SPOTLIGHT ON BEST PERFORMERS: ALEJANDRO SANTONI
We caught up with best performer Alejandro Santoni, who left everything behind in Puerto Rico to pursue his dream of being an actor. Read on for more about his experiences and advice for fellow actors.
STARCAST: How long have you been acting, and what inspired you to become an actor?
ALEJANDRO: I have been acting for around six years now. By chance an art teacher of mine in High School opened my eyes to becoming an actor when he introduced us to improvisation, and my imagination finally had an outlet that made sense.
STARCAST: How did you prepare for your StarCast scene? What informed your performance?
ALEJANDRO: I prepared working on substitution, sensory work and script analysis. My reader informed my performance a lot, and also past life experiences.
STARCAST: What kind of acting gigs have you had thus far, if any?
ALEJANDRO: I feel very lucky. I’ve had the opportunity to be continually doing theater with different companies since I started acting. I have also been involved in the film industry working from being an extra, a stand-in to a small role. In Film I’ve worked mainly in a numerous of short films.
STARCAST: We know you’ve fantasized about an awards acceptance speech. How does the opening line go?
ALEJANDRO: Wow, thank you!
STARCAST: Have you had any notable successes or setbacks you think other actors could learn from?
ALEJANDRO: In September 2009 I decided to move to New York to pursue my dream of becoming a professional trained actor and leave my life in Puerto Rico behind. I knew no one in New York, and followed my instincts. I didn’t know much English. My courage and will were driven only by my desire to act. After two years of hard work I am now training in one of the best acting schools in the world. It is a dream come true.
STARCAST: Have you had any acting training, and can you speak a little bit to the importance of drama programs or acting classes?
ALEJANDRO: I’ve had always been taking acting classes since I started acting. I think the training is so important that I decided to enroll in an MFA acting program. I currently finished my first year in a three years MFA acting program at the Actors Studio Drama School. I think training helps you to develop your craft and to deepen in to the work.
STARCAST: What are your favorite actors’ services and resources?
ALEJANDRO: I believe Starcast Auditions is making the difference.
STARCAST: What’s your dream role, and do you have a favorite actor or actress?
ALEJANDRO: Dream role? I have many. My favorite actors are Daniel Day Lewis, Sean Penn, Al Pacino and Benicio Del Toro.
STARCAST: What are your short term acting goals?
ALEJANDRO: I am currently working to improve my acting on-camera technique. I want to be able to feel as well and comfortable on camera as I feel on stage. Also I want to focus completely to master my craft at the Actors Studio Drama School so I when I finish the program I can become a Lifetime member of the Actors Studio.
STARCAST: The biz can be tough. What motivates you to keep at it?
ALEJANDRO: I am very passionate about my craft. My passion and will is what motivates me to keep at it.
STARCAST: Do you have any special or funny skills we should know about?
ALEJANDRO: Well, I like to cry and I’m also a very loud crier.
STARCAST: Do you have any audition tips for your fellow actors out there?
ALEJANDRO: Do not over think how it went the audition. Just move forward to the next audition.
Thanks, ALEJANDRO! You can watch Alejandro’s StarCast performance at www.starcastauditions.com/best-performances. If you don’t see his video, shift the sort function from “Most Recent” to “All.”
