by Chloe Mister
In Bloomington
May 1, 2000

A Star in the Making.

Justin Johnston is trying to rise to the ranks of other notable IU alums like Kevin Klein and Jane Pauley, but can a 5'6" biracial dancer/singer/actor really do it?

Justin Johnston stands about 5'6", with curly black hair that he has often dyed bright red, and a light complexion that comes from his mixed heritage of African American and Irish-German roots. Small in stature, Johnston defines the saying that big things come in small packages.

Johnston, a native of Gary Indiana, came to the Bloomington campus of Indiana University to pursue his dreams of becoming a singer or actor. 

"I see myself as an entertainer," Johnston said. "I want to record music, play instruments. I don’t understand why I have to choose or limit myself if I can do it I’m going to do it."

Ambition and talent ooze out of him. Johnston was one of the few who made the cut when "RENT," the Broadway musical, came to IU to audition students. An amazing feat no doubt, somewhere between 200 - 300 students were seen at IU.

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