John Ruffin Biography

Biography

John Ruffin, a native of Chicago, IL, has made Lynwood, IL his home. Starting at the early age of 12, Ruffin directed his first play consisting of his 2 brothers and 2 sisters, and his parents for an audience. Having a natural love for the performing arts, Ruffin went on to gain a lead role in a children's play, "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "Aladdin" at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, IL.

While in college, Ruffin attended courses in Theater. After attending play after play, Ruffin decided to step out on faith in 1993 and wrote, directed and produced his first play, "Choose Ye This Day!" thus starting his own company by the name of AGAPE Productions, Inc. He says, "There was a time where the set actually fell during a performance, but that did not stop the anointing that God set in the room and 10 people got saved, I knew then that I was headed in the right direction." After each performance the number of people coming to Christ grew. Other works accredited to Ruffin are, "I Won't Go Back" a biography about his former Pastor, L.T. Hutton, "It's Too Good To Be True","We're Dreaming of You, Selena" and currently directs and produces a BI-weekly variety show, "Gospeltime, Live At The Legacy". He also directed Imani Productions, "New Beginning…Startin' All Over". Recently, he has received the call to direct a Shakespearean piece, "The Age of Othello" (written by Anthony Norman) and "Trouble Don't Last Always". Ruffin has written many skits for churches around the Chicagoland area for Christmas, Easter and Youth events. He is also the writer of the newest gospel hit stage play, "Love The Hurt Away". He has been blessed to tour "Love The Hurt Away" to other cities and states. It is Ruffin's belief that a play doesn't mean a thing unless the anointing is there and lives are changed.

Ruffin wants to be a new voice in Gospel Theater and expresses all efforts toward that goal.