Th3heights: How did you get involved in theatre?
Isabel Santiago: In High School I did my first theatre production. Maria in West Side Story. But, I had been singing since 3rd grade, in choirs. I loved singing and theatre just made sense.
T3: What was your first professional acting job?
T3: What was your first professional acting job?
IS: My first professional music/theatre job was in High School. I sang a night of Andrew Lloyd Webber with the Reading Symphony Orchestra at 17 years old. I did "Think Of Me", "Unexpected Song" and "All I Ask of You".
T3: What was the audition process for In The Heights like?
IS: I had been going in for Heights Broadway for replacement of Mandy Gonzalez part Nina for about 2 years! I then got a call to go in for Daniela for the tour. Totally different part, so I said no at first. I didn't think it was right for me. Then 3 weeks before tour rehearsals started they asked me to go in again. I looked over material and I said yes. I ended up getting the job a week later and LOVING Daniela!
T3: Do you have any preshow rituals?
IS: I do! Actually, not pre-show... but right before Carnival I'm in the salon. In the salon there is a Puerto Rican flag that I touch the star of and then touch my heart. I feel nothing but pride.
T3: What is it like traveling around the country and getting to perform for so many different audiences?
IS: It's wonderful... and tiring. I would never get to experience half of the places I am if it wasn't for going on tour. Every audience is different and a blessing.
T3: What is your favorite part of touring with In The Heights?
IS: The new family I have created on tour... my new Heights brothers and sisters.
T3: What moment or song is your favorite in In The Heights and why?
T3: What was the audition process for In The Heights like?
IS: I had been going in for Heights Broadway for replacement of Mandy Gonzalez part Nina for about 2 years! I then got a call to go in for Daniela for the tour. Totally different part, so I said no at first. I didn't think it was right for me. Then 3 weeks before tour rehearsals started they asked me to go in again. I looked over material and I said yes. I ended up getting the job a week later and LOVING Daniela!
T3: Do you have any preshow rituals?
IS: I do! Actually, not pre-show... but right before Carnival I'm in the salon. In the salon there is a Puerto Rican flag that I touch the star of and then touch my heart. I feel nothing but pride.
T3: What is it like traveling around the country and getting to perform for so many different audiences?
IS: It's wonderful... and tiring. I would never get to experience half of the places I am if it wasn't for going on tour. Every audience is different and a blessing.
T3: What is your favorite part of touring with In The Heights?
IS: The new family I have created on tour... my new Heights brothers and sisters.
T3: What moment or song is your favorite in In The Heights and why?
IS: "Carnaval". Because it's absolute joy.
T3: What is the funniest or weirdest thing that has happened onstage during In The Heights?
T3: What is the funniest or weirdest thing that has happened onstage during In The Heights?
IS: I was dancing in the Club scene with David Baida (Piragua Guy) and my wig was pushed back while dancing and went halfway down my head... it looked like I had a HUGE forehead! I had to wait till the end of the act to get it fixed.
T3: What was it like performing with Lin Manuel-Miranda during In The Heights' LA run?
T3: What was it like performing with Lin Manuel-Miranda during In The Heights' LA run?
IS: He's amazing. Beautiful, fun, kind, and just amazing. One of my favorite people in life.
T3: Is there a quote or motto you live by?
T3: Is there a quote or motto you live by?
Is: Do what you LOVE and do it the BEST... and you'll never WORK a day in your life.
T3: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
T3: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
IS: YES!!!!! 80's music. Heavy metal, big ballad rock songs, Love songs, the cheesier and bigger the better.
T3: Who is your favorite performer and why?
T3: Who is your favorite performer and why?
IS: Barbra Streisand, hands down. She's funny, gorgeous, talented, inspiring... perfect :)
T3:Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
T3:Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
IS: Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion. They are exactly the types of careers I'd love to have... but, more theatre based.
T3: Do you have any advice for aspiring performers?
IS: Find what you love to do, and do it. No matter what. If you know it's what you're meant to do, than it is. It really is THAT simple. There will be people who won't believe in you... but, it's not their job to believe in you. It's your job.
There are no guarantees... the only guarantee is that if you DON'T do it, you'll never make it. So you might as well be as positive as you can, and do it.
T3: Do you have any advice for aspiring performers?
IS: Find what you love to do, and do it. No matter what. If you know it's what you're meant to do, than it is. It really is THAT simple. There will be people who won't believe in you... but, it's not their job to believe in you. It's your job.
There are no guarantees... the only guarantee is that if you DON'T do it, you'll never make it. So you might as well be as positive as you can, and do it.
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