José Angel Santana

Biography

Mini Biography In 1984, as an acclaimed young actor, José Angel Santana, Ph.D. recognized pervasive media violence's destructive influence on young people. Rather than continue to make such programs, he went to work full-time with young people. Over his 20 years of working with teenagers, first as Drama Director of Jane Fonda's "Laurel Springs Performing Arts Ranch," then as co-founder of Santa Barbara's award winning "City at Peace Youth Program," Dr. Santana has developed a unique approach to reaching young people who otherwise might fall through society's cracks. His work, grounded in an archetypal perspective, is an approach that helps one to recognize and honor the eternal patterns associated with our lives. An innovator in the field of human interaction, he has been (2000-2002) the exclusive provider of Customized InterActive Video Tele-Training services to the Force Modernization Division of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM.) He is the creator of "Youand"(tm), an approach to human relations that recognizes a great need today for mutual understanding between people. Using a learner-centered approach, Youand(tm) employs practical exercises from the performing arts and human relations best practices that, once internalized, greatly increase the the quality, and especially the authenticity of one's relationships with family; co-workers; in social relations; business; and cross-culturally. Dr. Santana received his B.A in Mass Communications from The University of Vermont. He is a graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theater, training under Sanford Meisner. His Master Degree in Mythological Studies and a Ph.D. in Mythological Studies with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology are from the Pacifica Graduate Institute, home of the Joseph Campbell Library. He is a lifetime member of The Ensemble Studio Theatre.