By Josh Galvin ’13
THE ROUNDUP
Imagine starting at a new high school as a junior, two years behind the curve.
At any school this would prove quite the daunting task, but with Brophy the challenge is magnified.
With the sheer amount of activities and unique opportunities BCP has to offer, the transition would be difficult for most. Yet after moving to Phoenix from Cleveland last year, John DiMino ’12 became a Bronco with relative ease.
According to the aspiring actor’s Kairos leader Mr. Paul Fisko, the reason lies in his ability not just to act, but to listen.
“Brophy isn’t for everyone, and John went through that discernment,” Mr. Fisko said. However, after guiding DiMino on Kairos last year, it became evident to Mr. Fisko that he truly belongs at BCP.
“John possesses a deep introspection … he finds his energy not just being with people but listening to them. This contributes to his dramatic appeal,” Mr. Fisko added.
DiMino started acting in fourth grade, starring in several plays at his elementary school in Ohio. Being at an all-boys school, he admitted his career early on served as a “way to meet girls.” However, by junior high he had fully realized his strong passion for performing.
This appetite for acting only strengthened after moving to Arizona, as he landed a lead role in last year’s production of “Up the Down Staircase,” as well as recently starring in the independent film “Under the Bridge.”
“Brophy welcomes you and accepts you,” DiMino said.
“I met all kinds of people in the play. Brophy itself is a family, and within you have different groups. The acting world is just one of those (groups),” he added.
During his junior year, DiMino had English class with Ms. Dorothy Dunnion, who is also the director and producer of Brophy’s theatrical productions.
After working with DiMino over months of rehearsal, Ms. Dunnion agreed with Mr. Fisko’s statements.
“He’s very bright and compassionate … he brings understanding of the character intellectually to his portrayals as well as an understanding of their emotions,” Ms. Dunnion said.
“This same compassion, understanding and maturity are apparent in class when he’s discussing a work of literature,” she added.
DiMino expressed interest in continuing his acting career in college and beyond.
“The main areas (in the acting industry) to be in are Los Angeles and New York … if I was accepted into USC, NYU, Fordham or Julliard, I would be a very happy kid,” he said.
Unfortunately, this exciting industry is also one of the most crowded, according to Ms. Dunnion. She warned that the acting industry has a 90 percent failure rate; therefore, an actor’s success oftentimes relies on being in the “right place at the right time and meeting the right casting director.”
DiMino understands the pressure, but said that would not stop him from doing what he enjoys.
“It’s a huge risk, but I love it. I can’t get enough,” he said.
DiMino most recently landed the lead role of Willy Loman in this year’s fall play, “Death of a Salesman,” which will debut Oct. 19.
