Meet Tiago Santos

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiago Santos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tiago , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

My confidence and self-esteem didn’t come all at once, they’ve been built slowly through experience, failure, and a lot of self-reflection. Working in theater has been a huge part of that. As an actor, you’re constantly asked to be vulnerable in front of others, to take risks, and to handle rejection with grace. Early on, I equated confidence with always getting things “right,” but I’ve learned it’s actually about trust. Trusting your instincts, your preparation, and your voice.

I also credit community for a lot of my growth. Being surrounded by artists who uplift and challenge me has helped me see my own value more clearly. And honestly, confidence for me now comes from showing up authentically, even when I’m unsure. The more I allow myself to be seen, imperfections and all, the more grounded my self-esteem becomes.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m an actor and performer, and what I love most about this work is how it brings people together. Whether it’s Shakespeare, new work, or something in between, I’m always drawn to stories that create connection across cultures, generations, and experiences. There’s something really moving about a room full of people breathing and reacting together, sharing in a story that reminds us of our shared humanity. There is a unity in the room for a brief moment in time.

Right now, I’m working with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival on their School Visit Tour, which has been an incredible way to bring live performance directly into schools and communities. Even though it’s technically an educational program, what excites me most is the performance aspect — the chance to meet audiences where they are and make theater feel immediate, fun, and alive.

What feels special about this work, and about my art in general, is that it celebrates connection. I’m interested in how theater can reflect culture, invite conversation, and remind us that we all have a stake in the stories being told.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I’d say the three qualities that have shaped my journey most are curiosity, resilience, and empathy.
Curiosity keeps the work alive, it’s what drives me to explore, to keep asking questions, and to stay open to discovery. Resilience has been essential too; this path is full of uncertainty, and learning to stay grounded through the ups and downs has been just as important as the craft itself. And empathy is really at the center of it all. Acting, for me, is about understanding people — finding truth in someone else’s story and holding it with care.

For anyone just starting out, I’d say lead with curiosity, stay patient with yourself, and keep your heart open. The rest will come in its own time.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Definitely! I’m always looking to connect with people and organizations — in both film and theater — who are telling stories that reflect the world we live in today. I’m drawn to work that welcomes diversity, celebrates different voices, and isn’t afraid to ask real questions about who we are and where we’re headed.

I love collaborating with artists who lead with honesty and curiosity, who want to make something that feels human and alive. If that sounds like you, I’d love to connect — reach out through social media and let’s start a conversation.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @siago.tantos