Dr. John Shévin Foster works in both academic and professional theater. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Education from Shaw University and a Master's Degree and Ph.D. in Theater for Higher Ed. and Cultural Institutions from New York University, with additional study and certification from the University of Leeds in London. An August Wilson scholar, he wrote his dissertation on "The Concept of Black Liberation Theology, Religion and Mysticism in the Plays of August Wilson." Later, as a faculty member at NYU, he developed a specialized course entitled "August Wilson and the Social Development of the African-American Community," focusing on Wilson's documentation of the progression of black life in America – through his cycle of plays. After heading theatre departments and serving on the faculty of three leading universities, he served (for nine years) as the Education Manager and Producer for one of the world's most prestigious theatre organizations, the Brooklyn Academy of Music/BAM. Among the many programs he developed and facilitated, Foster spearheaded BAM's Hip-Hop Education initiative, literacy projects, Arts & Justice Program and BMAP/Black Male achievement project, aimed at reaching New York City's at-risk high school students, and in particular, young black boys. He also produced for the main stage working with international artists and companies from Patrick Stewart to Urban Bush Women and Dominique Morisseau.

Foster served as the Producing Artistic Director for InnerAct Productions: Quality Theatre of Color! – where he premiered the workshop performance of the Tony Award-winning Bridges and Tunnels, starring Sarah Jones. As a director, he has worked both nationally and internationally. As a playwright, his play, Plenty of Time: A Black Love Story, made its NYC 42nd St. premiere, produced by Woodie King, Jr. and Castillo Theatre (following regional premiers at the Shadow Theatre in Denver, Schuster Center in Colorado, the National Black Theatre Festival, the Billie Holiday Theatre, the Black Ensemble (Houston), the NC Black Rep and others. His play "Flip-In" was voted one of the top short plays in the NYC Downtown Urban Arts Festival. His work focuses on accurate portrayals of contemporary African-American life. Foster is a board advisor and past President of BTN/The Black Theatre Network, and served as a playwriting mentor and director at NYU's Gallatin School Playwriting Lab. He is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.