Johnny Kim

Artistic Director | Creative Direction for Contemporary Circus & Live Performance | Storytelling, Collaboration & Human Connection

United States

About

I am an Artistic Director and creative leader with a background spanning classical music, dance, musical theatre, and contemporary circus. Over the past decade, I’ve worked at the highest levels of live performance, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop and direct large-scale, story-driven productions for international audiences. My work is grounded in the belief that technique serves storytelling, and that meaningful connection is at the core of every successful production. I’m most drawn to collaborative environments that value ensemble energy, clarity, and human presence, and I focus on creating experiences that resonate for both artists and audiences.

Experience

  • Resident Artistic Director at Melco Resorts & Entertainment
    Oct 2024 - Nov 2025 · 1 yr 2 mos

    I led the re-creation and relaunch of House of Dancing Water, overseeing artistic vision, performance quality, and operational continuity for a large-scale resident production. I directed multidisciplinary teams across artistic, technical, and aquatic departments, managing a cast of 94 artists and collaborating with more than 150 technicians within one of the most technically complex theatrical environments in the world. The production featured large-scale automated stage lifts, over 120 rigging and flying points, and extensive aquatic systems. I developed contingency planning, cross-training systems, and SOPs prioritizing health, safety, and performance continuity, ensuring the show could be delivered at the highest level despite technical, operational, or personnel challenges.

  • Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group (7 yrs 8 mos)
    • Artistic Director
      Jan 2019 - Oct 2024 · 5 yrs 10 mos

      I served as Artistic Director across multiple international touring productions, leading casts and artistic teams to ensure performance excellence, creative consistency, and the ongoing evolution of each show’s artistic vision. I held final decision-making authority across all artistic domains, including casting, costume and makeup, staging, choreography, acrobatics, acting, aesthetics, and overall presentation. I oversaw the integration of new artists and acts while preserving the core identity of each production and guiding legacy content toward fresh, contemporary expression. My role also included forecasting and managing creative budgets, including oversight of a costume department budget exceeding $1M, as well as leading post-pandemic relaunches and high-profile performances for international audiences. Selected Highlights: • TOTEM: Co-directed a special performance for the BAFTA Awards at the Royal Albert Hall. • ALEGRIA: Led the post-pandemic relaunch, integrating 22 new artists and six newly created acts, including a Flying Trapeze finale — a first in Big Top history; re-choreographed the Hula Hoop act and directed a Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade performance montage. • BAZZAR: Led multiple post-pandemic relaunches across different Big Top configurations; created and debuted new Straps, Acro Lamp, and Dance acts; collaborated on a full lighting redesign and musical adaptations for South American audiences.

    • Assistant Artistic Director
      Mar 2017 - Dec 2018 · 1 yr 10 mos

      I worked in close partnership with the Artistic Director to lead show changes, new creative development, and ongoing artistic maintenance, ensuring performance quality and consistency throughout the life of the production. I stage-directed artists through integrations, validations, and new creations, supporting both individual performance growth and ensemble cohesion. I collaborated daily with coaching, stage management, performance medicine, wardrobe, and technical teams to align artistic intent with operational execution. In addition to in-show leadership, I designed and directed original performance montages for high-profile promotional and broadcast events, including the Miami Dolphins Halftime Show, The TODAY Show, The Wendy Williams Show, and Univision Deportes.

  • Dragone (5 yrs 1 mo)
    • Artistic Coordinator
      Apr 2014 - Jan 2017 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      I oversaw artistic operations for a large-scale resident production, supporting performance quality, cohesion, and continuity for a cast of more than 90 artists representing over 26 nationalities. I played a central role in scouting, casting, and integrating artists during full cast changeovers, ensuring seamless transitions while maintaining artistic standards. I collaborated closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, including the General Stage Manager, Artistic Director, medical, wardrobe, and technical departments. I led performance evaluations, artist note sessions, and ongoing artistic development, supervised six Show Captains, and facilitated training and mentorship. I also supported future planning, scheduling, SOP development, and database documentation for artistic operations, as well as coordination for international media and special events.

    • Choreography Captain / Acro-Dancer
      2012 - Sep 2014 · 2 yrs 9 mos

      I served as Choreography Captain on House of Dancing Water, supporting performance quality, consistency, and artistic integrity across daily operations. I worked closely with creative leadership to maintain choreography standards, support artist integration, and provide rehearsal guidance, contributing to the smooth transition of performers within a large-scale, multinational cast.

  • Principal / Co-Show Captain at Resorts World Sentosa
    Aug 2010 - Mar 2012 · 1 yr 8 mos

    I oversaw day-to-day performance operations and artist development for a cast of 40 performers on a large-scale resident production, collaborating closely with technical and creative teams during ongoing show operations and new creations. I served as Acting Artistic Coordinator and Resident Director for a six-month period, leading rehearsals, maintaining artistic standards, and ensuring continuity of creative vision. I choreographed and staged new acts and performance elements, integrating new artists while preserving ensemble cohesion and overall show quality.

  • Assistant Cast Manager at World Entertainment Services, LLC
    Apr 2010 - Aug 2010 · 5 mos

    I coached acrobatic performers in Chinese Pole and Flying Trapeze, supporting performance quality, safety, and consistency across daily operations. I assisted the Resident Choreographer and Cast Manager with rehearsal planning, performance oversight, and artist management for a cast of 24 performers. I was also responsible for inspecting watercraft, rigging systems, motors, and aerial apparatus in accordance with OSHA safety standards. Through maintaining high performance and safety standards, I contributed to the ongoing success of the production, which received recognition with an IAAPA award.