Faculty Profile: Jose Angel Santana

Jose is Head of Acting for the Tisch/NYU Graduate Film School. His 2009 world premier production of William Inge’s “The Killing” was hailed as “riveting, a fascinating rediscovery of the work of one of our most important American playwrights.” 

He is a graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse where he was a student of Sanford Meisner. He can be seen in the documentary “Sanford Meisner: The Theater’s Best Kept Secret” directed by Sidney Pollack, as well as in the definitive 8-hour document of Meisner’s work: “Sanford Meisner Master Class.”  

As a young actor, José originated leading roles in works by some of our most important contemporary playwrights: three world premiers of Pulitzer Prize winning playwright David Mamet’s works, as well as Academy Award nominee Trevor Griffiths’ “Reds” opposite Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey and works by Eduardo Machado and Felipe Santander, among others.

In film, he garnered critical praise for his heartbreaking performance as José The Junkie in Sidney Lumet’s “Prince of the City” and is remembered as the “strange boutique owner” opposite Madonna in “Desperately Seeking Susan.” 

He is co-founder of City at Peace, Santa Barbara, where for years he led the creation of original works by young theatre artists. He is a lifetime member of New York’s Ensemble Studio Theatre and his aim is to make a vital contribution to the community in which he lives. 

 NYTI: What early theatre experience made a lasting impression? 

José: Our freshman high school class saw the original Broadway production of “Hair.” At the end of the play, the cast invited audience members to go up on stage. Without hesitation, I leaped to my feet, ran up the aisle and onto the stage. I thought my classmates would surely do the same, but they didn’t. A gorgeous young woman in the cast began dancing with me and I felt the distinct sensation of being totally at home. Being on stage felt like the most natural place in the world to me. In that moment, I knew someday I would become an actor.  

NYTI: What does your film The Secret have to say about listening?  

José: The Secret is about reaching and making a difference with young people by listening deeply to their thoughts and feelings instead of trying to fix them, or trying to figure out how things got the way they are. The mythological Greek god Dionysus is both the god of Theater, and also of all of the forces that teenagers feel from within themselves, and from the culture. By giving teenagers the same thing Dionysus asks for, which is simply recognition, and by honoring the Dionysian dimension of young people’s lives, adults can learn a great deal about our culture, and particularly about teenagers.   

NYTI: Best place to get a NY pizza slice?

José: Stromboli Pizzeria @ 83 St. Marks Place. (Corner of 1st Ave.)