Gianna Smith: Theater’s in Her Future

“The first time I was on stage was during a children’s performance at That’s Showbiz when I was eight years old. That summer I also performed in a few shows at Kudos Children’s Theater and I caught the acting bug,” shared Gianna “Siry” Smith, 16, born and raised in Stockton, California, and currently a junior at Lincoln High School.

“My father is an actor with Stockton Civic Theatre, and I took an interest in theater because I enjoyed watching my dad act in plays. When the opportunity for me to act on stage came, I jumped at it. When Stockton Civic Theater announced they were going to be doing Annie in 2018, I knew I had to audition. I was cast as Tessie, and I haven’t looked back,” Gianna continued. She has been involved in several SCT shows both on stage and as a crew member, making many new friends along the way. In August 2022, the SCT Board of Directors presented her with the William Karraker Youth Award for her involvement during the 2021-2022 season. She has performed in the spring musicals at Lincoln High School and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown at San Joaquin Delta College in summer 2023.

“Theater has changed my life as it has made me realize I want to do theater full time and continue my study of the arts,” Gianna affirmed. “My goals for the future would definitely be performing on a Broadway stage and if not that, I would love to teach theater to students to help them find their own passions in the arts.

“Stockton Civic Theatre is a not-for-profit organization and all the money made through ticket sales, concessions sales and donations go back to the theater. Funds are used to produce future shows and for theater improvements. I encourage you to support them!” she concluded.