Faces of Xavier: Nick Careaga '16

By Nick Byrne '11

As members of the Xavier community pour into the Commons for opening night of the Xavier Dramatics Society’s adaptation of BAAL, Nick Careaga ’16 will be backstage transforming into the title role.

The senior from Marine Park, Brooklyn started acting in middle school, often exercising his craft by competing in oratorical contests around the city. His most notable speech was his seventh grade rendition of Jack Nicholson’s monologue from A Few Good Men.

When Careaga arrived on 16th Street, the wide-eyed Brooklyn native energetically explored his home away from home. Like most Xavier students, he participated in several different clubs, sports, and activities.

“I joined the Regiment, the rifle team, and tried out for rugby,” Careaga said. “But I was passionate about acting and decided to join the Dramatics Society. It was my calling, and it has been awesome.”

CPT Careaga is still a member of the Regiment and hopes to attend West Point or the Naval Academy after graduation.

“Every time I tell people where I want to go to school, they seem surprised,” Careaga said. “I love acting, but I want to study mechanical engineering or criminal justice. If anything, I would minor in theater.”

“Acting is a hobby for me, but I certainly wouldn’t mind a career in acting. I’m just going to enjoy it for what it is,” Careaga said.

In addition to his roles in Xavier’s plays and musicals, Careaga is one of eight members of the Xavier Dramatics Society who will star in The Rainbow Experiment, a feature film that will be shot entirely on 16th Street. Several students have been cast in speaking roles, and more will participate as active extras.

Come see the Xavier fall play, BAAL, this weekend: Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. Bring your friends and family!