Christian Scarlato officially began his education career in 2005. He always had a love of children's theatre and a large portion of his first career was in the performance arts. Christian was working with all ages writing and directing published and original works. He spent time on air and in promotions at Toronto’s Rock Radio station Q107. He also co-created education programs where schools came to the station to tour and meet radio DJs, the tech team and other vital members of the Q team. From there, Christian found his way to Famous People Players Theatre where he had his first opportunity to work with individuals with special needs. This rewarding time with FPP lead to Christian making a partnership with his own theatre company, Christian Scarlato Productions, and Community Living York South. This was the first time Christian collaborated with special needs adults and children to write and direct their own works. Once a year, Community Living would perform these creations at the Vaughan City Playhouse. It was then that Christian decided to become a teacher and, over the past decade and a half, has applied these skills to the elementary classroom and in many extra curricular activities where student voice “rings louder than thunder”. Christian recently became ordained as a minister and founded Hands in Harmony Ministries where he continues to use the performance arts as a therapeutic method to relieve anxiety, especially around public speaking and socialization. Christian feels "...truly blessed to be a part of something so wonderful as to work with so many children of all ages and the remarkable team of educators," that he has met.
On my first tour of the school after being hired at Silver Pines PS, our vice principal, Lisa Hascal, walked me through the hallways and, passing by Christian’s classroom door, I noticed a picture with the word, Scarvengers as the title with images of the Avengers. I smiled, and Lisa said that the teacher in that room, Christian Scarlato, the Scar in Scarvengers, and I were sure to be fast friends. When we first met in person, he was singing a song as he entered the Staffroom, and I just jumped in. On our second day, we started planning the Remembrance Day Assembly commemorating 100 years since the end of WW1 with our other Drama teaching partner. It was a great collaboration. Since then, I have watched the Grade 6’s run the school’s Terry Fox events, I’ve witnessed Christian mentor his amazing Tech Team, seen him facilitate The Writers and Director Guild, where students write and direct their own works and learn how to lead and inspire their peers. I’ve even been in the audience of Talent Night Live, a great school talent show under his direction. Now, Christian, is working with another colleague to film the What’s In a Name projects of every student across the school for our second Story of Us video. Christian is a leader who makes many contributions to our school community.
The Story of Us is a video that Silver Pines produced of our students that was shared as a film festival event for our school community last year. Our school also welcomed teachers to view and learn more about The Story of Us during this year’s YRDSB QUEST Conference. Christian said that, “ The Story of US originally started because our principal, Lindsey Diakew, wanted to explore more of the student voice, and one of the ways that she sought that was through the concept of the film festivals...that was her thinking of why not do a documentary that brings the student voice out...by talking about where you come from , your culture, your ideas…” Distilling all of that into a 30 minute video was a challenge, so Christian collaborated with the students, who were also doing some of the filming, to help determine how to edit the pieces in order to best capture and express as many voices as possible. He was asked about this year’s filming of the What’s in a Name projects and responded saying, “Being a fan of Shakespeare, he is my head the entire time...whether students are talking about loving their name, hating their name, where that names comes from, that Shakespearean line...every name is so brilliant.” It’s wonderful to highlight the uniqueness that people bring, and there is so much in a name that can help people learn more about who they are and their heritage, building a deeper sense of self while sharing your name story with the class and school community. He will continue to film and help edit and produce the video for our upcoming Silver Pines International Film Festival, SPIFF.
Christian shared that preparing for his appearance on The Personal Playlist Podcast (P3) was not an easy task. “I always have at least three songs, two movies, three tv shows going through my head all at once.” Christian picked songs that reflected many aspects of his life. Almost like a survey, he monitored the songs going through his head and selected his personal playlist from among those that appeared most often.
Christian’s nostalgic song is one that has been with him through his entire life. It alludes to J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, and it was inspired by his best friend during a difficult transitional time in his life. Coming to terms with redirecting his path from his visions of an Oscar to finding his own way to foster his theatrical talents was a journey. This song is a reminder that he has done everything he possibly could to take it as far as he could go. He shared his love of comics and Star Trek (or pretty much anything with a the word star in it) and referred to a Captain Kirk quote saying that you should never believe in the no win scenario, but that you have to alter the conditions of the test. No matter what happens, Christian is grateful for everything he learns from each adventure, and knows that he just has to Ramble On. Here is one of Led Zepplin’s most enduring songs that has helped our guest endure whatever life throws his way:
Christian’s identity song comes from a popular Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera, The Pirates of Penzance. Christian said, “ At any given time, at the speed of light,...we wear so many hats, and, we have to change that hat so fast sometimes...” He referred to some aspects of the life of an elementary teacher, switching from subject to subject. “This song has as many layers as it does positions.” This satirical and fast paced song has a tongue twisty nature and remind you that teachers have to come prepared with a bevy of skills but our guest reminds that we shouldn’t think that we have to be perfect encouraging us to seek the expertise of others to help us learn and grow. “The first bit pretty much sums up when I walk in at 7:30 until the bell rings when the kids are starting to come in.” Much like the speed of trying to sing that song, the rhythm of a school day can affect teachers and staff in many ways. The pace and time constraints of education can be a real challenge for many, so you have to take it with the same sense of humour that you digest this song. Here is I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General :
Christian's pick-me-up song reflects so much of his outlook on life. “I owe this song, 100%, to Marvel’s greatest hero, in my opinion: The Amazing Spiderman.” Christian referred to Spiderman’s essence as one of grit and tenacity; he is someone who falls down and always finds a way to pick himself up. Christian spoke about how much he hated school when he was young because he was picked on a lot. It was a difficult time for him, but he banded together with a group of friends after seeing the movie Revenge of the Nerds. Trying to defend themselves from bullies, they used comic book names as code to plot ways to defend themselves and help each other. “No matter how many times I was hit, I always found a way to pick myself up, “ which is why his friends gave him the code name Spiderman. This song reflects how life is. It reminds you that you need to stay positive and keep yourself surrounded by people who support you. It helps Christian regain the smile on his face and go forward with humour and positivity, no matter what happens. Here is Great Big Sea with Ordinary Day:
Christian is not consistent with social media, but you can reach out to him through his YRDSB email, and you can find him through everything he does at Silver Pines PS in York Region. Also, if you are want to learn more about Christian Scarlato Productions, you can send him a note through this email. If you are looking for a reverend whose “...mind, heart and sanctuary is open to everyone,” get in touch. Inquiries about education, help with presentation or public speaking skills, reduced anxiety, wedding, funerals, and christenings can all be channeled there. Christian has been on and through many stages, and he is always happy to connect.
