Monday, August 29, 2005

By Emily Walsh, PR Intern

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Dr. Paul Castagno was recently named director of the new theatre program at University of North Carolina Wilmington. Casatagno comes to UNCW from Ohio University, where he served as director of the School of Theater and head of the M.A. programs in theater. Prior to that, he was director of the New Playwrights Program at the University of Alabama and head of the M.F.A. Playwriting/Dramaturgy Program.

Prior to that, he was director of the New Playwrights Program at the University of Alabama and head of the M.F.A. Playwriting/Dramaturgy Program.

In his current effort to administer and "anticipate the future identity, culture and independence of this aspiring faculty for this department," Dr. Castagno is confident that the demand for theatre and film is on the rise in the Wilmington area.

"Our new state-of-the-art theatres in the Cultural Arts Building will become a huge attractor for students who are considering theatre as a major or career. And of course the film industry here is attractive for UNCW theatre students. Many students have already found work at the film studios," said Dr. Castagno.

He encourages students to use their artistic capabilities on this campus to achieve their dreams for a future in theatre. “We measure our success by the successes of our students and grads,"" he said. He sees great potential in this program because of the diversity and talents of the people he has met here. "As an independent program it’s up to us to collectively shape our own, distinct identity and sense of purpose.""

Dr. Castagno is looking forward to working with the mix of people who converge in the Wilmington area. ""UNCW theatre is a very vital element of the larger theatre culture in Wilmington.""

Dr. Castagno appreciates Wilmington’s rich culture and history; noting its "“mixture of north and south, old and new."" He has also enjoyed the hospitality and friendliness of its people and at the university. ""There is a unique sense at this university that collaboration across disciplines is not only possible, but encouraged and supported,"" he said.

When Dr. Castagno is not on campus, he is still hard at work. ""I love being a dad,”" he said. He is the father of three sons ages 13, 11 and five. His accomplishments in art and education include two major books: New Playwriting Strategies: A Language-Based Approach to Playwriting (Routledge, 2001), and The Early Commedia dell’Arte (1550-1621: The Mannerist Context). ""It’s gratifying to know that my playwriting book continues to have numerous course adoptions at top universities here and in England,"" he said. In addition he has published articles in a number of noted journals and anthologies.

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Dr. Castagno can be reached at 910/962.3446 or via e-mail castagnop@uncw."