About John C. Slade
Nordhoff High Teacher 2001 - 2010

John Slade brought his extensive experience as an actor, playwright, director, and singer/songwriter to his teaching, instilling high standards of professionalism in his students. He directed many full-length plays, student-written plays, showcases, poetry readings and special events, including several notable Nordhoff productions staged at local theaters. John engaged his students in state-wide drama competitions, took them to elementary schools to teach younger students, coached students in public speaking contests, mentored students in producing and directing their senior projects, and organized field trips to see important theater productions in Los Angeles. He employed the talents of our local community as well, bringing in professionals in acting, poetry, drama therapy, design, and improvisation to further expose his students to the art and craft of theater.
 
However, John's greatest legacy was his passionate and insightful teaching style. "Find your voice!" he would say, encouraging his students to go deep, be daring, and to believe in themselves and their talents. Kind, funny, passionate and inspiring, he had a profound impact on so many students, truly seeing and communicating their worth.

John was born on April 11, 1948, in Pontiac Michigan, studied theater at the University of Michigan, became Artistic Director at the Gristmill Playhouse in Andover, New Jersey, and then a resident actor at Baltimore Center Stage. He moved to Los Angeles in his early twenties, acting at the Mark Taper Forum, the Odyssey, and other professional theaters, as well as in film and television. John received a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from the University of Southern California and later a master's degree in Theatre Arts Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

In addition to acting on stage, Slade also played numerous roles for TV productions, including cops, doctors and an array of villains. He also had supporting roles in films such as the "Titanic" and  "L.A. Confidential."

John and his wife, actress Laurie Walters, moved to Ojai in 2001 having both enjoyed working with the Ojai Shakespeare Festival the previous two summers. While teaching at Nordhoff, John continued to work as an actor and director in numerous professional and community theaters in Ventura County. He was also a gifted songsmith, fronting a rock band in the 1980s, and recording four albums here in Ojai. After retiring, John's great passion became spreading the brilliant, spirit-filled poetry of Walt Whitman in his one-man play "Whitman Sings," performed around the country.

John in action teaching
at Nordhoff
More praise from former students...

Never has a teacher affected me so deeply and fundamentally as John Slade. He taught me about self worth and vulnerability and surrounding yourself with people that build you up. My heart aches for you Laurie Slade. His love for you was so evident to me even as a young kid and he is clearly so so missed by many in this community. Sending you and your family lots of love and healing!  -- Nancy Berube 

Thank you for always allowing me to express myself and head into the world with confidence. I carry that with me and I will make sure to pass it on and so many more of the life lessons that you have taught me and so many others. -- Darrienne Lissette

John saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. He believed in me and he sparked something that fueled my interest and dedication to theatre. He showed me true art and taught me to see so much more than I used to in plays and poems and songs.  Olivia Loorz 
Thank you.