Lyle Kessler, Playwright:

“Elina’s direction of my play ‘Orphans’ was astonishing.”

Orson Bean, Actor:

“I can count on the fingers of one hand the directors who have truly helped me in creating a role in the theater.  Elina de Santos is one of these.  She inspires actors to take risks and then guides them in shaping their choices.  I trust her motivations and her judgement.  In addition to her ability to aid individual performances, she has an eye for a sweeping canvas and can fill a stage with fascinating pictures.  She is an astonishing director.”

Eva Longoria:

“Elina helped me find my emotional truth.”

Karyl Lynn Burns, Artistic Director, Rubicon Theatre:

“Elina’s productions have been among the most fulfilling and most moving experiences I have ever had in the theatre.  The plays she directs are emotionally rich and beautifully nuanced.   Specifically, in her production of Tennessee Williams’, ‘Orpheus Descending’, the mythic and human elements were illuminated by her direction and superb casting.  In addition she is a glorious communicator, nurturer and wonderful matchmaker.”

Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director, Pasadena Playhouse:

“After many years of searching for the "right" project,

I am very happy that Elina de Santos and I had the opportunity to work together this season at the Pasadena Playhouse. Her production of VINCENT IN BRIXTON was rich in texture, emotionally moving, and full of vibrant theatrical colors (so fitting for a play about the great artist). I found her to be collaborative and open during the process, and always willing to commit herself to taking the production and the work of all involved to greater depths and richer rewards. I was very pleased to have her work and her passion on the stage of our theatre."

Richard Fancy, Actor:

“She has the rare ability to work deeply with actors and yet not be in thrall to them, to be entirely receptive and yet lead them to the play with integrity and strength.”

Tony Franciosa, Actor:

“Tennessee Williams’ astute understanding of the underbelly of southern character and for that matter the American character was clear in Elina de Santos’ “Orpheus Descending”. The production revealed a dimension of human behavior so provocative, I now believe this play to be among his most powerful and important.  It is a beautiful example of how the director and actors explore so much of what does not seem obvious.”

John Flynn, Producer, Director:

“The nuanced performances, she consistently coaxes from her actors proves her to be an first class storyteller.”

Akuyoe Graham, Actor, Writer, Founder or Spirit Awakening Foundation:

“Elina has a gorgeous eye for truth-and has the innate ability to guide her actors to rich, pitch perfect, inspired performances.”

Mark Rydell, Director:

“I am especially impressed with her keen sense of story, collaborative and sensitive work with playwrights and her talent with actors.”

Ron Sossi, Artistic Director, Odyssey Theatre:

“Elina has a terrific sense for the American play, and an uncanny ability to guide actors into performances that make these plays soar.”

Marilynn Fox, Artistic Director, Pacific Resident Theatre:

“Elina has the rare ability to make an actor believe that they can do anything!  She sees the potential of something inside the actor that others may miss and creates an environment that allows for that special truth to come out and flower.  At the core she comes from love, which gives the actor the courage to risk.