Saturday, October 25, 2014

HOLAwave: The Importance of Keeping Consistency in Performance

[HOLAwave represents a series of guest blogs by industry insiders giving informative and educational tidbits for the Latino performer. They can range from acting and auditioning advice, tech tips, legal advice, marketing, producing tips, and so on. Get caught up in the wave– the HOLAwave.]

One of the things I find fledging actors struggle with is continuity in their performances once the work is done. It is important for the actor to know and preserve what works in every performance once the "discovery" phase is over. 

Too often after getting to that place where things should be set, some actors continue to over-think and struggle; even after knowing they already thought it out deeply, practiced and rehearsed in every which way. Yes, spontaneity is good within context and realism, being lost isn't. 

This is where an actor's sense and talent in psychology comes to play. It is so important for actors to get a real sense of people's real behavior and what motivates them. This should be done in a humble nonjudgemental way; those who simply observe to mock others completely lose the point and need spiritual guidance, but the artist looks with his heart. 

Be bold and observe life, this will give you confidence in knowing your choices are right. So much is on you to make a scene come to life.

The actor must do a lot of self coaching and consistence is key to keeping the point alive and giving directors, writers and producers what they are looking for.


Renoly Santiago was born in Lajas, Puerto Rico and he spent his childhood in Union City, New Jersey. He currently resides in New York City. He made his film debut co-starring in the blockbuster hitDangerous Minds alongside Michelle Pfeiffer. Other film credits include Hackers with Angelina Jolie, Daylight with Sylvester Stallone, and Con Air with Nicolas Cage and John Malkovich; and the indie films Punks (Sundance Film Festival selection), The Street KingJust Another Romantic Wrestling Comedy and Lavoe: The Untold Story(where he played Latin music legend Johnny Pacheco). Among his episodic television appearances are guest leads in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent", "Touched by an Angel", "Big Apple" and "Stand Up".

He was nominated for a Drama Desk Award by the press as Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical in his Broadway debut The Capeman, composed by Paul Simon, and in which he starred alongside Marc Anthony, Ednita Nazario and Rubén Blades. He has appeared in many off-Broadway productions under such notable directors as Liz Swados in Lincoln Center and in workshops with Graciela Daniele in Blood Wedding and Gabriel Barre in the Kander & Ebb musical Skin of Our Teeth with Audra McDonald and Sara Ramirez. 

His writing credits include the Emmy-nominated television series "City Kids", in which he was also a lead character and the book to the musical Bring in the Morning… A Wake-Up Call at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York starring Lauryn Hill.

As a singer, he can be heard singing backup for recording artist India on her album Latin Songbird, duetting with Danny Rivera and Marc Anthony amongst others, having performed with many artists of international renown.  He is currently developing new acting, writing and production ventures across some exciting genres at home and abroad, also community arts projects. He is writing new songs in English and Spanish and is presently recording music for his debut album. His next feature film is Grand Street with Kelly McGillis, currently in post-production. In addition, he most recentlky directed the Mathilde DeHaye play Snow White and the Beast at the Marilyn Monroe Theater in New York. 

For more information about Renoly Santiago, click here.

No comments: