Ashton Pina originally hails from New Bedford, Massachusetts, and moved to Miami to pursue a career in theater. After graduating from Florida International University in 2010 with a BFA in Theatre, Pina moved to New York City in order to work towards the achievement of his dreams. Pina has been blessed with amazing opportunities throughout his young career, including the chance to work with Nelson George, Diane Martel, and Beyoncé. He recently finished directing and starring alongside fellow CARTA graduate Maribel Martinez ’10 in the new outrageous web comedy, The Out Crowd. Pina is also an inaugural BAAD! artist at the Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance, and is developing the stage play, WERQ! The Dragsical!, a “coming of drag tale” set to premiere in 2014.
Pina is currently a 2014 MFA candidate at the City College of New York (CCNY), studying Media Arts Production. At CCNY, he is mastering the arts of writing and directing, heading into production on the short film, The Brothers Texas. The film tells the story of three brothers who struggle to survive on their own after their mother tragically abandons them; Austin, Dallas, and Houston must support each other and discover together the true meaning of brotherhood.
Pina is very thankful to the all professors and staff at CARTA for fostering and believing in his passion for creating, especially Professor Michael Yawney and Professor Phillip Church. His goal is to prove to the FIU community and the world that your dreams will come true with courage, hard WERQ, and dedication!
To read more about Pina and to view his work, visit his website.
Pina shooting while rocking the Panther spirit!
