Jeffrey Santoro

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

"All The World Is A Stage,
And We But Merely Players Upon It!"

There is no question that the ARTS have had a profound and positive affect on my life. 

My journey to present day, based on a multitude of rewarding work experiences, has provided me with the skills necessary to lead in any vertical environment, but especially one that is creative, robust, and engaging.

I have been overtly lucky in my work. I have always been given the reins and resources necessary to thrive. Learn more about those jobs by visiting HERE.

For me, I strive to provide exceptional and memorable moments in work and life. I credit my success to parents and my theatrical training. 

Like many young people, I was first introduced to the theatrical ARTS when I was in elementary school. Each year, my grade school presented an annual review featuring talented students. While I was on the stage, I was not considered one of those "talented" students.

As first grade turned to second and so on, I quickly learned to be more present in my performance (the concept of being present is something that has spilled over into my work strategy). However, it was not until I started working with the Children's Repertory Theatre (now Delaware Children's Theatre), a local children's group located in Wilmington, Delaware, that I learned necessary techniques in problem solving ... time management ... and exceeding expectations.

Under the guidance of Founder/Artistic Director, Marie Swajeski, I was provided multiple learning opportunities both on the stage and behind the scenes.

The first "big" production I ever worked on was BABES IN TOYLAND, playing the role of the "Purple Jester" (see photo on the right rail). Regardless of the "small" part (there are no small parts, just small actors), I was able to watch and learn from many people including the leading actors, producers, and of course, Director Swajeski. It was because of my involvement with CRT that I landed my first commercial for Tevlar Solar Panels. The children's theatre became my second home and I spent the next thirty plus years helping to build the theatre ... its programming ... and its audience.

I was given many tasks throughtout my years at the theatre including:

• Light Designer
• Stage Manager
• Production Manager
• Director
• Producer
• and Outreach Director

In addition to working with the Delaware Children's Theatre, I have performed on and off the stage with:

• Three Little Baker's Dinner Theatre in shows such as FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, ANNIE, KING AND I, and HERE'S LOVE.
• Wilmington Drama League in shows like HANSEL & GRETEL; Billy Flynn in CHICAGO; Hugh Dorsey in PARADE; and Jacob Marley in A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
• Candlelight Dinner Theatre as Billy in ANYTHING GOES; Raúl in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; Cornelius Hackl in HELLO DOLLY.
• Grand Opera House in productions such as PIPPI LONGSTOCKING and ONCE UPON THE ORCHESTRA with the Delaware Symphony.
• The Brandywiner's Ltd., including Wayne in STATE FAIR and Sky Masterson in GUYS & DOLLS, and Shrek in SHREK.
• The Playhouse on Rodney Square in PETER PAN and the Scarecrow in the WIZARD OF OZ.
• Mall Tour of America performing WIZARD OF OZ and juggling in malls all over the United States (with Center Court Productions)
• And many other performing arts groups in and around the Delaware Valley

Growing up on the stage also prepared me for several acting jobs on the small screen and in film. I often refer to myself as a background actor and "scene stealer." I have appeared in commercials, ABC After-School specials, as well as a few major motion pictures ... often playing "that guy" in the background.

All of this theatrical experience has translated well from the stage ... to the workplace ... to life.

Jeff directing a scene in NYC

Jeff (far right) as a Purple Jester

Jeff directing a scene for a Compliance Safety video

Jeff directing the musical
Jekyll & Hyde