Richard Calderón-Peñaranda
B.A. in Theatre with a concentration in Performance
Hometown: Charlotte
Graduation Year: 2026
How did you first get interested in theatre?
I started really getting into theatre in the seventh grade! After I got into high school I did theatre around the community every year getting the chance to be in a bunch of musicals and improve while meeting tons of amazing people!
What kind of career do you hope to have?
I hope to continue performing and even start dabbling in creations and writing of my own. Being able to perform for the screen would be a dream, and traveling while being able perform and support myself and my other goals would be amazing!
What is your favorite thing about UNC Charlotte or the Department of Theatre?
I personally love the faculty. Every time I’m in class I’m confident that my teachers are knowledgeable in their subject and have so much willingness to teach me and answer all of my strange questions. They always encourage me to strive for more and have definitely helped me believe in myself and advocate for myself!
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts/design community?
I’ve done community theatre around Charlotte, but on campus I’ve helped show the campus to prospective students, helped run meetings and events when possible, and tried my best to let any student ask me for advice and let them feel heard.
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
I love to spend time with my fiancée and my two cats Twig and Puddle. Recently I’ve been getting back into playing video games and watching anime! Another thing I really love to do is play board games with my friends, so much so that I’m starting to run out of space in my board game cabinet!