04/01/2026
Meet the Board: Kelly Santiago
Kelly Santiago’s obsession with the stage began the moment her mother introduced her to The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Fueled by what she calls "an enthusiastic blend of over-confidence and absolutely no experience," Kelly dove headfirst into the world of performance, eventually finding her artistic home within the Erie Playhouse Youtheatre Program.
Kelly’s academic journey took her to the University of Pittsburgh (H2P!), where she earned degrees in Political Science and Theatre Arts, with minors in Music, Spanish, and African Studies. A highlight of her time at Pitt was the honor of performing with the prestigious Heinz Chapel Choir.
Upon returning to Erie, Kelly became a fixture at the Roadhouse Theatre, forging lifelong creative partnerships. Her diverse acting credits include:
* Mrs. Seizmagraph in Betty’s Summer Vacation (Roadhouse)
* Mama Rose in Gypsy (Erie Playhouse & Academy Theatre)
* Mother Superior in Agnes of God (Gannon)
* Catherine Martin in Silence! The Musical (PACA)
* Paulette in Legally Blonde
Kelly’s history with PACA is as deep as it gets; she often jokes that the organization was "founded at her kitchen table" while it was still just a dream in founder Mark Tanenbaum’s mind. She has served as both Secretary and Vice President of the Board, playing a pivotal role during Phase II of PACA’s long-term plan when the organization successfully purchased its current building.
Beyond acting, Kelly has directed several productions, including Tinfoil Haberdashery and The Proletariat, written by her friend and playwright Ernest Hemmings. She is currently looking forward to producing Hemmings' latest work, The Guardian.
Kelly is thrilled to continue shaping PACA’s future and leaves us with a simple, powerful reminder: LIVE FORWARD!
