Parker Castro ’24 had his life shaped by Wagner College, and he hopes to use the lessons learned on Staten Island in the design world.Â
Originally from Rehoboth, Massachusetts, Castro majored in theatre design technology and management. He was the technical director of musical theatre for two years, helping student designers bring their concepts to life and facilitating the technical aspects of their shows. He was the scenic designer of the Wagner College Theatre's Main Stage show, “A Grand Night For Singing.” From stage management and scenic design to technical direction, Castro worked on 16 productions in total.
Off the stage, Castro is a brother of the Theta Chi Fraternity. He held various positions and was the chapter president for two years. Castro was the 2023 recipient of the Interfraternity Council Award, given in recognition of exemplary service and leadership to the council.
Q&A with Parker Castro
What do you have planned after graduation?
I will be a Technical Direction Intern with Walt Disney Imagineering.Â
What has been your most memorable Wagner moment?
My most memorable Wagner moment was winning Wagner Weekend Royalty this past fall. I ran for Theta Chi Fraternity, and I never thought I would be able to win something like that before coming to Wagner. It was so much fun campaigning and getting to talk to our community as well as hang out with the other Greek organizations while tabling. Hearing them say my name on stage was so exciting, and I will never forget the feeling of being crowned. It was truly a great day that I will never forget.
What was your favorite class at Wagner?
My favorite class at Wagner was Stagecraft with Brian Sharron. We learn about every single thing that we have in our shop and get to complete a series of projects that utilize those tools. It taught me a lot of really great skills. It was super informational and really allowed my brain to think about all the different possibilities there are when it comes to creating, designing, building and fabricating scenery.
What's your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the Theta Chi Lounge on Towers C6. It has become a second home to me. It is a safe space for me and all the other brothers on campus to come relax, do our work, watch TV, play ping pong and video games and spend time together. It has been one of my favorite places to hang out during my time at Wagner.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about me is that I love to create art in my free time. My favorite medium is pencils but I also love to paint. I enjoy getting to create something out of nothing and find it rewarding when I finish a piece I have spent a lot of time on.
What is a piece of advice you have for incoming freshmen?
Get involved. Whether it's Greek Life, a club or another student organization, getting involved will completely change your experience at Wagner. Before joining Theta Chi I felt like I didn't really have a place on campus. But after being a brother for three-and-a-half years, I have become so much more confident and made so many lifelong friends. I can't imagine my life at Wagner without getting involved on campus and would highly recommend it as it will greatly enhance your college experience.
