Mark Guerette

It was a rough beginning for this Portsmouth, NH native. In 1963, while the country mourned the loss of a president, Mark's family mourned the loss of his father, Paul Alfred Guerette, one of 129 souls tragically lost at sea aboard the USS Thresher, in what remains the worst peacetime submarine disaster in US naval history. Paul was twenty-four. Mark was not yet two.

It was Mame's torch song, "Where's That Boy Boy with the Bugle?", that opened wide the heart of this young, soon-to-be actor and drew him to the stage. That song ignited in Mark a passion for singing and storytelling that has never waned. On that very first night in any theatre, in the fall of 1974, Mark began to live. Mesmerized in that high school auditorium, Mark stumbled upon an identity, discovered a way to fully express himself, and was handed the key to a purposeful life. He would soon unearth a gift that would sustain a life-long dream.

More sudden and unexpected tragedy would claim the lives of a mother and two brothers far too soon. Great love would be needed to temper great loss. Mark's childhood sweetheart, Claire, would be his soul's guardian angel. Their love and relationship has spanned 48+ years. Their 37 year marriage has blessed them with two exceptional children; Jason, a hard-working and ever-accomplished sports broadcaster (now the voice of the Gateway Grizzlies baseball team), and Amanda, a gifted singer. Mark's love of children, particularly the magic and wonder of the first five years, inspired him to become a Kindermusik educator. That soulful work took Mark on an awesome journey that lasted seventeen joy-filled years.

Through every surprising twist and detour in Mark’s life, he has carefully nurtured his gifts. Comprehensive professional training at Southern Methodist University, coupled with private and on-going training in NYC, have nurtured his creative spirit. Mark has endeavored to stay true to his heart; committed to the pursuit of fruitful, life-affirming work (which now includes coaching actors) in the hope of honoring the memory of his dad's early sacrifice. Auspicious teachers and mentors like Gail Cronauer, Michael Hartig and Tom Todoroff have been instrumental in guiding Mark's growth, and shaping his artistry.