Friday, December 28, 2012
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Joe Rosko
By ABBY SLANKER
Joe Rosko, son of Fred and Kathy Rosko, is following his true calling.
Rosko, a 2006 Canfield High School graduate, will travel to Guandong, China in January with The World Missions Alliance, based out of Branson, Mo.
Rosko’s role on the mission team will be writing, directing and mounting the organization’s first theatrical performance of a one-act play to be based around the salvation message of Jesus.
Rosko has decided to make this play, “The Poor Rich Man,” his first play for missions of many. He has named his theatre company, M-T SOHL (Missions Theatre Seekers of His Light). The play tells of a man who has everything the world has to offer, but is very discontent with life until he experiences the love of Christ from three unlikely people he encounters on one of his most troubled days.
Rosko graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre. He is currently working at Sight and Sound Theatre in Branson, playing the title character, Joseph, in their all-original production of the biblical story “Joseph.”
Musical theatre has not always been Rosko’s passion or dream.
“I fell into theatre from the influence of my at-the-time girlfriend, Danielle Spencer, in seventh grade. She convinced me to audition for the Shakespeare play, “Much Ado About Nothing.” I, of course, followed along but, unfortunately, I was cast and Danielle was not. Thus leaving me, knowing nothing but sports, to be in a Shakespeare play with no more alternative motives,” Rosko said.
Rosko did not enjoy his experience. When spring came around, and the Drama Club was auditioning for “Guys and Dolls Jr.” Rosko wanted nothing to do with it. But, on a day that may have changed his fate forever, Kelly Scurich, CHS choir teacher, sat him down during a choir study hall in the gym seats and convinced him to give it one more chance.
“Whether Mrs. Scurich encouraged me because she really thought I was talented or, because as every school experiences, they were really hurting for guys to be in their show, may never be answered from Mrs. Scurich – well, honestly at least. Luckily for me, “Guys and Dolls” has always been known to be an exciting and truly masculine show in the theatre. I loved it and have never stopped since,” Rosko said.
While Rosko was a student at Canfield High School, he was a football three-year letter winner and was co-captain of the 2005 14-1 state runner-up team. He was also a baseball three-year letter winner and captain, a basketball one-year letter winner and also lettered in drama, choir and speech and debate.
“Joe has great athletic ability and was proud to play sports in Canfield as a Canfield Cardinal. Our family has wonderful memories of all the drama productions and sporting events that Joe participated in throughout the years at CHS,” said Kathy Rosko, Joe’s mother.
“Joe’s career as a Canfield Cardinal will always be a huge part of our lives. After exploring many avenues, theatre was the door that was open to Joe. Joe majored in Musical Theatre at Coastal Carolina University. We believe God has a plan and a purpose for everyone’s life and at this time Joe is enjoying the journey.”
Rosko’s motivation and goal for going on this trip is primarily to share the salvation message and the love of Jesus Christ. He will be launching his ministry, MT SOHL - Missions Theatre Seekers of His Light. This new position he has created has the potential of growing into a permanent tool and part of WMA to be used in the future across the world.
“I feel so blessed and I thank God to be where I am today. I know I owe a lot of that to my family, friends, coaches and teachers from Canfield. I am excited to see what the future holds for my new theatre company, M-T SOHL,” said Joe. “The world is hurting – from the continuous natural disasters that have flipped people’s lives upside down, to the unfortunate, current tragedy at the school in Newtown, Conn. People need Jesus – we always have, but now more than ever, is it true.
“I hope that M-T SOHL can do a small part of making an impact on people’s lives. For as it is written, ‘The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.’ 1 John 2:17,” Rosko said.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/mtsohl.