Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts

John Underwood

John Underwood

John Underwood is a husband, father, and proud alum of Middle Tennessee State University. He has had the good fortune and privilege of working as a production manager, designer, and technician alongside a plethora of creative artists, educators, and students on many different creative projects here in Tennessee and beyond. John currently serves as the Director of Production and Technical Operations for MTSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance. He also has had the opportunity to work as an intern for Cirque du Soleil and more recently as a lighting designer on numerous performances for the PBS televised concert series “Front and Center” and “Recorded Live at the Analog”.

John met his exceptional wife, Morgan, on stage in Tucker Theatre as a student and is now a father to two brilliant girls, River and Florence. One of John’s favorite things about working in theatre, dance, and live entertainment is the opportunity to collaborate with exceptional people every day, creating, playing, building, failing, and succeeding all to share meaningful stories through art and performance.

Alumni News


About the School

GPS Address:

624 Old Main Circle Murfreesboro, TN 37132

Google map link here


Mailing Address:

Governor’s School for the Arts 1301 E. Main St. Box 38 Murfreesboro, TN 37132


Our Mission

The Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts exists to provide high quality arts education for gifted and talented high school students in the state of Tennessee. The pre-professional summer curriculum includes individual and group instruction designed to help each student explore and develop his or her talents in music, ballet, theatre, filmmaking, and visual art. About four hours a day, six days a week are spent working in the major area of concentration.  If you are a former student, visit the Governor's School Alumni Center.


The Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts is a three week summer program for rising 11th and 12th grade students in Tennessee. Administered by the State Department of Education, we offer study programs in art, dance, filmmaking, theatre, and music. Students are selected in competitive auditions during the months of January or February. Those eligible are Tennessee residents who attend public, private and home schools within the state. Questions? - Contact Us.