Nicole Santiago spent half of her adult life on stage.
Born in Manila, Philippines, Nicole has been captivating her audiences with her wide range of acting and performing in musicals such as “Fame” and “Sound of Music” with the Repertory Philippines. She has performed in various children’s theatre productions: “Pinocchio” and “Mulan, Jr.” and “Aladdin, Jr.”
Recently, Nicole was a featured guest artist on CBS’s Primetime TV Show “All Rise”, giving a definitive portrayal of Soraya Bayani (a Filipina) as a key witness for the State in a racially motivated case (Season 1.03 “Sweet Bird of Truth). Nicole’s performance, while brief, was powerful and meaningful as she played the part convincingly well, giving her kababayan (Filipino compatriots) something to be proud of.
Filipinos are not new in breaking new ground whether that would be in Hollywood or on Broadway. However, it was never handed to them on a silver platter. Filipino performers had to work doubly hard to get noticed or even seen. Unfortunately, whenever a Filipina was able to get a good part, it would seem as if they would have to work at it five times harder just to prove to the “establishment” that they were worthy of being given the part.
CBS Television, ALL RISE Season 1.03 Sweet Bird of Truth
Nicole, who is a veteran actor, when asked about what the challenges that Filipinos or Filipino-Americans artist face in trying to making it in Hollywood or on Broadway, she responded with “Representation definitely!” She added, “There are only a few roles we as Filipinos can audition for in the mainstream TV, film and theatre. And there are so many talented Filipinos waiting for ‘our turn’.”
Getting a “foot in the door” does pose challenges but it also opens up opportunities for a lot of creative people – Filipino people – exploring their artistic talents – whether that will be in writing – performing – or discovering the endless possibilities that any media can provide to fresh aspiring artists like her.
“It is a great time for Filipinos to Shine.”
The acting gene was passed on to Nicole via her mother, who was also an actor. As a child, Nicole recalls practicing how to cry on cue in front of the mirror instead of doing her homework. “I would also audition for my dad”, who was a renowned Filipino film director. So it is safe to say that acting is in her blood.
“Growing up I never imagined having a Plan B. It has always been acting and singing or anything related to performing for me.”
“Lea Salonga was my inspiration,” she said when asked whom would she consider as being an influential person on her career. Lea Salonga, a Tony Award Winner for her performance as Kim in Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s highly acclaimed “Miss Saigon”, broke the doors wide open for many aspiring Filipino actors and making their dreams of being on Broadway and in Hollywood attainable.
Nicole has played Kim not just once or twice – but three times in three different musical productions. Nicole has began exploring roles that are not usually given to Asian actors – in a recent production of Matilda, she played Miss Honey, a role typically given to a Caucasian woman. “I supposed it’s time to think outside of the box and consider the role of Cathy in ‘The Last Five Years’.”
Musical Theatre will always be her passion, but now that her toes have dipped into television and film industry, “it is something that I want to do and explore more.”
Between stage and screen?
“I think both have their own unique challenges.” Nicole started, “May that be stage or screen, both are hard – and it would be unfair for more to say which would be more difficult.”
“Stage definitely challenges you in memorizing all the lines since you cannot call “cut” and there are really no second chances. It requires a lot of “quick thinking.”
“As far as Film and Television is concern, it is way different than being on stage. You are dealing with a different medium. You are not only given a lot of lines to study and memorize, but there are countless times of doing retakes and having the ability to maintain continuity and/or going beyond the character … it just depends on what the director wants.”
In the end, Nicole says “I think it always depends on the role and what it demands from you as an actor.”
Nicole is a fur mama to Bizzy — and claims that she is big on family and like any typical Filipino or Filipina she loves their big family get gatherings. That means lots of Filipino food, and anything with rice. Her favorite dish is “Nilaga” (Simple Beef Soup, considered the ultimate Filipino comfort food). She also said that she misses the Philippines, the people, the food, and visiting Tagaytay – considered to be one of the cheapest vacation spots in the country.
Her advice to upcoming and aspiring young girls who are in the beginning of their own journey into the performing arts: “Happiness … especially in this career, you need to be in the mindset of honing in on what gives you joy, not comparing … instead celebrating other people’s success and really count your blessings and don’t forget to celebrate them too. If the opportunities aren’t there, then create and make it happen yourself and in the community … find a group that allows you to lift each other up because there are already enough in this business that will do the opposite. Keep doing what you love and make sure that everyday doesn’t drain the joy out of you.”
Without a doubt, Nicole Santiago is a force to be reckoned with – her fearless attitude and “out of the box” mentality. Rest assured, that if she pops up in a theatre near you or in another episode of a prime time television show, you will be guaranteed of experiencing an authentic and phenomenal performance.
