Steena Fernandez stars as The mesmerizing Mimi in RENT. I caught up with her at rehearsal...and learned a thing or two!

I grew up in Odessa, Texas. I used to sing around the house on a turkey baster when I was 3, so mom put me in dance and singing classes. She knew and I guess I knew at a very early age, I had the bug.

I didn’t start acting until high school. I saw some posters advertising for Steppin Out auditions at my high school, so I went and auditioned for the show and for the drama department. I got a part in the show and enrolled in the theatre program there. After high school I went to Texas Tech University to further my studies in acting, singing and dance. Mentors include: John Gillas: voice, Dr. Johnathan Marks: acting, and Judy Gorlin: Dance.

I loved this show since college. I remember they had an open call in Austin, Texas around the time when it was getting so popular, and me and a group of friends drove from Lubbock, Texas to go audition. I did get a call back but no part. Then when I moved to N.Y. right out of college, I auditioned for the tour and got Alexi Darling, Mimi understudy.  Touring this show was so much fun! 

I did see the movie. GREAT!  Basically if it says RENT on the cover I love it! In any production of this show, I can always find the magic!

Mimi is one of my dream roles…so excited to finally be playing her!!!! Some favorite shows: Cats, Miss Saigon, Hair, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Moon Over Buffalo, Ragtime and In the Heights.

When it’s nice out, I love to ride my bike and go for a run outside. I try to go in the sun only in moderation, but I LOVE the beach and sun. Reminds me of going to South Padre Island as a child with family. Oh and I love food network, so I am picking up some good recipes and cooking more these days.

On my Ipod ..Oh I have anything from Van Halen, Johnny Cash, Coldplay: Viva La Vida one of my fav’s, Jack Johnson to Lady Gaga and Alicia Keys.  Right now as I type this, I am listening to The Beatles…can NEVER go wrong with that!