carry into my businesses today. From leading a team with empathy, to making strategic growth decisions; CJ does it all."
Jason Stacks
Theatre Marketing Professional
"Mr. CJ's passion for his students and theatre is undeniable. During my high school years and beyond, he consistently pushed me to better myself as an artist and person. The lessons I've learned from him will continue to shape and guide me for the rest of my life."
Farley McDaniel
Professional Actor
"Mr. CJ's passion for his students and theatre is undeniable. During my high school years and beyond, he consistently pushed me to better myself as an artist and person. The lessons I've learned from him will continue to shape and guide me for the rest of my life."
Farley McDaniel
Professional Actor
"Mr. CJ's passion for his students and theatre is undeniable. During my high school years and beyond, he consistently pushed me to better myself as an artist and person. The lessons I've learned from him will continue to shape and guide me for the rest of my life."
Farley McDaniel
Professional Actor
"When I thought I had reached my limit, he pushed me further. My growth was never comfortable, but CJ helped me develop a backbone, and the resolve I learned in high school will serve me throughout my career in the performing arts."
Lauren Janoschka
Professional Stage Manger
"When I thought I had reached my limit, he pushed me further. My growth was never comfortable, but CJ helped me develop a backbone, and the resolve I learned in high school will serve me throughout my career in the performing arts."
Lauren Janoschka
Professional Stage Manger
"When I thought I had reached my limit, he pushed me further. My growth was never comfortable, but CJ helped me develop a backbone, and the resolve I learned in high school will serve me throughout my career in the performing arts."
Lauren Janoschka
Professional Stage Manger
"Impacting lives one story at a time – This mission statement, created under CJ's mentorship, reflects his influence on students. He fosters high standards, professionalism, and a safe environment for artistic growth. Mr. CJ is a mentor I will always remember, equipping his students with tools to succeed."
Katie Howard
Professional Actor
"Impacting lives one story at a time – This mission statement, created under CJ's mentorship, reflects his influence on students. He fosters high standards, professionalism, and a safe environment for artistic growth. Mr. CJ is a mentor I will always remember, equipping his students with tools to succeed."
Katie Howard
Professional Actor
"Impacting lives one story at a time – This mission statement, created under CJ's mentorship, reflects his influence on students. He fosters high standards, professionalism, and a safe environment for artistic growth. Mr. CJ is a mentor I will always remember, equipping his students with tools to succeed."
Katie Howard
Professional Actor
"Mr. CJ sets high expectations for himself and continually seeks innovative concepts and designs to elevate his productions, such as incorporating complex technical elements like fly systems and robotic effects. In 2008, he demonstrated his leadership by founding a community theatre program, The Arts Coming Together in Carroll County, further showcasing his dedication to advancing the arts at an organizational level."
Diane Cooper
High School Administrator
"Mr. CJ sets high expectations for himself and continually seeks innovative concepts and designs to elevate his productions, such as incorporating complex technical elements like fly systems and robotic effects. In 2008, he demonstrated his leadership by founding a community theatre program, The Arts Coming Together in Carroll County, further showcasing his dedication to advancing the arts at an organizational level."
Diane Cooper
High School Administrator
"Mr. CJ sets high expectations for himself and continually seeks innovative concepts and designs to elevate his productions, such as incorporating complex technical elements like fly systems and robotic effects. In 2008, he demonstrated his leadership by founding a community theatre program, The Arts Coming Together in Carroll County, further showcasing his dedication to advancing the arts at an organizational level."
Diane Cooper
High School Administrator
Mr. Cimino-Johnson is one of the most talented and hard working leader/ educators I've encountered. Liberty High already had an excellent drama program prior to his teaching at our school, but Mr. Cimino has taken the program to another level of performance and creativity.
Michael Zimmer
Government Professional
Mr. Cimino-Johnson is one of the most talented and hard working leader/ educators I've encountered. Liberty High already had an excellent drama program prior to his teaching at our school, but Mr. Cimino has taken the program to another level of performance and creativity.
Michael Zimmer
Government Professional
Mr. Cimino-Johnson is one of the most talented and hard working leader/ educators I've encountered. Liberty High already had an excellent drama program prior to his teaching at our school, but Mr. Cimino has taken the program to another level of performance and creativity.
Michael Zimmer
Government Professional
"Tony is not only a skilled and passionate educator, but also a powerful advocate and leader in the educational and theatre community. Tony challenges his students to artistic excellence, but also provides them with the tools to be better artists and access to industry professionals, allowing them to grow and create fantastic productions. In the field Tony has worked to better the system he works in, allowing greater access and support for his colleagues and counterparts, and truly making a difference in the world of academic theatre and actual professional theatrical training."
Ian Claar
Lighting Designer | Staged Violence Choreographer
"Tony is not only a skilled and passionate educator, but also a powerful advocate and leader in the educational and theatre community. Tony challenges his students to artistic excellence, but also provides them with the tools to be better artists and access to industry professionals, allowing them to grow and create fantastic productions. In the field Tony has worked to better the system he works in, allowing greater access and support for his colleagues and counterparts, and truly making a difference in the world of academic theatre and actual professional theatrical training."
Ian Claar
Lighting Designer | Staged Violence Choreographer
"Tony is not only a skilled and passionate educator, but also a powerful advocate and leader in the educational and theatre community. Tony challenges his students to artistic excellence, but also provides them with the tools to be better artists and access to industry professionals, allowing them to grow and create fantastic productions. In the field Tony has worked to better the system he works in, allowing greater access and support for his colleagues and counterparts, and truly making a difference in the world of academic theatre and actual professional theatrical training."
Ian Claar
Lighting Designer | Staged Violence Choreographer
"CJ takes high school students and molds them into incredibly gifted thespians, ready for the world's stages."
Mary Ellen ONeil
Professional Educator
"CJ takes high school students and molds them into incredibly gifted thespians, ready for the world's stages."
Mary Ellen ONeil
Professional Educator
"CJ takes high school students and molds them into incredibly gifted thespians, ready for the world's stages."
Mary Ellen ONeil
Professional Educator
"As the past President of the Board for TACTICC (The Arts Coming Together in Carroll County), it was an honor to work with him in an advisory role while the company was gaining its not-for-profit status. Tony's role as the Artistic and Educational Director with TACTICC allowed the company to attain its goals of bringing theatre to the community and providing a place for students to refine their theatrical skills."
Christopher Ion
HR Manager
"As the past President of the Board for TACTICC (The Arts Coming Together in Carroll County), it was an honor to work with him in an advisory role while the company was gaining its not-for-profit status. Tony's role as the Artistic and Educational Director with TACTICC allowed the company to attain its goals of bringing theatre to the community and providing a place for students to refine their theatrical skills."
Christopher Ion
HR Manager
"As the past President of the Board for TACTICC (The Arts Coming Together in Carroll County), it was an honor to work with him in an advisory role while the company was gaining its not-for-profit status. Tony's role as the Artistic and Educational Director with TACTICC allowed the company to attain its goals of bringing theatre to the community and providing a place for students to refine their theatrical skills."
Christopher Ion
HR Manager