Macomb Township

Macomb native stars in award-winning independent film

By Robert Guttersohn
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo courtesy of Gary King Actress Christina Rose, a Macomb Township native, dances in her most recent film “How Do You Write a Joe Schermann Song.” Rose said that her family supported her while she pursued a career in acting and singing. Photo courtesy of Gary King Actress Christina Rose, a Macomb Township native, dances in her most recent film “How Do You Write a Joe Schermann Song.” Rose said that her family supported her while she pursued a career in acting and singing.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Christina Rose grew up in what she described as an artistic family, willing to support her in her acting and singing endeavors.

“My parents put me in dance lessons, voice lessons and piano lessons at a very early age,” Rose said recently via email. “We had a family band growing up, so I was able to start performing professionally at a very young age as well. It’s in our blood.”

Rose said those early days of performing with the family — while living in Naples, Italy, then Warren, and before finishing out school at Macomb’s Dakota High School — pushed her toward the stage.

Now she’s finding herself living in New York City, landing major roles in Broadway performances like “Grease” and in independent films. Most recently, she played Broadway-hopeful Evey in the movie musical “How Do You Write a Joe Schermann Song.”

So far, the movie has racked up several film festival awards this year from across the country, including the audience award at the Phoenix Film Festival.

In the movie, Rose plays the girlfriend of Joe Schermann, who portrays himself and is looking to put together a Broadway musical. He is faced with the decision of casting Rose or the more-talented Summer, played by Debbie Williams.

She also received a choreographing credit for the film.

For Rose, there is no preference between acting on stage or in front of a camera. Each, she says, have their own magic.

“I have been dreaming about being on Broadway since I was a little girl,” Rose said. “When I received the call that I booked the (“Grease” role) my hands were literally shaking.

“Starring in film has its own magic. I love attending film festivals and watching audiences watch my performance on the big screen.”

Particularly, she remembers the moment when the audience at the Oklahoma Deadcenter Film Festival gave the film a standing ovation.

“Having starred in, produced and choreographed numbers in the film, I truly felt like the film was my baby all grown up,” Rose said. “Everyone in the entire creative team put so much hard work and dedication into the film that I believe this film would not have been such a success if we didn’t have every single wonderful person who is attached to the film.”

Rose, who declined to provide her age, citing advice from her manager, received her bachelor’s degree in musical theater performance from Central Michigan University.

She booked a role in the national tour of “Oklahoma!” right after graduating and moved to New York City. While there, she landed parts in commercials and smaller supporting roles in films, an experience she said made strong her passion for on-camera work.

Rose is acting in two more films due for release within the next two years.

Like any profession, she said, those looking to act as a career need to broaden their skills.

“The more marketable you can make yourself, the better,” Rose said. “So if you can learn how to sing, dance and act, do it.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Robert Guttersohn at rguttersohn@candgnews.com or at (586)218-5006.