Canton Whiz Kid: Christina Guccione

Name: Christina Guccione

Grade: 9

School: Canton High School, Fontbonne Academy

Key to Awesomeness: Sharing her talents on the stage.

Accomplishments: It was pouring rain the first time Christina Guccione met Carol Fortier at her office. The “pipe dream” of acting first appeared a few months earlier - and was quickly dropped. When the thought returned this past April, the nervous teen bravely stepped into an opportunity to meet with Fortier, Fontbonne Academy’s Musical Director.

Not entirely sure of what she was doing, Christina gave Fortier’s character piece, a cold reading, her best shot.

“I identified the emotion in it, set the mood, and gave it an actor’s touch,” she said.

What happened next shocked the 14-year-old. Her mom, Susan’s mouth was on the floor and Fortier was clapping.

“Mrs. Fortier said I did not need an acting coach,” Christina mused. “I have a natural talent and stage presence.”

Christina jumped at the opportunity to act with Fortier for three weeks in July at Fontbonne’s Musical Theatre Summer Camp.

Dancing for a decade, the dance audition was fun and easy. The next round – singing – had her shaking in her boots. So preoccupied with her fear, she only gave the acting piece a quick glance.

Stunning her audience in her second cold reading, Christina won the part of Sally, one of the musical’s lead roles–a moment that launched her into full-actor mode.  

Confidence, immersion and generosity emerged–all traits of exceptional actors.

 “Kids on Broadway” marked Christina’s first stage performance, and witnessing her daughter’s powerful performance, mom Susan knew she needed to help and support Christina.

They are now looking at agents and preparing for auditions in New York and Los Angeles.

The Fontbonne Musical Theatre Summer Camp experience allowed Christina to act upon her inkling to act and gave her confidence that this is something she can do–and wants to do.

“I know I can do it with a little effort, a little oomph,” the teen said.

Didn’t Morgan Freeman say something like that in his early years?