Meet Nina P. Castro | Writer, Comedian, Veterinarian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nina P. Castro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nina P., can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I have several favorite quotes, but one that is especially meaningful to me is: “The story is more important than you are.” This quote is at the core of everything I do creatively, and it’s something I heard many times from my late acting coach and mentor, Harry Mastrogeorge. What this quote means is that whoever you’re portraying in the story is who you are—my (Nina’s) opinions about the story don’t matter. There is no “Nina” in the story. This quote grounds me and keeps me focused on being true to the story—whether it’s a commercial, film, TV, or stage—rather than worrying about everything else around me. For example, I recently did a callback for a commercial where I played a fitness instructor. When I walked into the waiting area, I couldn’t help but notice that everyone there had a specific look, and I stood out like a sore thumb. Instead of doubting myself or assuming that casting had already made their decision based on a certain type, I focused on the story. I looked around the audition room and imagined the gym I was in, the feeling of the workout mats under my feet, and the children I was training. This helped me stay focused on the commercial, not on “Nina’s” concerns.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a doctor of veterinary medicine as well as a writer, performer, and comedian is one of my proudest achievements—and it definitely sets me apart. In a clinical setting, being a veterinarian requires quick thinking and the ability to adapt to whatever challenges arise. Having been in situations where my decisions could mean life or death for a patient, I’ve gained valuable perspective. Knowing that no one’s life is at stake during my creative work helps me refocus and channel any nervous energy I might have about an upcoming project or audition.
I was also fortunate to attend a veterinary school that taught through problem-based learning (PBL). Instead of being lectured at for eight hours a day, multiple days a week, we worked through real-life cases. This method taught me to be resourceful and find information independently. That resourcefulness has been crucial in helping me find the people, mentors, collaborators, classes, and opportunities I needed to advance as an artist.

Pursuing both comedy and veterinary medicine simultaneously was far from easy, but I can confidently say it was worth it. I had to accept that there are only so many hours in a day, and over the years, I’ve learned the importance of taking stock of how I spend my time and who I spend it with.

I want the world to know that if what I’m doing resonates with them, they can do it too. Just because you didn’t get an MFA, didn’t start acting as a kid, or have a job unrelated to the industry, doesn’t mean you can’t pursue what pulls at your heartstrings.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
OK, check this out—here’s what we’d do. First, I’d take them to The Magic Castle. Normally, you need an invite from a performer or member to get in, but many people don’t realize there are two other ways to gain access. One way is by staying the night at the Magic Castle Hotel. But my favorite method, which I’ve actually done myself, is by donating blood! That’s right, if you donate blood through the Red Cross at The Magic Castle, you receive invitations for dinner and a show! Their upcoming blood drives is on December 17th, 2024.

I’d also take them to the Venice Electric Bike Parade, which happens every Sunday at sunset. Airbnb Experiences lets you rent a beach bike with lights on it, so my friend could join in on the fun! I’d also take them to Pomona Antique Mart, Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Alamo Drafthouse, and Smorgasburg.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man, SO MANY people deserve credit for helping me get to where I am today. It feels only right to start with my family, who have always prioritized my education and encouraged me to pursue a profession outside the entertainment industry. This decision not only proved to be a godsend during the pandemic but also enriched my creative work, allowed me to stay in LA, and provided me with a unique set of skills applicable to any job. To survive and thrive in LA, I believe having a solid foundation is critical. My late mentor, Harry Mastrogeorge, was the most significant influence in developing my foundation as an artist. I can’t imagine what my work would have looked like without him. During the celebration of his life at The Hudson Theater, a friend and classmate, Michael Chen, gifted all of Harry’s current students with a deck of cards, each containing two quotes from him. I look at those cards every time I work on a story. From a comedy standpoint, Matthew Brian Cohen played a major role in building my foundation as an improviser and writer. My character writing wouldn’t be where it is today without the help of Sarah Smallwood Parsons, Eric Feurer, John Milhiser, Carl Foreman Jr., and Frank Garcia Hejl. I have used my writing, improv, and character background to develop several sketch videos I am extremely proud of. Ryan Moulton’s creative vision as my collaborator, director, and editor on every one of these videos is a vital part of their success. I also want to acknowledge Lesley Tsina, who is the kindest, most supportive sketch director I have ever worked with. If you’ve enjoyed any of my live sketches, please know she has been behind every one of them! Lastly, I want to thank Eric Moneypenny, The Pack Theater, Upright Citizens Brigade Los Angeles, Will Hines, The World’s Greatest Improv School, Dr. Griffith, Dr. Su, Dr. Michels, and my amazing group of friends.

Website: https://www.npcomedy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/npcomedy/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSDOzP0hVGQtNTCk6pqBO-g

Other: Instagram page for my house sketch team “Ciao” – https://www.instagram.com/ciaocomedy/

Youtube page for my house sketch team “Ciao” – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPWDHBole-ZSnG6hC-PeD9g

Image Credits
Sela Shiloni, Jasper Lewis, Gregory Feiner, Robert Kazandjian