W?HILE student at Buff Bay High School in Portland, Johnoy Williams knew he was destined to be an actor.

“I was a very active drama club member and I would often show off my craft to anyone who was interested,” he said.

In 2010, Williams got his first real shot at the arts when he was encouraged to audition for a HIV/AIDS awareness commercial.

“It wasn’t just a commercial for me, HIV/AIDS is a reality and the truth is a lot of persons in my age group are infected. It is really alarming!” the 20-year-old told the Jamaica Observer.

Williams has since landed roles in the Pantomime, Anansi and Goathead Soup, in which he played the dual roles of the bus driver and the little boy.

He also has a recurring role in the upcoming season of the Ity and Fancy Cat Show.

Williams said he gained valuable experience working with teams of both productions.

“I really admired how accurate they were on their scripts, scripts that they learned in what seemed to be record time,” he explained. “I have also learnt about the comedic part of the art.”

Williams also learnt a lot at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. There, he completed a course in the fundamentals of acting and has plans to pursue a voice and speech programme at the same institution.