Meet the creative team that is making waves.
FOR THE 305. BY THE 305.
☀
FOR THE 305. BY THE 305. ☀
Joel Castillo
CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
Joel Castillo is a theatre artist from Hialeah, FL, with a BA in Theatre Arts with a Minor in Arts Education from the University of Miami. He currently serves as one of the drama teachers at Coral Reef Senior High.
As a theatre artist, Joel has done a little bit of everything. He was a part of City Theatre’s inaugural Homegrown Playwright Development Program, where his 10-minute play Balloo(n) was performed at Summer Shorts: Homegrown Edition (2023). Other notable playwriting credits include his play Rotting (2024), which premiered in 938collective’s Short Play Festival in New York City.
Joel also works as a director across many theatres in South Florida, assistant directing for companies such as Abre Camino Collective and Maroon Isle Productions. Previous directing credits and scenography credits also include Hadestown: Teen Edition (2024-2025), which was a MainStage Finalist at the Florida State Thespians’ State Festival and performed at the Straz Center for Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida. He served as director and scenographer as well for Mamma Mia! (2023) with the Seminole Theatre Players, which won Broadway World’s Miami’s Best Musical Award. He has also served as a scenic and lighting designer for companies such as New York Film Academy and the Seminole Theatre Players.
He hopes to bring the magic of theatre that changed his life to everyone in the Miami community: no matter their race, ethnicity, or economic background. At the end of the day, he’s just a kid from Hialeah.
Ariana Castillo
CO FOUNDER & VICE PRESIDENT
Ariana Castillo is a freelance costume designer from Homestead, Florida. She got her start in theatre at the University of Miami, where she received her BFA in Stage Management. She has made a career for herself as a stage manager in the South Florida area. Previous credits include Summer Shorts: Homegrown Edition (PSM), Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol (PSM), Abismo (SM), Vuelve a Contarmelo Todo (SM), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (PSM). She has also served as a costumer designer on productions such as Mamma Mia! with the Seminole Theatre Players and Hadestown: Teen Edition for Coral Reef Senior High.
When not working in the theatre, she also has a thriving career in the arts non-profit sector. She served as the Community Programs Coordinator for City Theatre, where she worked on developing and executing free and low-cost community events for the South Florida community. She now proudly works as a Coordinator of Artistic Programs at YoungArts, where she continues to provide support for nationwide initiatives to support young, talented artists.
When not working, Ariana enjoys spending her time on her 2 ½ acre family nursery with her parents, husband, and her menagerie of dogs, birds, and fish.
Alanis Michelle Aviles
TREASURER
Alanis Aviles is a Theatre graduate from Florida International University, a proud Miami native, and even prouder to be of Cuban and Honduran heritage. Being raised in such a vibrant and diverse city has shaped her identity and fueled her passion for creating meaningful, accessible theatre that reflects the community she calls home.
Alanis’s love for storytelling is deeply rooted in her desire to bring people together. As a theatre educator and artist, she believes in the power of the arts to inspire, uplift, and build bridges across cultures and experiences. She is especially passionate about making theatre education accessible to young artists in Miami, and sees the stage as both a platform for expression and a tool for empowerment.
She enjoys all aspects of theatre but finds her true home in stage management. Alanis is a resident Stage Hand at the Seminole Theatre and has built a reputation for being a dedicated, collaborative, and driven team member.
Now serving as Treasurer for New Wave Drama, Alanis brings that same passion and commitment to helping the company grow. Her mission is to create a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds can connect, celebrate their identities, and experience the beauty of diverse storytelling.
Melissa Tavara
SECRETARY
Melissa is currently a Theatre student at Florida International University focusing on developing her stage management and directing skills. Melissa is always open to learning and collaborating with her fellow artist that are focusing on creating meaningful works.
Her goal with New Wave Drama is to make theatre that is accessible to all walks of life.
Sofía del Cueto Pérez
HISTORIAN
A lover of theatre and aesthetics, the creative mind behind our socials is constantly ready to promote our company in fun and engaging ways.
Sofía is a stage manager by trade, but is always excited to learn any new backstage skill she can. She is always down to collaborate and brainstorm with friends.
